5.58pm Poem by Martin O'Neill

5.58pm

Rating: 4.5


Alison is going to be late
For her train connection
Because Peter changed lane
Instead of radio channel.
They're both shaken
But will recount the tale
Over dinner with friends, tonight.
Josh's Daddy just died,
The police have announced
And the clear up will take
Several hours.
Meanwhile, diversions are in place.
His dinner will go cold.
More traffic news
At seven.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Paul Hansford 15 January 2009

Very chilling indeed. Succinct and skilful. Brilliant ending.

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Patti Masterman 22 January 2012

A great summation of the way the modern era makes us seem as insubstantial (and as long lasting) as ghosts.

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Casual Diamond 22 February 2012

i thought it was going to be about cocktail time but rather much more disheartening. its made me feel quite sad.

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Danny Draper 25 March 2012

One twitch in concentration while driving a car and the time line can and will be irreparably altered. One second, one life time. A good write.

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Souren Mondal 07 November 2015

Quite an excellent poem.. In a very few lines it describes so many things...

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John Raubenheimer 24 October 2013

Lives, Many you can imagine beyond the four names... clearing away the debris to a laconic newsreader's voice-over. Lovely poem.

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Valerie Dohren 12 August 2012

Such a powerful write, so much said in so few words. Brilliant Martin.

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Ruth Walters 19 June 2012

all life and death in a few lines of poetry jus like a news bulletin and really quite poignant...

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Shadow Girl 09 April 2012

Very clever and well written a snippet from a moment in time juxtaposed yet connected...fantastic write. -SG

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Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill

Solihull, Birmingham, England
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