Claustrophobia
In the caves at Pech Merle
You had a panic attack
While the guide went blithely on,
Tracing the horns of aurochs
With her red pointer, talking
To the French families in French.
When you finally told me
What was happening to you
I tried to comfort you but
My concern was a kind
Of closer cave.
I had no choice
But to leave you
Alone as if I didn’t care.
But your panic was infectious.
I caught it like a nurse
Who can’t ignore her symptoms.
My mouth was dry,
My palms damp.
It wasn’t being underground
That terrified me
But watching a boy
Stare at the footprint
A boy had left in mud
25,000 years before,
And seeing the handprint
A woman had made
Blowing red powder
Out of her mouth.
You were panicking
Because of space,
I because of time.
When we finally came to
The spotted horses,
I told you
(I could only see
Your teeth and eyes)
It would be over soon.
And to think I thought
I meant the tour.
I meant us.