40+ years of work: A reflection
Paper roundrainy Manchester
the world’s news on my shoulders
inky finger whorls
Babysitter
bedtime stories
mummy’s perfume lingering
daddy’s adultery
Sweet shop assistant
candy cigarettes
cherry lips & floral gums
Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls
Tobacconist Assistant (1)
a note from his mum –
20 Benson & Hedges
box of Swan matches
Tobacconist Assistant (2)
Sobranie Cocktails
pastel coloured cancer sticks
Christmas gift for mum
Cleaner
yellow Marigolds
scouring your toilet with Vim
no shit stains remain
Market Stall Helper
black fingerless gloves
dupe perfume/ fake make-up stall
egg butty & tea
Bar Maid
blue hair/punky eyes
‘You’d look pretty if only…’
mopping up spilt beer
Café Assistant
pastry crusted pinny
I serve you hot chocolate
my future stalker
Youth Worker
juke box and ping-pong
my car windscreen is shattered
Dub be good to me
Forensic Psychologist
expensive outfit
called as an expert witness
imposter syndrome

Spangle is a happy grandma based in Sheffield UK. She enjoys being part of the Twitter poetry community and has recently been lucky enough to have work in Icefloe Press, Bear Creek Gazette and Vamp Cat Magazine. Twitter: @spanglemcqueen
Banner Image: Step Lightly, Step Steeply, Step Grandly, a visual poem by Robert Frede Kenter (c) 2022. Twitter: @frede_kenter