dawdling
in damp
leather soles
I’ve just existed in
since breakfast
down the Roman road
…………………towards home
a dragged out daytime
at school
gold & brown
uniforms
book learning
…………………in a country
…………………that is not mine
and yet
it makes
me wonder
…………………because I have
…………………a British mum
who dragged us
back here
again &
away from
my overseas father
…………………“Bloody American”
I hear
a voice
further back of me
I pivot around
he is in
the same uniform
a lad I do not recognize
I march
a hint hurried
he hounds
hollering
…………………“Bloody American
………………….go home!”
I swivel
& punch
him in the face
…………………“I’m Canadian!”
I spit
as I lean
over him
my skirt askew
silent pub
offers no safety
oy
you’ll never
seem to halt hating
you just
don’t stop
just
stop
…………………..the hate is spreading
…………………..