Orphans
We are losing our parents,
3 mothers of friends
this month, like a middle-age
phase we’re going through.
The aunts and uncles
too, my name I see
beside the telephone
of one,
I’m down as next of kin
beside the lawyer
Mr Dick Crush,
I don’t know
which is more ridiculous.
Under the blankets
I calculate the cost
of death and travel.
You are in the wardrobe
trying to trap
a mouse with your shoes.
It’s hopeless I say
where are the adults
when you need them.
I’m still standing on the beach
in my togs and bermuda shorts
waiting for the parents
to find
a park
