Shoving out the Shame

Moving like a shark
through the sad waters of Lambrate Station
a woman in her forties
moves from person to person
begging for change

outside in the car park
her husband and two children
stand waiting by the car

the boys are laughing and joking
as the father slaps the cold
from his arms
and legs

they look like a happy family
just waiting for mum
to finish work

behind me
in the corridor
passengers wait and read and
breathe
as the shark woman creases her skin
in grimace, revealing snagged teeth

still she asks and seeks
shoving away the shame

after a few minutes more
she’s welcomed by her clan
hugs and kisses all round
as they climb into
the red car

I can’t help but notice
the model

a much nicer vehicle
than my own mother
could afford