Afternoon

By Helen Openshaw

We meet for a coffee,
Sit outside on bright metal
Chairs with scrubbed wooden tables,
Chabby chic in the fading autumn sun.

We share news, and I spill
My egg cracked grief.
We laugh at our quirky sons –
You say that yours will now eat curry
And enjoys going out for meals.
In equal measure, we marvel and worry
At their journey ahead.

I walk home, a little bit lighter,
The crunch of leaves, a startling gold,
Reflect the hope inside.

Helen Openshaw is a Drama and English teacher, from Cumbria. She enjoys writing poetry and plays and inspiring her students to write. Helen has had a short monologue commissioned by Knock and Nash productions. Recently published and upcoming poetry work in Secret Chords by Folklore publishing, Green Ink Poetry magazine, Open Door magazine, Fragmented Voices, Loft Books, The Madrigal and The Dirigible Balloon magazine.