Mark Anthony Pearce writes

BERNIE PART II

One of the doctors offers me

A digestive biscuit

‘Don’t you eat that!’

Says Bernie

‘It will kill you!’

‘Take two’

Said the doctor

I just take one

Bernie gets from off her chair

And walks towards

One of the elderly female patients

‘Stay away from me evil bitch!’

Says Bernie

I comfort the poor old woman

Who is visibly upset

‘I’m fed up of you swearing at me Bernie!’

Shouts the old lady

‘I give you my cigarettes

And what do I get in return?

You’re always swearing at me!

I’ve had enough!’

Bernie just glares at us

And leaves the room

Ardleigh Ward, 

The Lakes Mental Health Centre, 

Colchester, February 2011