Marla Is Home

Kelly-Anne came back with Helena

and made them a nest in the room that was mine.

I have to confess something, I told her a few days later.

She threw a rattle at me

when I explained

what was what.

We’re squatters! she shouted.

We hide in the shed

the day Marla comes home,

the three of us like fugitives,

until we are sure Peggy and Donal have gone

and Marla is alone again.