Skip to main content.

Writing from the stemistry lab

Eulogy for a syringe

by Marilyn Longstaff

About this author

Honest prosthetic,
how my heart gladdens at your transparent reliability.
You dissemble not, nor need the means for arousal,

although your rubber seal QUIVERS a little
when sterilised gloves reach for your handle,
draw you out from your stainless steel dish.

Chosen above your scissor and cat-gut companions,
only you, lifted from sterile cushion,
your air-lock pushing in      sucking out.

Nothing else can hold a candle
to your solidly plastic sheath,
your craving.