This poem has had a long gestation. Some poems need time to feel their way to a conclusion. The rare ones arrive nearly fully formed but others take months, or longer to coalesce.
Just A Little Insight into Her Beauty
No one saves buttons these days
to rescue a garment in a time of need
your mother, did in a big glass jar
studiously she cut them off those labels
the ones we only notice when they make us itch
I’ve never told you this before
too embarrassed
too distressed
because I mislaid the jar one move or other
and there were many, after her death
All I can offer you is this
a litany of buttons you will never see
pearl white, little maroon, big wooden buttons
oh, and the five yellow stars
she meant to put on the jumper
she never had the chance to knit you
I am too close to this one to talk much about it. I'm not sure this is its final version but it will do for now.
Ryley Walker has just released a live recording of a show at the Phoenix in Exeter. It was an excellent evening. Here's a recent recording.
Until next time.
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