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

 

www.feedaread.com

 

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