LIVERPOOL 1946

The slick-haired sailor boy

is home for good in civvies.

He walks two miles each night

to hold your nervous hand

 

and takes you dancing Fridays,

a half of bitter in the Crown.

Twin sister reckons a catch

but Dad's on sentry at the door.

 

One day he introduces you

to his mother and the chaos

of that sprouting family;

he's bagged a job in taxes.

 

Your dreams of art school

quashed by family disapproval.

Soon you're totally pregnant

in a tiny council bedroom

 

where disorder and noise

resound through pre-war brick.

Learn how to drag sports kit

through a squeaking mangle.

 

Dreich 3 Season 3 Editor Jack Caradoc. Summer 2021