After the Event Copyright © Rob Lock 2011

If it’s true that they, the dead, can make
three phone calls after the event, my first,
of course, will be to you. I’ll say it’s not so bad -
what ever the case - and please carry on dancing.
My second will be to my son. I’ll tell him
it’s worse for those who drank a lot, much worse,
so why not cut back a bit now? And give my love
to the others. My third will be to Michael Marks.
To scare the shit out of him. I’m working on that one,
but it’s been a long time coming, Michael,
and it’s going to be good. For the purposes
of this poem, as you probably spotted,
you have to outlive me. Promise me you will.