Saturday 25 October 2014

Oath

Oath
by Helen Barter

Paroxysm of rebellion coughed 
into an empty ice cream tub.
Girl, guided by duty, to
promise that I will do my best.
Whose law should I be keeping
if not my own?

Half Term

Half Term
by Helen Barter

I know I am being a pain
but it's half term. 
School's out.
School's been blown to pieces.

Always the thrill of counting down the days.
Always the thrill of expectation.
Always the let down.
Reality.

I know I am being a pain.
It's half term.
I bought smokes for rolling behind the bike shed
with the big boys.

"Get bigger knickers if your pants don't fit."
Always the let down.
I thought I was supposed
to have grown out of nappies.



Sunday 19 October 2014

Clock Cafe at Eleven

Clock Cafe at Eleven
by Helen Barter

Reality is an unexpected companion.
It is here. Clock Cafe at eleven.
Dress considered and make-up applied.
Today there will be no tears.
That's a grain of sand which blew into my eye,
and the pale channels which appear
on my cheeks
are evidence of a turning tide.

Friday 10 October 2014

Release


Release
By Helen Barter

There is no sense of distance, no sense of time.
The approaching shadow recedes;
pulling a breath deep from within my lungs
exhaled on the turning tide.
Imprisoned within each other, 
we are finally free.


Monday 6 October 2014

Mother

Mother
by Helen Barter

She recognises in him
A bright openness to
All the possibilities 
Of the world.

But she can't remember
Seeing it in her own children.

She only remembers 
Pushing, forcing down.
Not able to cope with
Another bloody child walking.

Sunday 5 October 2014

Let-down

Let-down
by Helen Barter

Reflex response 
to suckling pig, weaned 
and no longer curious.
Bare breasted
I still ache.