Ghost Shroud

Rubber, torn on the tarmac,
just a spoonful, emptied into,
inner tube outside.

Life cycle, latex O,
omega but never alpha:
round full-stop to all of that.

Empty windsock, party-pooped balloon.
Skin thin insulation: surgical protection,
single-fingered glove.

Life saver, life-retaining second skin,
rubber raft for drowning sea-men,
saving some for later.

Diving suit for when you're overwhelmed, engulfed.
Beached jellyfish, deep sea life-form, formless,
filled with life in salty darkness.

Bedding ring worn lovingly,
ending with an oh, oh, oh my god
and a great big yawn.

Sausage skin: fill it, give it
one quick twist and a snip.

The o in no, not this time.