Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees’ Union Building, Melbourne, Graeme Gunn, 1968-71.
A COMPLICATED NIGHT
The street lights refuse to glow on this dark night,
adding to my increasing shivers and fright.
I should not have agreed to come here
in darkness crippling me with fear.
Through the lit window, I spot a figure.
The shadow moves closer and grows bigger.
My hand lifts to grasp the railing,
then both my arms are flailing.
A bullet has grazed my left shoulder,
leaving the pain behind to smolder.
My right-hand reaches across to staunch the blood
as I turn to flee before my tears can flood.
I zigzag through the deserted streets of the town,
all the while praying that no others are around.
Life of a spy is not an easy one,
like a roller coaster without the fun.
Straight ahead stands another figure.
He signals for me not to linger.
My partner opens the passenger door for me.
I am on my way to get out of this scot-free.
