You’re watching me juggle three juggling balls
with eyes the size of a set of hospital scrubs
from three Augusts ago. Magic, you say
ignoring the 45 other wards you’ve learned today
and the fact your tastebuds now like radishes.
There’s a checked shirt in your cupboard
that you wanted from the charity shop
to dress like me and I’m catching each of these
juggling balls like tears on a cheekbone.

© Carl Burkitt 2023