Demi-Denizen Desdemona Poem by Andy Brookes

trebled mindless drifting across lurid landscapes
hey she thinks as the moon struggles to warm.
roofs are white with frost,
street lights an orange umber conversation,
street walker shivers, skirt too short,
bare legged, waiting in hope of a car
a temporary warm respite

as she waits for sweaty men to finish.
pay day is of little consequence with mouths to feed at home.
the nest is full and the chicks still cheep for food

if only and if only she thinks.
realising she is the rusty nail that holds it all together.
shrugging off leopard skin print she puts life's might have been's away shedding them with last night mascara.