Contagion

by T.P. Wilkinson / June 5th, 2016

We wash our hands
and blow our noses
leaving thoughts
like solid waste
separating
segregating
to avoid bad taste.
Falling
failures
dripping
dissent
heaving sighs
with impotence.
We soothe our conscience
if we have one
betraying
belying
with sordid haste.
Calling
courage
maligning
love
leaving ties
to truth undone.

Dr T.P. Wilkinson writes, teaches History and English, directs theatre and coaches cricket between the cradles of Heine and Saramago. He is author of Unbecoming American: A War Memoir and also Church Clothes, Land, Mission and the End of Apartheid in South Africa. Read other articles by T.P..

This article was posted on Sunday, June 5th, 2016 at 8:03am and is filed under Poetry.