Reefpoint Philip Davison

Reefpoint

She came with a small scissors in an envelope She cut a lock of his hair which she put in the envelope which she sealed which she gave to my brother's partner for her and their son to keep.

A nurse, perhaps, friend or former lover a stranger to me her name gladly given together with a firm embrace I must know her, I think but I don't a sheet of gold leaf in the haze. She speaks in his ear It is ok to go. No, it isn't. I cannot wave her off She is here to help and knows better than I.

Two ears I should speak in the other, but I can't. Then, it is time for the hair cutting and a garda from the local station. I must make the formal identification and confirm the known circumstances, which I do.

Once they have gone I sit with my brother. I examine where the lock was cut and carry on for a time as if he is still with us.

Philip Davison