Brook - 22/02/24

reflections on early motherhood

Menthol clouds,

Oil on the baby's scalp,

Strong coffee gone cold,

The lingering of damp and mould,

In our old, neglected, first family home.

Pig squeal giggles

And stupid rhymes,

My saccharine cooing,

The tip of his nose,

His perfect toes,

Your green tomato on the vine.

Wine blush

Blackberry smudge

Flushed and pink and soft and fair -

Sweet child, impish love -

Daring, mischievous pair.

Grieve, grieve,

The body can't repair.

No reprieve,

Won't conceive,

Weave flowers through my hair

And cut them down -

A thorny crown.

I hate this town.

I'll stay another year.