Shiela Roe

 Alderley Edge, U.K.

 

Shiela Roe as a B.A. (Hons.) Creative Writing, 1999.  M.A. Creative Writing (Distinction) 2003

I love poetry and have been writing my own poems on and off for 30 years.  I’m pleased to say, I’ve been lucky enough to get a few published.

 

Poem completed on 17.5.20.

 

Eye Bath

 

after Imtiaz Dharkar

 

I take it between finger and thumb,

hold it to the light,

admire the perfect ocular shape,

curved glass panels like tiny windows. 

I tap it gently, a reassuring, resonant note,

wait for it to distill its memories.

 

My father on Summer Sunday mornings,

bathroom window ajar, birdsong and blossom

fill the space, tips back his head

to bathe irritated eyes in soothing liquid.

It’s like a baptism, this strange ritual,

as he emerges, lash-soaked,

the eyebath, a miniature chalice,

still in his pincer grasp.

 

Later, I will march beside him in the band,

keeping time as he plays the tuba

in praise of God, whilst my mother stays at home,

clashing cymbals that make no noise.