from As My Sister Lay Dying
The Romans liked purple
gave it Royal status
edged their fine woollen togas
with its brilliant colour
for which thousands of shellfish
died.
My sister stirs and opens her
dark sunken eyes.
Sorry, she says
I must have dropped off.
She gazes at the crocheted rug
and holds the purple yarn between
bloodless fingers.
You are getting on with it.
Journey from Walara available in print soon
