Agoloso Presents - Atondido Stories Agoloso Presents - Mama Mada | Page 139

Mama Mada
Song of the Forge
by Li Po
The forge-fire sets a glow in the heavens,
the hammer thunders, showering the smoke with sparks.
A ruddy smithy, the white face of the moon,
and the hammer, ringing down cold dark canyons.
Sibling Love
by Kate Hend ry
It’s always when my back is turned. I’m at my desk –
a hollow thump, palm on back, her echoing rib cage.
I turn, grab my son’s arms. I want him to confess.
‘It was an accident,’ he pleads. Always too late.
I drag him down the hall, he’s not yet dressed.
‘I do not want you in my house,’ I rail.
Outside the front door, he peers through the letter box.
‘It doesn’t hurt any more,’ his sister says, peering back.
I think – I’ve done it now. Bare-chested, no socks,
he’ll run away. They whisper, laugh and chat.
While I’m yelling ‘you’re nothing but a bully’
she’s calling his name and posting through the keys.
134