Books

Until now, I did not realise
that there were other things
that I wished to put on shelves.
Now the highest ones seem safe places for sharp things
and I picture neatly folded stacks
of nappies and rompersuits
where those ghost stories used to be.

They warned me my brain would soften
they intoned ‘nesting’
like the tolling of an ancient bell.

I scorned them; but here I am packing boxes
merrily casting out my darlings
making room.