As Good As Dead 1963 Poem by Terry Collett

Martha holds
the plaster statue
of the Crucified

and kisses the head
and feels the cold plaster
on her warm lips

smoothness
taste of salt
on her tongue

holds between fingers
thumb rubbing the head
feeling the beard

the chest and Sacred Heart
holds Him to her breast
tucks Him in closer

mothering Him
or is it other?
the O'Brien boy's a fart

with his touching
and words
as if she would

Mary introduced
he's a good catch
she said(Mary)

touching her
and lifting her skirt hem
lets us see them

he'd said(O'Brien)
she rocks the Crucified
against her

lets Him be near her
His arms crossed
against His chest

one finger pointing
to His Sacred Heart
she kisses His finger

licks His hands
hey
O' O'Brien said

what's the deal
why are you so stiff
with the holding hands

and such
Mary gives us a feel
she walks with her Crucified

to the bed and lies down
on her back
the Crucified held

against her
His eyes staring at her
blue and black dots

what am I to do
with the O'Brien boy?
she whispers

her warm breath
on His plaster head
it's Mary's fault

she will introduce
them to me
and I'm not wanting them

He says nothing
stares at her blankly
hands crossed

and pointing finger
His heart red and crowned
she lays Him

on the pillow
beside her
turns herself

and gazes at Him
what's to do with O' Brien?
she kisses Him

Agnus Dei
she whispers
runs a finger

along His arm
down to His feet
take O'Brien from me

keep him from me
burn his fecking fingers
for the touching

the Crucified stares at her
did He wink
or nod His head?

feck you O'Brien
Martha says
you're as good as dead.