Shoot The Messenger Poem by Neil Crawford

In the hospital corridor a young couple deeply kiss,
they hold onto each other, in grief or relief,
depending on the news, good or bad,
that they have just received.

While I waited for you,
I saw him, sat two rows away,
he was not waiting,
at least not for another person.

He met his partner downstairs by the coffee shop
where by now I was ensconced.
The news had been delievered,
I wonder if he told her the truth? .


His chin propped on her shoulder,
he looks in my direction,
his face creased with a double pain,
as if to say...

'I know, I know...I just can't,
not now, not today'.
I return to my crossword,
pen clutched between crossed fingers.