MOLLY'S FIRST DRINK

A WOMAN REMEMBERS HER FRIST DRINK OF GIN

Molly brings the gin
to her lips
and allows the glass

to linger there
oh that smell
that takes me back

she says
although none other
could hear

too busy
with the raptures
of someone else’s

cheerful celebration
but nonetheless
she sips her drink

permitting the liquid
to swallow down
and it takes me back

she repeats
to that first drink
that Christmas

when Granddaddy
left the gin
in the parlour

the lid open
and me just
a young slip

of a girl
before the double figures came
and pouring a glass

and listening out
for the voices
of others

sipped quick
and hearing
a booming laugh

from the other room
probably Uncle Flint
tickling and touching

and the laughter
loud and dirty
was my Mother’s.