in the clock patience game of my life
I finally turned up a king
a year ago, to the day
in the afternoon, the fourth card clockwise
on a Friday, breathless as a summer evening
a mitral valve malfunction, game-changing
now an unwanted anniversary, me
a sour-faced celebrant medicating
each day playing out, a nervous game of chance
I have made my peace with King Charles
Alexandre, Cesar and David
are yet to visit the table
long may it be so
*
© Graham Sherwood 01/2021
grahamrichardsherwood.co.uk 