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I write poetry, short stories, essays, articles. My work has been published in Le Mostre (short story), Superpresent (moving prose poem), Now the Author of the Glazed Water (poetry), and magazines including The Idler. I mostly share new poetry (that isn't being submitted for publication) and if I'm doing a poetry reading here. For my my mudlark related writing, please follow the 'mudlarking' link in the menu, above.

A new short story will be published later this year, info to follow.

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From The Saturday Train I Saw

 

In quick succession:

 

Cows resting comfortably on ample fresh hay, snoozing and chewing.

Happy families gathered around muddy paddock activity - horse riding lessons.

Three paramedics frantically resuscitating an unresponsive body.

Bear Pit Cock Pit Skip Double Dutch

 

The corner of Cranstoun and Robert Street

impromptu arena, scenes ranging from

the stupendous to the sadistic.

Peak focal point for gum-eyed neighbours

bludgeoned by boredom, beyond care.

Serial blue light flashing

serenading car seat sandwich teas

witness to fleeing third parties,

escaping hot trouble, watching

hand in hand with their friend,

the net curtain, twitching jig.

Below bust-up twisted bed frame,

(slightly superior to the cheap ply wardrobe

so far as hiding places go)

in practiced silence we wait.

How many thousands of times

have you heard this before

against those same brick walls,

behind the splintered red door?

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Expectation

 

At best you’re my Joe

at worst you’re my Magwitch.

I’m your eternal Estella.

Guilt, shame, expectation:

it comes in threes

cleaves threefold.

Now I’m entering standby mode.

A child has returned

screaming soundlessly into the sun.

© marielouiseplum.com 2022

© 2022 - 2025 Marie-Louise Plum

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