THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

Your strong shoulder stood by,

As if the sudden shiver was a lie.

While I stood behind holding by;

For me, your back became your eye.

As sturdy as a stone,

But I saw you chip away.

Time shook your bones

As you saw it pass away.

The dreams you saw,

You passed them to me.

I threw them under the saw,

But you still supported me.

Like a drowning man,

Holding onto a piece of hay;

You hold on to me and say:

"What I couldn't do, you may."

I have your name,

But it's not the same.

We are similar,

But not the same.

What I cannot do,

You may.

Even if you cannot do,

I'd stay.

Snowdrops come before daffodils,

Or later, if you say so.

Some flowers bloom in winter,

Even if no-one says so.