Poem - MAG Poetry Prize 2010
School run
by
Sligo, Ireland
A mother brings her son to school
holds his hand, but it is cold
she thinks to buy him gloves.
A mother brings her son to school
sees his ironed shirt
creased and red,
it must be spilled Ribena.
A mother brings her son to school
he doesn't say a word
she thinks he is getting picked on
and reminds herself to meet Miss Fahy,
the teacher from Portumna,
at half-past two.
A mother brings her son to school
she wonders why the fuss
two glasses, two many, the night before
meant she didn't wake him for O'Brien's mini-bus.
She drives instead, but late.
A mother brings her son to school
the morning sunshine is a tonic
to her gin headache
she still ponders how she missed the turn,
her no claims bonus
in tatters on a broken car seat.
A mother brings her son to school
but he is dead.
Added: 21.04.2010
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