I’d like, just for once,
to do things by halves.
The morning after,
quick peck goodbye.
A phone number
on the hand, washed
off in the rain.

A job not to die for.
A man not to live for.
No be all and end all.
Sleeping all night,
as he boards a plane.

Just for once
doing things by halves
and feeling whole.

Leeds-born poet Helen Shay has work in publications/online, holds Creative Writing MA (Distinction) from Manchester Met University and teaches with York University’s CLL. She’s performed at several venues (including Glastonbury Poets’ Tent – still has mud stains!) and hosts Harrogate’s monthly Poems, Prose & Pints. More details on her website or on Facebook.