---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 84 page perfect-bound issue... Down in the Dirt magazine (v118) (the July / August 2013 Issue) You can also order this 5.5" x 8.5" issue as an ISSN# paperback book:

Order this writing in the book Drowning (a Down in the Dirt collection book)		get the 297 page July - Dec. 2013 Down in the Dirt magazine issue collection 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Respite

Janet Doggett

One foot in the grave
The other beside her daughter
The old woman’s whir of a voice
The night before she died carried with it
Pain: relentless splitting throng of forks stabbing.
She was just so tired, she said between little licks.
Her tongue would needle in and out of her mouth.
Her clouded eyes meandered through infantile
Repose.
Bulging purple veins under paper thin skin
Cross knuckles and then hide in baby powder
soft folds
Against rough hewn hospital sheets.
Even though terrified, she wanted those
sexless pale beasts, guardians of troubled souls,
Christ-like avengers of peace. Only the sound
of wings comforted her. “Just stop talking,” she
moaned, so she could hear. Deep breath in, hold it.
Then float away.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...