Page 58 of The Black Flamingo

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it does not have to search for one.

It is born with a soft shell

that hardens as it grows.

The turtle’s backbone is part

of its shell, meaning an accident

or attack could break the turtle’s back,

leaving the turtle with a broken

home it cannot escape from.

Leventis

Mum is going through a phase

of making us any meal on request:

jerk chicken or curried goat with rice and peas,

ackee and saltfish, stuffed grape leaves,

shepherd’s pie, Sunday roast.

Mum buys me and Anna games consoles,

phones, clothes, anything she can afford,

and, when she can’t afford it, she borrows

money to send me to hip-hop dance class

and Anna to ballet and, now, to take us

on our first vacation.

Mum bursts into the kitchen.

“I’ve got a surprise for you all!”

We’re slumped at the table.

Daisy and I are taking a break

from studying for exams.

Daisy is helping Anna

with her much easier homework,

and I’m writing a poem.

“I’ve just spoken to your dad, Daisy.

He says he’ll pay for your ticket

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