the annual hospital ball
is a dying tradition
this could be the last
so we have drunk and eaten
danced and fallen
talked nonsense
through a long night
one of our tutor’s boobs
popped out of her dress
while performing a vigorous two-step
her dance partner tried
unsuccessfully
to return the offending item
by levering it
with a dessert spoon
his wife didn’t approve
and they left early
now
here I am starting work
at seven in the morning
and have not gone home
have not changed clothes
have not slept
leila who is in charge
of the medical ward
has seen it all before
takes me in hand
and lays me down
for a few hours kip
in a vacant bed
come back
she says
when you’re awake
and sober
~