Henry's Steady Arms Poem by John Sensele

'Don't lose your head
Cos it's worth more than bread.'
Henry defied his parents' advice
And went ahead to plan a wedding service.

'I wish I knew you were such a dunce
Who couldn't dance.'
Harriet shoved Henry aside
And jumped into the arms of pride.

'Please, Harriet, let's work things out
Progress will come, no doubt.'
Harriet ignored Henry' phone calls
'You got no balls! '

Henry would knock at her door
Until his knuckles grew sore.
'Why should I care?
Don't you know I'm rare? '

Henry's eyes would grow red
He'd bang his head against his cubicle walls and shed
Rivers of tears
And would swill vats of beers.

'Henry, this is Greg.
Just look at his keg.'
This is a real man
With a hexing tan.'

Harriet would dangle car keys.
Harriet would tease Henry about exam fees.
'Loser, why don't you stick
To your kind, clay brick? '

Henry would bend his knock knees
After pouring seas
Of sorrows and crying
For Harriet to do his bidding.

A visit at Kitwe Central Hospital
Took its toll.
'Harriet, you're HIV positive.
The diagnosis isn't negative.'

Harriet's bevy of hangers on
Flew away. She was all alone.
'Why did you slit
Your feet? '

'Life ain't worth living.
I know I'm dying.'
Harriet sobbed and mopped.
Harriet fretted and hopped.

When Harriet came to
The only digits to greet her were two
Arms. Two arms stood at the ready.
Henry's arms by her bedside. 'Steady! '