February #1

Their branches sharing the air

I should have thought
she says
I would have asked you
she whispers
to bring - you know -
we both mouthe it
pads
They're in the bag, Mum,
I say
You're a mind-reader
there's wonder in her voice
as the nurses laugh
Thanks to your fey Scots mother
I say
but already we're past that topic
because she's been
sat up
to receive dinner.

At home I understand
why it is I can
stand in her shoes -
mostly
they're smaller than mine
but the slippers
I forgot to pack
have been stretched
to breaking point.

— Jennie Fraine