Flowers
by Erin Coppin
by Erin Coppin
Flowers
Do you not remember, Mr Towers?
They lost the second baby late.
Of course they told you. You sent flowers.
No, no, you sent them the same day.
They found the card you sent, the date.
Do you not remember, Mr Towers?
And then, last year, when they had Jay
a brother for their big girl, Kate?
Of course they told you. You sent flowers.
No, they can’t speak to you again today.
Your daughter’s in a right old state.
You must remember, Mr Towers—
it’s partly 'cause I’ve got one on the way.
Thank you, I’ll be sure to watch my weight.
Of course I told you. You’ll send flowers.
No, Mrs Towers is…away.
She’ll be back, no need to wait.
Do you not remember, Mr Towers?
Like I said. She’s getting flowers.
originally published in Fenland Poetry Journal, Autumn 2021