Filling the Spaces
Written By Charlie Walker
By Julie Venner
When I finish my shift
I hold your hand for a while,
Just so you’re not alone.
While you sleep
I’m on call. I’m listening
all night – I’m here.
In the evenings I prepare to teach
two groups: faces in school,
ghosts online.
Begin again every morning.
Begin again another year.
Distancing the deliveries,
time’s knife against my back,
I ring another bell.
I serve behind a screen.
My customers may throw
anything – words are also stones.
When I finish my shift
I don’t dare touch my family.
Jets of water knead my skin.
Written Word ‘Heart’ poems
Featured