They all laugh when she says it,
impressed with how she can read
the word Bergerac at least 20 metres away
on a departures board while breaking down
the sugars, fats, and starches
from a fry up far too early in the morning.
The hand of a friend grabs her shoulder
as her chest beats to the rhythm of someone
unsure how to say I love your blood.

© Carl Burkitt 2022