Remains Poem by Sheena Blackhall

I could say I wasn't myself
When I let you suffer

For years I stood outside the world
Looking in, like a penniless child
At a toy shop window
As if life was happening at a remote
To people called me and you

I would like to take petrol into the past
Pour it over every miserable memory
Stuff a gag into every thoughtless
Word that caused you pain
And torch it all

Now, I stand outside your world of earth
Looking down on your roof of grass
Like an animal drawn to a waterhole
I return again and again to your remains