Gavin Austin

Unvoiced

They escape Sydney to begin a new life in board shorts and sunshine.

by the beach
nestled among palm trees
a house
and a Labrador puppy
completes their dream

It is September. He wants to tell me himself, forbidding his partner to whisper a word. The statement ‘inoperable’ hacks to my core. His doctors give him three months. We wonder if he will see Christmas.

face alight
he tears the bright wrapping
from my gift
glasses of bubbly reflect
tree lights winking red and gold

An experimental drug begins to give remarkable results. Able to travel, he books a flight back to Sydney; makes his arrangements.

a lunch date
at his favourite restaurant
hugging
in the doorway
brave faces in place

The tropical garden he planted begins to erupt with bright blooms. He throws the ball for Sammy, almost fully grown, as they play along the shoreline. Glorious sunsets captured in the photos he sends.

constantly tired
his body shrinking . . .
he messages
wish we could meet
and sit in the park

Two days later, sipping coffee, I watch a leaf drift from the overhanging tree. Like a gentle touch, it lands on my shoulder.

I leave a lily
on the wooden bench
by the water . . .
a koi glides silently
through its other realm

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About the Author

Gavin Austin lives in Sydney, Australia. Gavin writes short fiction, short plays, and poetry. His work has appeared in many Australian and international publications.