the wife of maudlin jones

 

In temper

Maudlin Jones' right ear frothed

in red bull-baiting fury

his beer whipped

into a frenzy

as he swirled his pint

in revival

at the busy but lonely bar.

 

In his wake

Maudlin Jones' wife with tears

in her mashed potato

and onion gravy

lay on a cracked plate

dishwasher safe

her temples ached

in tandem

with the squeals in her spine.

 

Gripped in thoughts

licked by fear

kissed by pain

she took two small steps

one, to collect

hidden pennies

next, to cross the thresh

hold he had on her

for good

and she was gone

scarf against bitter Welsh wind

knotted beneath her chin

holding all her courage in.

Reviews

[Angi]

Imagery was spot on. I could see the clash and the beer swill as he layed her out in that onion gravy. I like the thresh hold part very much. I was happy to see her take those two small steps. I imagine her with tears in her eyes and head held high. Nicely done. Angi~