Until When (Revised) Poem by Margaret Alice Second

Tiaan at The Rave, Nici off with friends, it’s just us two, the sea
the sky and sometimes the sun but not now as it’s dark - quiet
just as you like it with no-one around, no-one to talk to except
the odd cashier at the shops, no drama or intrigue other than
your own

You expect people to respect your intricate intrigue while you
scrupulously respect their right to privacy; the most amazing
thing is I have no feelings left - so maybe swimming in the sea
damaged either my brain’s left or right lobe, I feel nothing like
Phineas Gage after an iron rod penetrated his brain

He lost ability to set priorities and thus lost his job, family and
life - all I know is I’m growing much more careful in the sea, not
allowing waves to roll me head over heels, curling up into a ball
when the wave is too big, I’m curling up now to stay in my shell
until… when…