Whatever happened to the wink?
That slow deliberate one-eyed blink
A sign of old from comedy gold
A nudge that took us near the brink
A secret signal shared by spies
Acknowledgment of jokes and lies
I’m only kidding, knowledge hidden
Cheeky chappie, fast forgiven.
A nod could be as good they say
But has the wink now gone its way?
I pondered this in grey tiled gloom
Of orthopaedic waiting room
When tapping heels and rustling skirts
Alert me to a passing nurse
No pause of pace, no move of face
No business with this tired old chap
Her eyes met mine ‘tween mask and cap
that teasing, pleasing, secret gap
In silent solidarity,
This passing Angel …
…winked at me
Not Barbara Windsor twinkling eyes
Nor false attempt to empathise
An ancient gesture freely sent
Restorative encouragement
Humanity is no blind horse
Inclusion is a potent force
Whatever else you may be thinking
Remember this and …
…keep on winking
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