Another Day (Write Out Loud 1-4-2018) – Foolishness

 

Another Day

 

The clattering on the cobbles

of clogs, now fade away

and dark November dawn brings

another bitter day

 

of making do; attempting

to keep all her kids fed,

determined they should never

again, go starved to bed

 

And, as for her, her hand shakes

as she fills up the pot:

a cup of tea: reviver

buoys her up; it’s strong, it’s hot

 

 

The day ends unforgiving,

her man, her kids asleep

and, wearily she wonders

why she’s too tired to weep

 

The good folk at the Chapel

berate her foolishness,

while all the time she’s bound by

gut-wrenching helplessness

 

 

Fool or no! – her consolation,

in the cupboard, hid away,

gin she purchased for a penny

from old Meg, just yesterday

 

 

 

Dull numbness holds sway.

 

And tomorrow is another day.

 

Dorinda MacDowell – Stockport Write Out Loud