Laura Stevenson
Mouthbreather
Mouthbreather, breathe deeper,
you won't choke on your tongue,
I'm a promise keeper.

Swollen glands and clammy hands,
clamber to the bath as fast as you can.

Oh, tell me what's the matter,
you better stop.

Tracer of a straight-line,
tracing fingers over wallpaper designs,
those hallway diamonds see how they shine.

My hard-sigher, don't dry off just yet,
lay there soaking wet and as still as you can.

Oh, tell me what's the matter,
you better listen daughter,
get in the hot water,
and get yourself in the cool, cool water.