Adeline's Green Dress

Adeline’s Green Dress

Something in the way she walked

Green dress skimmed past the ankles

‘modesty’ she calls it

Although it fits the latest fashion

Coincidentally.

Daily affirmations, quick puns, quotes from the Quran

‘I’m partaking in Ramadan’

Well, I have for the past four years

Although when I ask her why

She shrugs and carries on chopping her tomatoes, on their last leg of the expiry date like the hands by which they're cut.

I’ve always admired you, Adeline

The neatness of your blonde locks

As they brush the nape of your slender neck

Obsessed?

Obsessed with you and all that I don’t want to copy

All that I thank my lucky stars that I am not

Yet I remember, child-like comparison

Aged 12, I tie my hair back into neat little ropes, curled behind the ears like you taught me.

Buying a similar pashmina with green and gold threads which you said suited me so

That was so long ago.

And yet as I sip on the cold bottled water that you throw me

I can’t help but admire the way that your quick hands dart across the kitchen draws

So nervous but efficient in their every move.

What will you do tomorrow when I’m gone and when the flat is empty and you are alone with your thoughts.

I’m sure you’ll be just fine.

But every time you make me feel as if the sun will fall each night upon your golden locks

And turn them into black.

The darkness that is part of you and will never cease to be

It makes you beautiful

And that is all.