November 4, 2018 | Ian Bland | Leave a comment The theme for this week’s JVG Radio Method poem is “Still“. Ed Bates provided the guitar backing, have a listen to how it went below… To play this poem directly in your browser – just click the “play” button below: https://ianbland.com.au/audio/JVG_Poem20181104.mp3 Still “Please lie still” she begged while unbuttoning my shirt “I’ve told you I’ll be gentle, I promise it won’t hurt” I’ve heard that line a thousand times; manipulative and hollow How can I lie still when I know what’s bound to follow? Firstly she’ll pat my arm and apply a tourniquet With a cold, sadistic look “Clench your fist” she’ll say Followed by “Relax, don’t worry I’ll be quick Keep breathing normally, all you’ll feel’s a tiny prick” Tiny prick my arse, I’ll feel excruciating pain As she stabs me repeatedly trying to find a vein Phlebotomists; sucking blood their only claim to fame Vampires rebranded; a uniform and fancy name “Almost there” she’ll lie, trying to keep me calm How can I relax with that javelin in my arm? “Try harder” she’ll complain as she loosens off the strap “Try harder?” I’ll reply “you think my arms a bloody tap?” Then the tube will fall off, blood spurting everywhere “Just routine” she’ll smile deceitfully with a patronising air “C’mon” she’ll snap impatiently “just a little more” “Get a mop” I’ll tell her “there’s plenty on the floor” Next thing she’ll yell – Pardon? Put my shirt on? What we’re done? Are you sure? To be honest I hadn’t realised we’d begun Nervous? You’re joking. A grimace? No a grin You’re sure you used a needle? I didn’t feel it going in Me? Don’t like needles, I could have them every day I’m a very busy man, you know, my mind was miles away I look a little pale? Well perhaps I have a chill No I did not faint I was just lying still © Copyright 2018 Ian Bland Also have a listen to “Everything or Nothing” <a href=”http://music.ianbland.com.au/album/everything-and-nothing”>Everything And Nothing by Ian Bland</a> Share this:TweetEmailMoreTelegram