The possum clings to the wall of the building

the possum clings to the wall of the building

so still with fear it could be dead

its claws dig into rock and mortar

it hangs like a trophy

in the school yard children have noticed

they form a half circle around it

only the brave walk towards it, look

and retreat back

a few suggest taunts

a few back down

the rest gaze, silently

this is an exhibition

the possum is on show

the children acknowledge its fear, their fear

the possum acknowledges its own

Rory Harris

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