Out of the Blue: Simon Armitage

 Extract from 'Out of the Blue'You have picked me out.Through a distant shot of a building burningyou have noticed nowthat a white cotton shirt is twirling, turning. In fact I am waving, waving.Small in the clouds, but waving, waving.Does anyone see asoul worth saving? And when will you come?Do you think you are watching, watchinga man shaking crumbsor pegging out washing? I am trying and trying.The heat behind me is searing, searing,but the white of surrender is not yet flying.I am not at the point of launching, leaving. A bird goes by.The depth is appalling. Appallingthat others like meshould be wind-milling, wheeling, spiralling, falling. Are your eyes believing,believing?Here in the gillsI am still breathing. But tiring, tiring.Sirens below me are wailing, firing.My arm is numb and my nerves are sagging.Do you see me, my love. I am failing. Flagging.

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