Unfinished Business (Excerpt)
That night, it rained so hard
it was biblical. The Thames sunk the promenade,
spewing up so much low life.
It’s a week since they beat up my wife,
put five holes in my daughter. I know who they are.
I know why. I’m three shots away from the parked car
in a blacked-out car park. My wife cries,
Revenge too sweet attracts flies.
Even blushed with bruises she looks good. She’s lying
on the bed, next to me. Honey, I’m fine.
Tonight I caught her, hands clasped, kneeling,
still from a crime scene.
I didn’t bring my wife to Gravesend for this.
What stops me, cowardice?
None of them, even Joe, has the right to live.
How can I forgive?
The Doll's House (Excerpt)
Welcome to my house, this stately home
where, below stairs, my father rules as chef:
confecting, out of sugar-flesh and -bone,
décor so fine, your tongue will treble clef
singing its name. Near-sighted and tone-deaf,
I smell-taste-touch; create each replica
in my mind’s tongue. My name? Angelica.
- Patience Agbabi
