​

I died in overtime
in a tavern
at the tip of the island
where veterans come
to drink their allowance
& mumble in their lonely glory



outside
the rain poured into the rising Lac St Louis.



I drowned in beer,
in the shouting in the silence
as short-pants children
skating on thin ice
change into gods
in a mad rush to ecstasy.



I died with my uniform on
done in by a canny veteran
whose slow step
tricked me into letting my guard down.

​

Drowning in the rain & flood
I run home swearing revenge







From Face Off
1980