The Poems of Patience Agbabi Poem Text

The Poems of Patience Agbabi Poem Text

Unfinished Business (Excerpt)

That night, it rained so hard
it was biblical. The Thames sunk the promenade,
spewing up so much low life.
It’s a week since they beat up my wife,
put five holes in my daughter. I know who they are.
I know why. I’m three shots away from the parked car
in a blacked-out car park. My wife cries,
Revenge too sweet attracts flies.
Even blushed with bruises she looks good. She’s lying
on the bed, next to me. Honey, I’m fine.
Tonight I caught her, hands clasped, kneeling,
still from a crime scene.
I didn’t bring my wife to Gravesend for this.
What stops me, cowardice?
None of them, even Joe, has the right to live.
How can I forgive?

The Doll's House (Excerpt)

Welcome to my house, this stately home
where, below stairs, my father rules as chef:
confecting, out of sugar-flesh and -bone,
décor so fine, your tongue will treble clef
singing its name. Near-sighted and tone-deaf,
I smell-taste-touch; create each replica
in my mind’s tongue. My name? Angelica.

- Patience Agbabi

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