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poetry pRO     MTTLC 10 years old!
Bucharest visit 2016, 6 poets, CLP, free download

Poets: browse the list

  

ppf SHOP ONLINE      MEMBERS’ EVENTS     MEMBERS’ COMPS & CALLS May: Frogmore Poetry Prize
 
see/hear: listen to Patrick Osada reading his poem On the Red Light

donations will be very gratefully received.

latest on site:
   Alessio Zanelli
   Janet Hatherley
   Judith Wilkinson

latest new pages:
   Janet Hatherley
   Barbara Hickson (biog)
   Chiara Salomoni (biog)
   Margaret Wilmot
   Susan Jordan
   Gill Learner

COMPS & CALLS:
May: Frogmore Poetry Prize
Jun: Rosemary McLeish Poetry Prize
Aug: Second Light competition (women poets)

latest comp results:
   Frogmore Press 2023
   Second Light 2023
   Ware 2023

selection of books:
   ppf shop online

previous projects:
   Blyth Valley Radio
   poetry tREnD

featured poet – Patricia Bishop (    -2015)


Patricia Bishop

Woman Washing

At the side
of the porcelain sink
is a cracked jug.
 
Her thumb splays
across its surface
as she lifts it, bends forward
 
and thrusts the warm water
over her hair, rubs in the shampoo.
Violets this week.
 
Makes a great froth
on the top of her head
as she knuckles the lather.
 
then three lifted jugs
till all turns smooth and black.
Straightens, half naked.
 
I could swing from the strong balance
of her arms as she rubs and turbans
the towel about her.
 
Now fresh water
and face to waist
lathered and washed.
 
I think she must be beautiful.
Finger my own white dress
with the rabbits.
 
Rub a tuck of its cotton
against the smooth silk of her blouse,
gently touch the lines of stitches,
 
till she suddenly turns and I step back.
‘Leave it alone.’ she says
but not shouting.
 

Patricia Bishop

published in Smiths Knoll;
in anthology, Parents, Enitharmon in association with Second Light