Mrs _____'s Bakery

she was four years old
the _____ists were killing everyone
her uncle paid a boatman
only just enough
for her sister and her
and on the eve of their boarding
she disappeared, stolen
by an aunty and hidden
by a network of hands
her uncle had to find her
and no-one remains
to recount what was said
what was offered, the exchange,
but that splintery boat
well it came, got her here
to a school, a husband
two kids in a frame
by the coffee machine
and you are buying a loaf,
sliced, from her
and she gives your change
says have a great day
and it's the most
ordinary thing

This poem appears in

Pass it Along