Sister Bernadette
came rushing
across the grass
to where Anne
was screaming
about the pain
in her amputated leg
sitting next to you
by the small white table
where does it hurt?
Sister Bernadette asked
in the leg
Anne screamed
but the leg’s been amputated
the sister said
lifting the hem
of Anne’s skirt
showing space
where once a leg
had been
you turned
your head away
Malcolm was swinging
on the swing
his hands gripping
the steel chains
on either side
as he rode his ride
I know the fucking leg’s gone
Anne screamed
but it still hurts
language
in front of the children
Sister Bernadette said
I’ll speak to Matron
and see what she says
and off the sister went
leaving Anne following her
with her deep eyes
you looked back at Anne
taking in her dark hair
plaited into two plaits
I think they call it
a phantom leg
you said
what is?
Anne said
turning and staring at you
a limb amputated
but still causing pain
you said
what you a doctor now Skinny Kid?
no
you said
just saying what I read
some place
forget it
she said
hand me my crutches
you handed her her crutches
and she stood up
and crutched herself away
towards the far end
of the garden
come on Skinny Kid
she said
let’s go catch the sea
coming in or going out
and breathe some salt air
ok
you said
running to catch her up
her one leg
swinging forward
a lonesome traveller
across the well mown lawn
her naked thigh and calf
showing as the skirt rose
in motion
and filling the air
like a gull cry
her bellowing laugh.