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Rooksdown 1972

Writer's picture: Jim ReadJim Read

I have been coming here for seven months

I've made four lampshades, three ashtrays and two footstalls

Nothing has changed

The medication hasn't worked

Slows me down, body and mind

I disappear into the walls


On Thursday - in two days' time

I will be given a general anaesthetic and a muscled relaxant

Electrodes will be clamped to my head

A current of 800 milliamperes will pass through my brain

for several seconds

inducing a convulsion

This procedure will be repeated twice a week for five weeks


The distance to the gate is 80 yards.

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3 comentários


Martin Pickard
Martin Pickard
12 de jul. de 2024

This is so strong in imagery and sub text. Love it

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Stephen Kingsnorth
Stephen Kingsnorth
09 de jul. de 2024

As we said at the workshop, a powerful work, with the linguistic techniques employed, intentionally or otherwise -though mainly intentionally!

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John Wood
John Wood
08 de jul. de 2024

I think this a good example of the power of what I understand to be "showing, not telling ". No adjectives, no adverbs but maximum impact. Great.

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