In the co-op on Sunday just after five o'clock
three not-quite-children steal beer.
three not-quite-children steal beer.
On the pavement outside they are casing the joint.
He a little older takes the lead.
He a little older takes the lead.
She is blonde and pretty, so obviously
besotted she will do whatever he wants.
besotted she will do whatever he wants.
The younger boy is younger,
underfed, not at all good-looking.
underfed, not at all good-looking.
He knows no matter how much alcohol he steals
she will never look that way at him.
she will never look that way at him.
They saunter in together. She goes first.
To her left and right they make a screen.
To her left and right they make a screen.
She shoves the bottle between her small breasts
and zips up her jacket in flash.
and zips up her jacket in flash.
Now they turn smartly and exit the store.
They do not attempt to make a purchase.
They do not attempt to make a purchase.
On the pavement again their eyes meet mine.
An afternoon drunk stirs in his sleep.
An afternoon drunk stirs in his sleep.
© Abigail Elizabeth Rowland
Abigail Elizabeth Rowland lives in Redruth in Cornwall where she writes poetry and short fiction and does her best to remain positive.
