---

Standing on a nerve, calling out for recognition,

simple agonies foist themselves beyond the cut

this multicoloured simplicity calls for ever

the catatonic state of being besides creation.

Confessions under drink, falling softly in confidence

a quiet disinfectant scours the kitchen,

promoting poison before the way of sundry

excellence in form holding no-one back.

These distant biscuits hog the coveted tin,

stale foodstuffs carve the way for hunger

the silent heater weighs down the electricity

constant showers needed to keep betters sweet.

Twisted for another kiss, asking for making fun

cleaning the living area a case to answer

declaring oneself in the communal corridor

fearing the attack before it ever happens.

Satisfied with stout, a singular homecoming,

saving for multiple rounds ever circling

useless words calling on sole redemption

trying very hard to be even friendly again.

Laughed at repeatedly, fruits of dire confession

poisonous through spite, hurting where intended

cleaned through effort, no call for fag breaks

scarred in a sustained fashion, kept quiet forever.

---

Patricia Walsh was born and raised in the parish of Mourneabbey, Co Cork, Ireland.  To date, she has published one novel, titled The Quest for Lost Eire, in 2014, and has published one collection of poetry, titled Continuity Errors, with Lapwing Publications in 2010. She has since been published in a variety of print and online journals.  These include: The Lake; Seventh Quarry Press; Marble Journal; New Binary Press; Stanzas; Crossways; Ygdrasil; Seventh Quarry; The Fractured Nuance; Revival Magazine; Ink Sweat and Tears; Drunk Monkeys; Hesterglock Press; Linnet’s Wing, Narrator International, The Galway Review; Poethead and The Evening Echo.  She has also published anovel, In The Days of Ford Cortina, in August 2021.