THE BOY IN THE MARKET

By Alice Hamilton

Tue, 03 Apr 2018
  • 1793 reads
8 comments
 

 

THE BOY IN THE MARKET

 

(an edited version of an earlier post)

 

 

A boy aged five or six,       

I thought at once of Tom,   

The same cheeky grin,

Freckled face, red hair.

 

But arms and legs stick-thin, 

Old shoes on dirty feet,         

Shorts held up with string,     

Ragged shirt, once blue.        

 

Standing by the fruit stall,      

Watchful as a stray cat,         

Waiting to be fed.                  

No bruised pears today.                          

 

He views the oranges,           

Shining orbs, jewel bright,    

A huge pyramid,                         

Our eyes lock. Do it!               

 

A small hand reaches out.                           

Fruit cascading, bouncing.     

Older lads are grabbed.               

Loud yells, punches, kicks.      

 

The urchin’s gaze meets mine. 

He grins, crams his pockets.            

I buy white roses.                     

To place on Tom’s grave. 

Certificate PG
Poetry Monthly

Comments

Submitted by celticman on

aye, moment in crime. 

 

Submitted by Alice Hamilton on

Yes, indeed. The grieving lady and the hungry urchin - partners in crime.

 

Submitted by airyfairy on

I think this reads better for the edit, Alice.  The reader can immediately identify with the narrator, and the image comes much more clearly into focus.  An acutely observed snapshot.  

Submitted by Alice Hamilton on

Thanks very much for the feedback. So many words in my head but it seems that on the page less is more!

 

Submitted by Pat G on

This manages to be tragic and wistful, and the white roses steer it away from mawkishness.

Submitted by Alice Hamilton on

Thank you. As this is a child’s grave I chose white roses for remembrance rather than lilies, the flowers most often associated with death ... unpleasant flowers, in my opinion!

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

The picture of the lad is very vivid. Pity she can't help him more. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Alice Hamilton on

Thanks. Your comments are always thoughtful - much appreciated! Perhaps the rich lady will help the poor boy another day. Hope so!