MUST I JUMP? / IT ANSWERS: JUMP

By Alessandro Merendino

I shiver by the South Quay Footbridge

as if sucked into the dark river.

Small ripples lap my shins.

Jump! It says

I could step into the gelid Thames

a little boat with a weak lantern

patrols the Wharf; its beam

searches for me. I wink.

I shiver by the river.

The pounding in my lungs

keeps time with gulls and sirens;

ventilation fans roar. It makes me

sick.

Jump! It says

Can I touch the oil-slick water?

just for a moment

i smell the sheer drop

just for a moment

i taste the salty air

just for a moment

i want to be –

(the city holds its breath.)

#DarkPoetsClub