WARM AND COLD CRIME 1997

WOMAN AND HER TWO LOVES IN DUBLIN IN 1997 ONE LOST AND ONE NEAR

Una showers after Nuala's left,

washes away the sweat and juice
and laboured skin,

the bath stands empty now since
Stu died there wrists slit
bathing in red water
and one eye open staring
into death's welcoming arms,

Una had tried to save her
but didn't know what to do,

held a hand but the sight
of so much blood made
her puke and run,

gone now buried at some distance
by Stu's family as much
she knew poor Stu,

the water cools her now
calms her down after
so much heat and passion
and their love making
after their fashion,

Nuala's rare talk of Brian
her kisses and touches,

the bed holding them near
the feet kissing and other things
the ticking time going by,

do you know what?
Nuala said I would be with you
if Brian wasn't such a soft
or had done me wrong,

she showers
eyes closed
water battering her
to smiles and tears
all at the same time,

why is love and loving
she cries
such a warm and cold crime?