I have felt full vulnerable
over the last several days-
coughing, wheezing, disputing
my own myths about my
best healthy self-and unable
to do the things that constitute
who I think I am, for bed and
drifting sleep have returned me
to the animal that I always was.

This is the body in which I am,
and no pretence can get me
beyond the fact of this body
in which all of me is found,
this body subject to invisibility
and to threats not predicted
that might yet hunt this ageing
bag of water that washes with
purpose across the known world.

 

15/4/2024