Poetry Magazines - The best collection of poetry magazines online - Simon Armitage

Poetry Library Southbank Centre - The Poetry Library housing the Arts Council Collection at Southbank Centre

« Previous item
Contents of this issue
Next item »

Bob Cooper

print this page

The Sacrament of Access

In her brownie uniform, brought by her mum, she waits outside
to be given a hug as she’s handed a carrier of clothes,
                                                                                chewing gum,
then left as she lines up, parades in, is handed a hymn book
and sits glancing round at the banners, or to the seats behind
at families soberly dressed and patient. She swings her legs
then stands, sings, sits, listens as the Minister walks round, smiles,
clumsily opens a tin of sardines, rips open bread rolls, laughs,
talks about a picnic where everyone’s famished, and a small boy.
Then, before some form a queue for a crumb and a sip of wine,
with her eyes closed she hears about those in other countries
who’re hungry, and all those hereabouts who’re starving for love.
Outside she’s met by her father, smelling of beer, who takes
                                                                                          the bag,
lifts her hat, ruffles her hair as they grin and she’s asked
                                                                                   about school,
about today’s breakfast, and he mentions Pizza Hut, Saltwell Park,
a choice of ice creams, then hot dogs and coke for tea on the boats.

 

Page(s) 33

Back to top