28th February 2026

 

cotton buds

poked into my sister's ear

hospital visit

© Rachel Green February 2026

Rosacea Lenses

losing track of the years

grandchildren shooting upwards

while our own kids stay the same.

Tony is a thirty-year old black belt

and brilliant guitarist

but in my mind he's still ten

and playing Dungeon Master in the kitchen

Kirsty is still fifteen

crop tops and belly piercing

sneaking wine before going out

while her almost-adult son

towers over us,

smiling at the camera.

Ash is still seven years old

playing on the garden swing

and cutting the feet of his sister's Barbies.

He just paid six grand for dentistry

and smiles like an American TV show

set on repeat.

We're in our thirties,

despite the free bus passes

and a need for new glasses.

© Rachel Green February 2026