Caitlin Clarricoates
Loitering Among The Elite
The inconsistent display
of affection returns
her to childhood;
not knowing where she stood
according to the mood
of adults.
She forgets to turn down
the volume
of the voice inside,
the tentacles of nostalgia
making her a prisoner.
She is drawn to the heady
conversation, only
to realise it is laced
with visceral gossip;
the mockers
purveying careful acid:
demolition units
of despair.
And she remembers the safety
in loving the dead....
no frown, no cutting word
received from them.
And she realises
she is not accepted
among these people.
Her accent, her manner,
her imperfection
threaten their own
self-assurance,
which disqualifies
her from their circle,
and will forever
mark her out
as a stranger.
Page(s) 98
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