In Case of Emergency

by Lesley Warren
 

WARNING: do not attempt alone.
What to do in instances
of sudden loss of love:
determine source of apathy.
Quickly remove pride and spite.
If in doubt, consult bystanders.
Loosen tongue.
In cases of suspicion,
check for foreign bodies.
Measure impetus levels.
If good, attempt resuscitation.
If none found, proceed to next step.
Carefully remove attachments.
Assess the damage.
Continue to breathe.
Remove all visual stimuli
from the immediate vicinity.
Lock doors, initiate Playlist 1.
Exceed recommended listening volume.
Apply ice (creamed) copiously to the affected area.
Stop blaming self.
Repeat as necessary.
DO NOT, under any circumstances,
re-enter burning building.
Important:
put on your mask
before facing others.


* * * * *

Lesley Warren lives for language. Born to Filipino and Welsh parents, she now works as a translator in Frankfurt, Germany. Her poetry and prose, which often encompass themes of identity, mental health and "otherness", have appeared in multiple online and print journals and anthologies, including those of the Frankfurt Creative Writing Group.