Charlotte O’Neill: Glass wall

glass wall

the glass between you and the wind is interminable

it is the thick bullet-proof glass. in case somebody were to try and shoot a mid-level professional in an open room.

the glass seems a gate that you once opened

air you once breathed

before you found yourself here. suddenly gasping. wondering where the time went

how it could have given you the slip so readily

how you did not even question it as it closed the door

how you smiled and said fine, fine, it is my lot. I must, after all, pay the bills rent food water and electricity

but here now in this moment, buffeted by the cool air from the air-conditioning vents that release hot air into the sky, use electricity you are paying for, you find yourself suddenly gasping

you ask, where did the seconds minutes hours go between last night and now, between half a year gone and tomorrow

Charlotte O’Neill