Dark, petite and pretty – early 40s.
younger looking than passport age
intelligent – above average – but not too clever
adaptable and hard-working.
According to her own history
life had never been easy
an unhappy childhood and awkward education
adolescent confusion and intermittent marriage.
Problems were tall, time and money short
adversity a frequent companion.
People could choose she said
to be victim or survivor.
Each day a new act
in a long-running one-woman play.
Two roles. One star. A compelling performance
the audience appreciative and sympathetic.
Bold brushed posters
of water coloured truth
can disguise billboard fiction
perception shades inconsistency.
Two overseas trips in three years
stylish haircut, extensive house renovations
in private life, a sharp contemporary wardrobe.
Things couldn’t have been too bad.
Orphaned Islands (Un)poetry 