Fifteen

We called her Fatty
until she hung herself
then at the school reunion
someone said Poor Fatty
her mother was cruel

* * * * *

Nan’s Tablets

You don’t have to shout, I’m not deaf.
How many times do I have to tell you?
I know what they’re for. I won’t put them
Up my nose like you do when nobody’s looking.
It will be in the paper, you’ll see.

* * * * *

A Darkness More Welcome

When I was about 10, I visited my younger sister
at the Blind Institution. We sat out in a tram
they had as their playhouse. I didn’t have any news.
This is boring, she said. Please don’t come again.
I’m not afraid of the dark.

* * * * *

Refuge

I didn’t get much help
at the Rape Crisis Centre.
We don’t want you here,
snarled one short-haired piece.
I didn’t say anything,
but she probably deserved it, the bitch