sirens

define the night
in strident notes that try to tear
my skull in two
or more
i can't be sure

of anything
all's surreal

feel
the fabric where i sit
its stiffened nap
but fingers won't interpret
or tips translate a colour
to a brain that's all night
split
and split again

i've no spit left
with which to swallow
and my ears won't hear
the moving lips of
paramedics

numb with shock
i watch the body
stretched and tubed
obscenely pummeled
over and over

"clear!"

i worry about bruises