stood tall with chest
puffed out, so proud
to be this big boy, now
your dependable little man

'you're man of the house, now
so take care of mum and the kids'
all seven years of life straining
to comprehend what's going on

but all that was forthcoming
was a handshake,
a clap on the back,
fading footsteps,
and two swinging
khaki duffel bags*



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