double six

by Jack Ohms

there aren’t any
‘drop-dead gorgeous’ ones in here,
mate, he said,

except of course for the staff
but they’re all sporto types
health freaks, professionals

then, there wouldn’t be
would there?

the beauties are off making the world
carving a niche
finding their place

while the ‘fat’ ones
and the ‘ugly’ ones
huddle together in the smoking room

knowing there was
only ever
one throw of the dice.
he put his cigarette out
and went back to his room
on the ward.