THE GRIP

is expected to be strong
without anaesthetic
push the teeth into
your skull -
with plenty of rum
it will be half dreamtime
        half bad trip
where you see infinite false teeth
that grip only a twig
as you float -
never let go
as a leg is amputated to the knee
with the surgeon's saw

conditions are mostly better now
mostly - electric saws are quicker -
never let go - never