\ This is Rishi again. Rishi ? from Suddie,1992.
Now is the year 2022. For all I care in Suddie
this could be 1922.
\ The work load at the mortuary – flesh ‘n’ bone
once loved, no longer needed – still too much.
Advantage is being taken of me. Duty face must serve
say nothing Duty.
I would be called upon, Day and Night, to transport
the dead; bathe and stitch the dead; space^find deposit
said dead in freezer. To ask what more ? these hands.
*
Only the other day another dead slip out my gloves
and fall, under the strain of moving her | get readying,
no local mind less curious – how far from home
sweet give ‘n’ take stretch.
The money paid for being here all these years still
too little. There is clear indication I all alone this
bridge can’t bear . all this nakedness crossing.
\ The supervisor chap who drives the hearse still here
adding . insult to energy. People still believe he’s a good
man.
\ Just letting you know . I plan to rectify this situation,
with help from the dead. Planning for all o’ them, you
watch ! Rishi from Suddie . patience tested under
separate equal ground soon.
– W.W.
THE WAY
2.
Push it – and there is no ahead;
pull it back – there is no behind.
Lift it – and there is no above;
press it down – there is no below.
Face it – you will not see its face;
look at it – and there is no form;
listen to it – there is no sound.
Firmness as stewardship of the soul.
…………………………………………..
(from “Readiness” by Brian Chan, 2013)
FARJOURNEY CARIBBEAN 