They call her Maria now
She dies the Liverpool way
As she paces through the night
Longing for the brightness that
Will tell her she has another day
Waiting, not living
She used to be Lucia
Within nationally and locally agreed guidelines
Strong limbed, wilful
Running through hot fields
The richness of dark waves
Flapping against the sweet
Young sweat of her straight back
Favourite uncle has the horse ready
An assessment of the person’s needs
Frusting, stamping, hot in its saddle
Waiting for the virgin’s firm ass
And strong brown legs
Kicking, thrusting, laughing at the sun
Glorious in the toxic worship of life
What could hold her youthful joy?
An expected outcome or goal from having that care
Blood; warm, charging, pulsing
Youthful worship, worshipful youth
Vanity supreme, health, and heat
Thoughts bursting through feelings
Feelings become thoughts
And no thought at all
Industrial sounds invading rural dust
Clear information about care and who will deliver it
Horny weight and stallion flanks
Beating at the earth’s door
I’ll be with you soon enough
But for now, I’ll ride
With strength and vigour
Living, not waiting
For it’s all before me
Lucia
Maria Lucia
Maria Lucia Caruso