Half Life

This poem was written for our monthly pub poetry group at the Barking Dog. The prompt for this poem was from Jo - "Don't live half a life". When I wrote it, it took itself in a slightly different direction!


Half Life


In the pub the other night, 

Jeff told me that the half life of carbon is about 5730 years.

They use that information in carbon dating, 

   he said.

I never asked Jeff about carbon dating.

I don't remember asking Jeff about anything at all, 

   to be honest.


I think about 5730 years is how long it has been since Jeff last dated anyone.

   Or anything.

Carbon-based 

   or otherwise.


I'm seeing Jeff again tonight.

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