28th February 2026

 

cotton buds

poked into my sister's ear

hospital visit

© Rachel Green February 2026

Rosacea Lenses

Rosacea Lenses

losing track of the years

grandchildren shooting upwards

while our own kids stay the same.

Tony is a thirty-six -a black belt

and brilliant guitarist

but in my mind he's still ten

and playing Dungeon Master in the kitchen

Kirsty is fifteen, not forty;

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 off big-sister's Barbies.

They just paid six grand for dentistry

and smiles like an American TV host

set on repeat.

We're in our thirties,

despite the free bus passes

and a need for new glasses.

© Rachel Green February 2026

© Rachel Green February 2026