Aftermath

I

He dreads going out

facing the world

all he has longed for

now too much to bear.

 

She is confused

by his reaction

longs to forget     and resents

the boy’s rejection     of her 

in favour of

his father’s attention.

 

 

II

Her benefit cut

his not yet restored

electricity disconnected

and scarce food

they visit relatives

arrange to pay lump-sum

to landlord     when

new benefits arrive.

 

Landlord dishonours agreement

overseen by police    

he illegally

removes their belongings

down to soap from shower.

 

They win legal battle

despite humiliation

at his record     raised

in court

and

the pressing need

to find new lodgings.

 

 

III

They plan a future

studded with achievement

make promises

they cannot keep.

 

Unemployment hinders

persists

with unerring power.

The foundations of their dreams

crumble

anger     and the demon drink

edge in.

 

They move house

again     and again

together

then separately.

 

c.  Kathryn Coughran

 

First published: 1994

In: Family Matters

(Kathryn Andersen)