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Poems
by Eira Needham A Date With Grandpa Time was tucked between a cream Damask and gaudy gingham table cloth, second drawer down in her sideboard. Old Dulais Valley Calendar, 1986 Relics of my homeland; black and white prints. Seven Sisters Colliery, 1912 spans the front cover. My grandfather grafted here, dust blackened. Dressed in Sunday best, with 1950's waves, the Ladies' choir smiles across the back cover. Two faces, lightly circled; my mother’s recognition of Aunty Hilda and Cousin Sue. I scan the past in bands and choirs until November spreads The Dulais Male Voice Choir, 1910 I squint at the countenance with a ballpoint halo enclosing Dad, faintly written. My dear Grandpa; the alien invaded his kidneys when he was fifty two and I was a child. Autistic Son At dusk she slumps with the sun struggling to solve her puzzle, the flush of excitement wanes with the moon. His eyes avoid her gaze. Words are locked inside; she cannot find the key. Thrust into a tempest branches are buffeted until she collapses, broken. Yet, deep roots support her. Peering though brume she sees a smile, hears humming. Stretching to grasp the core, she's enveloped by warmth as the sun rises. |
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