Not Fainting but Thinking

I am impressed with the vigilance of the blood transfusion service at looking out for fainting blood donors. One was a bit concerned about my welfare as when I am deep in thought (as I am often) I can have a rather vacant expression on my face…

It inspired me to do this poem (which is a tribute to the far better and far more meaningful even if depressing “Not Waving but Drowning” by Stevie Smith)

Not Fainting but Thinking

Sombody noticed him, the pondering man,

As he sat still with the cup from which he was drinking:

I was maybe looking vacant but was deep in thought

And not fainting but thinking.

~

Poor chap, he always gave blood well

And now he’s faint

It must have been too hot for him as a pint of blood he gave away

How quaint

~

Oh, no no no, I quite like it hot

(Still the pondering man sat explaining)

I often look vacant throughout my life,

And not fainting but thinking.