Combat Ready Mother by Susan Hampton


Combat Ready Mother

His clothes had that look
of a wool-rich bulletproof-vest weave
his eyes seemed flexible
and glanced off surfaces
to rest within themselves.

As he walked his clothes
radiated fibre chemistry,
nanotechnology and performance textiles.

He was a classic modern man
built, buffed and clothed
to perfection

His mobile message said Hi,
You’ve reached Ben Johnston,
Australian Federal Police,
Close Personal Protection.
Please leave a message.

At times his grandmother rang it
To hear his voice and because
She liked the message.

Off duty, visiting his mother
For Floriade, he pushed the stroller
With his two-year-old
And enjoyed the sun on his face
But remained observant.

When his mother started
To step off the kerb
He pulled back from the traffic,
A thing he had done with ease
Since he was five years old,
‘Combat ready, mother,’ he said.


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