by PAT SAUNDERS
I step forward without looking
feet float
arms flail
head somersaults
swim through air the world spins
more than once
colours slomo stretch endlessly
ears hear nothing
not a sound
landing’s hard
butt and hip
hurt badly
jump to feet
you beside me
looking strange
saying something
can’t hear what
white noise
you jerk my arm
I feel nothing
something in your eyes
I haven’t seen before
what is that?
lip-read a bus driver
are you ok?
nod too vigorously
don’t speak
can’t speak
want to lie down or
float again