Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie Tombs for teeth stuck out On stocks overhanging A trembling lower lip the Impression of permanent snivel Impeding would-be normal childish speech Should such a thing ever have been desired Passionately pleading Dark brown eyes - doe I think they’d say Both avoiding the straight ahead Poised always Glistening ready to tear saying more Than dental excavations ever could The bowl cut - affectionately known A burden only the wearer owns Tatty coat delicately worn Cloak of poverty faded brown check Perfectly in keeping With grimy socks On slim grey legs Offering protection no mean feat Cornering the cornered We hoped they would retreat but The boys used their hands superior Body strength feet In urgent proliferation to reach The tenderest of all to strike her pure cheek Daily battles we fought Crushing defeats all yours to bear Carried alone with the scars clinging Even in the air At home with the stigma and cruelty That delivered you there