That’s my last lover on the wall
by and published in Edition Six of Pomegranate
That’s my last lover on the wall. Unfortunately,
He is still alive. And next to him?
Years ago now. Summer day, no air conditioning,
My mother’s dress too tight… she asked me to zip her in.
Yes, that’s him. They’re gorgeous, aren’t they?
I doubt he can even see the camera.
What was I supposed to do after she
Cleaned the cave but couldn’t live in it?
He drank too much one night, I tucked him in.
It was only ever once; my sister looked after him
After that.
I might go back. The disc spins like my head,
Just to hear something, sometimes.
I stomp and clap like God in a thunderstorm.
No, can’t even see the monument
For me, in that one. I have the wrong arm raised,
Like a salute, or a farewell. Perhaps
Catherine Cable-Chandler
Catherine Cable-Chandler is 16 and is studying for A Levels, most importantly in German. She enjoys long walks, black coffee and shushing people in libraries. She was a commended Foyle Young Poet in 2008.