Mulch

         

Families fertilize our lives.
Like compost heaps
they tend to reek
of rotting household matter:

that Topless Snog in '85
(never ever to be pardoned)
those sticky lifelong labels
('Brainy', 'Pretty', 'Nutter')
sibling scraps (about the latter)
the empty wombs, the break-ups.

Layer on layer of earthy hurt
each stinking heap unique.
And us: the worms
that keep them turned.

Published in Orbis, Winter, 2011

Comments

[Shari-Lyn McArthur]

So fitting this season, and that special combination with my own extended famille. Enjoyed. Thank you.

[Brian Edwards]

A super poem to carry us through the holidays and into the new year. Excellent work Michaela.

B.

[Catherine Edmunds]

Nice one!

[Michaela Ridgway]

gosh - am very chuffed to have been selected. Thanks Editorial Board!

Michaela

[jamesthomashoward]

Yeah, this is excellent.

[Sue Lozynskyj]

Very much enjoyed Michaela.

[Michaela Ridgway]

Thanks Sue