Roberta Lawson

Cento
 

Finally, he wants to write…

The secrets of the girls childhood
finally tumbled -
especially if they’ve been mishandled.

Reassuring benefits
dress in a handy, pocket-sized format.
Fancy.

(You don’t need to do anything.
This is not the novel he wants to write;
this reassuring tracker of girls.)

These balls of community dough
not recommended for
pregnant women:
The benefits of a
fancy dress blood donor.

You don’t need to do anything
for the fullest, most rewarding life.

Balls of dough, mishandled
like lactating women
speak of this soon…

Handy, pocket-sized secrets
for a serious buyer.

Roberta Lawson © 2009

Wind-Down

Later in the day than
either of us knew existed.
Wrapped up in quiet night-time
and the slow-heat of your body,
curled sage & incense wafts
wind about the room with
their unfurling fingers.

You ask the wrong question,
and like strange magic
my tears begin
a silent procession.

‘Sweetie, what
on earth is wrong?’
you ask me, blinking.

I guess I just felt safe.

Roberta Lawson © 2009