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Born in Edinburgh, now living in London. Works as a solicitor specialising in family law. Some of her poems reflect her professional experiences. A member of Highgate Poets, and runs a local writers group. Poems accepted for publication in Equinox and The Interpreter’s House.
Three little girls–
two of them his and their friend
brought along to help with the conversation
during this awkward meeting.
He sits hunched over his pizza–
an ordinary, balding small man.
The children are, just, prepubescent.
The outsider, outspoken and confident
keeps up a constant chatter,
and while she eyelashes the waiters
remembers to address him occasionally.
In the background, piped music
plays "On the Street where You Live".
Poor banished father: his few, cherished,
hard-won hours of "Contact"
with his lost children
once a fortnight with extra days, if agreed,
in the school holidays.
While the little girls giggle he takes out his Guardian
for a furtive look at the sports pages,
then brings out the bribes, sweets for each of them–
orders his second espresso
and turns to stare out of the window
as if wondering how soon
he can take them all home –
if he knows where home is any more.
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London
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