Boy in a Hospital
I woke up empty—
left eye swollen shut
where they pulled
out my memory
A lady sits at my bedside
holding my hand
her eyes melting
under harsh fluorescents
Who is she— who am I
no longer a son or brother
I am alone on an island
surrounded by strange waters
Memories are the essential tethers
to the ones we love and mine were cut
For this week’s Living Poetry Prompt; inspired by a story I once heard. Hope he’s okay.
About Bartholomew Barker
Bartholomew Barker is one of the organizers of Living Poetry, a collection of poets and poetry lovers in the Triangle region of North Carolina. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he makes money as a computer programmer to fund his poetry habit.
Bartholomew Barker, Poet 
A tragedy?
check this out https://littlethings001.wordpress.com/2020/12/30/because-you-can/
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been long enough that perhaps tragedy has turned into comedy.
LikeLike
Another creepy one! Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some story there for sure. I love the first verse, it gives a surreal tint to the whole poem, leaving the reader willing to believe all manner of things happening there. Good ‘poeming’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It must’ve been a surreal experience. I’m glad that came across.
LikeLike
Yes, I could definitely feel that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike
This is a brain twister, for sure. Well done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! Good one. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person