Wednesday, 17 September 2025

17th September 2025

 


pelting rain

like free speech used to be

a British institution


© Rachel Green September 2025


I still remember that sudden right hook

from across the table: something I said

triggered the violent response. It took

every penn'orth of courage in my head

not to return the strike. The taste of blood

filling my mouth as I scrape back the chair

and quickly leave, into the rain and flood

of autumn's heavy downpour and the stare

of people in the covered bus stop shelter

as I pass with rain-diluted blood on bare

cheek and neck and sporty Lycra halter

from teeth exposed in ragged torn flesh there.

 Now the Oompa Loompa President of Vice

 declares domestic violence should be legalised.


© Rachel Green September 2025


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