1955

upon the lumber path there where is
that crack cut wood split old board
splintered into naked cream sharp
a blood-filled capillary of separation
thin as a paper cut and me still
clawing out of the dark caul of a
nightmare gurgling mummy mummy
mummy in phlegmy shrieks awaking
to my father's thick hand like fine bark
stroking me don't worry honey worry don't
cry please please don't cry and still
me snivelling mummy