I catch the train home after a night shift
my tired eyes take in the harbor view
a child chirps announcements in my ear
sweet mimicry doors closing please stand clear
last night a woman died or tried at least
her heart a panicked quivering hummingbird
beating frail wings against its bony cage
we shocked her once then twice my trembling finger
on the button charging please stand clear
her body in the bed jumped like a fish
we pushed adrenaline into her veins
pumped her unmoving chest blue gloves sweat-slicked
stuck to my shaking skin
the sea and sky
are sapphire the harbor sun is bright
a child sings too hot to sleep today
Please Stand Clear
Sophie Collins July 18, 2025
4 thoughts on “Please Stand Clear”
Wonderful imagery evoked by matching timbres of phrases. Moved me to tears and drew me back to work despite being in the middle of a very long holiday. Thank you.
I echo what Katherine and Pris have said. Great imagery and use of “all clear”
Very powerful poem.
What great imagery
The poem takes you there
Beautiful poem. I especially like the way “stand clear” on the train echoes “Clear” during resuscitation, and the beauty of the nature around you after an awful night. Well done!