Joan Poulson
A Quiet Marriage
At home my aunt was queen,
took even the priest’s arrival in her stride.
They had gas-lights high on the wall.
If she touched a mantle
it fluttered broken moth to the floor.
The lavvy was outside
squares of newspaper hanging
from whitewashed brick.
Uncle Tommy rarely spoke smiled with eyes
black as coal he heaved underground.
If he was home he’d fish in his pocket
for a shilling when I left.
No-one else gave me money.
They bought a present for me once
when I passed the scholarship.
Tiny heart on a chain, solid silver.
*
I’d be quieter than usual
when the priest came - tall as my dad
he’d stand by the fire, long hand pale
against the cornish, missing nothing.
She always gave.
My mam raged, shocked me
when we got home
He disgusts me. Vulture!
He would never accept a cup of tea,
just the money - her discreet gesture
as he left, turning at the door
to bestow a blessing.
*
They came from all parts of the world
to the funeral. The priest quoted
husband and children.
I thought of her agrophobia, her smile.
From then on, if he wasn’t in The Bull,
my uncle spent his evenings in the kitchen.
Couldn’t bear to sit in th’house without her.
Note: house – living-room (Lancashire)
Page(s) 19-20
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