Year 3 Diploma in Mass Communication

Module: Creative Writing – Poetry

 

blue-black buttons in hollow sockets

stitched with red thread

double-headed arrow crocheted

south of the cupid's bow

green flowing in blue veins

you are not the same

 

clean-shaved and toothy smile

morning, honey, sleep well?

i crack a smile and meet your eyes

but it slips past your vigilance

that what i stare at are the fractures

adorning the edges of your mask

as you set to make pancakes—

because i loved mama’s pancakes

 

we run out of milk so

you pour in the mouthwash by the sink

the stove won’t turn on so

you light a camp fire on the island

and you snatch the maple syrup

just before i reach across for it

i can no longer recall that taste behind my lips

 

locking doors i was allowed to enter

letting the cat in when she doesn’t belong

even the weather vane sympathises

arrow pointing now in the wrong direction

when did they take you?

​

i know because they told me

i looked through the looking glass

harlequin and loud

some may don a suit of human skin

but instead of roses

are born of saw-toothed leaves and envy

 

i know what you did

you cannot fool me

better give him back

before i look at

what’s under your skin