Page 119 of The Black Flamingo

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always say he was different but it doesn’t take

much to be different where we’re from—

people made fun of me for reading

and coming to university. Where we’re from

there’s not much diversity and he’s just full

of so much curiosity; whenever he comes

to visit me he sleeps with someone. Granted,

you’re the first guy and I can see why you

caught his eye up on that stage, all confident

with your words and sense of self, speaking

and being heard. It’s amazing what you do,

I applaud you and I’m sure, in the moment,

he adored you. You see, he’s never had that,

we’ve never had that, but he’s had you now,

Mike, and that’s that.”

In my room alone,

I don’t know who to reach out to.

It should be Daisy.

MICHAEL:Hey Daisy! I miss you. How’s uni?

MICHAEL:Hey Rowan! How’s drama school?

The next morning,

I wake up late for my lecture

so I decide to skip it.

I get the bus into town and go

to Brighton Beach with my notebook.

I have a missed call

from Mum but I don’t want

to speak to her today.

My hair is being annoying

and blowing in my face,

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