Claire Scott’s most recent poem to appear here was “When God is Not God” (January 2020).

Once Called
By Claire Scott

I learned when I was twelve
the bitter taste of Bayer aspirin with
a pint of Gilbey’s Gin

I learned again at eighteen
sixty-eight life-weary pounds melting
ounce by ounce

I learned once more last week
a noose tied to the chandelier
my two-timing husband

installed which crashed
like everything he touched
including me

once called, once death
taps your shoulder,
the call is stored

in the cells of your body
the spores of your soul
waiting