Adulthood
I should have sifted
pips packets peel husks
crumbs shreds scribbles
scum bags boxes dust
a fairytale orphan’s task.
I should have walked
my mess up the lane
to meet its monster.
Street by street,
it slinks to me now, its long
clanking calling me
out. Once, upon
its roar I could
close ears and eyes, stay under.
Now I must heed and mind,
amend and gather. No
godmother, no sparkly wand,
and not a curse can stop it
coming to my door.