Patricia Debney – What I Might Say to the People Either Side of You Who Have Families That Visit and Furniture in Their Apartments

 
I am awareshe wears nothing

I mean nothing

but a sweatshirtkaftan

down to her knees

 
awarethe edges of her rooms

are piled with jewellery
make-up

heaps ofshoes
socks

all tangled withscissors
batteries

 
thaton every surfaceboxes
baskets

heave
close to falling

 
Yes I am awareshe cries easily
won’t venture out
ignores appointments

aware she ishelpless
pitiful
self-pitying

blameseveryone

forthis
sorry mess

includingyou
and me