He’ll listen to me all right.
He knows what’ll happen
if he doesn’t.
He’ll be down any minute.
You’ll see.
Or he knows what he’s in for,
the little monkey.
I’m going to call him.
Matthew!
Matthew!
Matthew,
I’m gonna come fetch you if you
don’t come down this instant!
I’m coming upstairs right now.
I’m counting to three,
One two
three.
I’m coming to get you!
(Night falls & I fail.
My power is at an end.
All my masterly strength &
omnipotent power
is as a fading echo
in the rooms above & below.
I am barely half heard.
I am hardly even seen.
I descend the stairs
a presage of a world
of fathers ruled by their sons.)
A pathetic memorial.
I retreat to my corner
and go blind.)
About The Author
John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident, recently published in
Penumbra, Poetry Salzburg Review and Hollins Critic. Latest books, “Leaves On Pages” and “Memory Outside The Head” are available through Amazon. Work upcoming in Lana Turner and International Poetry Review.
reclaim: an anthology of women’s lives
Featuring 18 female-identifying writers, this digital anthology is raising money for Rosa UK, Women’s Aid UK, and WriteGirl, with 100% of all profits going directly to charity.
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