John Parish
"The Last Thing I Heard Her Say"


I was in the water when you grabbed me from behind
your arms around my neck
it was more than fifteen years
since you or me left
was I supposed to be surprised
you kissed me
wiping chlorine from my eyes

did you leave me
or I leave you

voted third most beautiful
eleven hundred in our school
I had you number one
& how I remember you turning up
to trade me for a younger flame
barely sixteen years to my name

did you leave me
or I leave you

did I leave you or you leave me
she said âЂŒI scored two out of three
& was the third revenge for youâЂќ
her smile was cold the water blue

we clung onto the side a while
afraid of letting go
âЂŒis it you or my youth I've been missing so badâЂќ
she turned & swam away
was the last thing I heard her say