Did they give their breath to you, sister,
as you lay all alone on the floor?
Did they look in your eyes and pump your chest,
until they could do no more?
Did they cover your body with blankets-
pull them up so they covered your face?
Did they lower your lids, and close your mouth-
Show respect in another sad case?
Was your body still warm when they took you
on the stretcher, down the stairs, to the street?
Did your head still loll side to side, down the steps?
Unsupported, unknown piece of meat.
Did the ambulance drive slow for you sister,
On its way back from where it came?
Did the lights not flash, and the siren not sound,
as April saw out its last rain?
February 2005
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