on 22/2/02 2:24 pm, cara may at [log in to unmask] wrote:


Interesting, Cara: Good descriptions of Laura and the woman. Not quite sure
about "happens to be true": it seems odd, though I don't know what else you
could put. I like the last two lines, I can see what you mean but have you
quite got there. Why does it "have to be said"? What if you turned it on its
head and started 'if none of it were true....'  Sally ee

> --            In the Victoria Quarter
>
>
>
> The ceiling, reputed to be
> the largest stained-glass ceiling in Europe;
> the sculptured bench, stapled to the
> mosaic floor;
> Laura, knees together,
> elbows close to her ribs,
> eating her vegan
> sandwich;
> next to her the woman,
> with the scarf, hat
> jacket, shoes,
> disjointed statements
> of former fashion;
>
> the woman edging slightly
> closer;
> Laura brushing crumbs
> from her lap;
> the woman speaking
> as though she has
> never been silent;
> 'I am a widow,' she says,
> 'I came from Athens
> forty years ago
> and now
> I am a widow.
> When my husband was alive
>
> we had friends,
> made merry.
> Now I am a widow
> they no longer come
> to my house.
> I do not understand
> In Greece it is not so:
> women, those who are widows,
> are cared for
> not left alone.
> I am a neglected widow,
> in England.'
> The brown age-spots
> stand proud on her face and hands.
>
> Laura folds the paper bag
> to trap the rest of the crumbs.
> 'Perhaps,' she says 'they are
> embarrassed.'
> 'Perhaps,' she says, 'they do
> not like to intrude.'
> 'Perhaps,' she says, 'they are
> waiting for you
> to make the first move.'
> The widow pleats her lip,
> pinches the fabric of her skirt,
> does not agree.
>
> 'I'm sorry. I must go,' says Laura.
> 'I have an appointment.'
>
> This happens to be true though
> each of them is uneasy
> that it had to be said.
>
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