Mittens

You’re all words like Ted Hughes.

I’m all jumbled, with tones and values.

You have a voice; can pick and choose.

I’m still struggling, wearing pinched toe shoes.

Too much, just too much.

Let me try you on like a heavy duffel coat-

do up the toggles and pull the hood over

against the chill of my cares and

The damp autumn air.

Let me be your soft lining-

Let our skins touch.

When words are too much, just too much.

The world presses in and I

Want to shout.

Mittens loose, dangling on wool,

Let’s go play out.

7th March 2026