Operation

by Ian Roache

Operation

there is no reassurance here,

only the action of intention.

the doubts, the fears are here again

- or still: they haven't left you.

no use that specialists explain.

there's "thus" and "maybe", "p" and "q" and "r"

for still there looms the shadow of the casket,

cinerary urn in columbarium wall.

what fate awaits the uninvested Vestal?

we kneel to hear what now the oracle confides. 

Written in response to Lisa Gorton's exercise