It’s easy

It’s easy to tell your Mum

you’re in love

with the guy from up the road

and that you and him

made love in your bed with the birthday sheets

when they were on holidays last weekend.

It’s easy to ask for a second helping of guilt

and misplaced trust

as you share tea

with two spoons of tears

and a dash of broken promises.

It’s easy to invite Jack for dinner

with the family

and feel his hand under the table

while you watch your Mum

reach for the carving knife

as Jack asks for a second helping.

It’s easy to see the fear

in your Dad’s eyes

as he struggles to make sense

of camping trips and story books

and Girl Guide meetings every Thursday

and his pride when I won the high jump

on his forty-fifth birthday

and tonight he looks at Jack

like he looks at his car when it won’t start

it’s easy

easy as kissing your childhood goodbye.