Page 73 of The Black Flamingo

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wash off the last of the Mediterranean.

When I return to my bedroom,

my sister’s flamingo toy

rests on my pillow.

In my dream that night, Kieran and I are

on TV together; we are a pair of black

flamingos.

The camera zooms out

and we’re just two of many black flamingos

standing in the salt lake.

Show Business

The weekend before I turn seventeen,

Daisy and I go to the cinema

to seeMoonlight.

Even though it’s set in America,

I see something of myself

on-screen. I recognize what’s missing

for them is also missing

for me. I recognize the longing

for a man, a father, a lover.

As the credits roll, Daisy and I stand

and put our coats on. It’s dark but I recognize

Kieran, sitting two rows behind us.

I don’t recognize the girl Kieran

has his arm around. I don’t think he sees me.

I nudge Daisy. “Look, it’s Kieran.”

I think I’m too loud, as he looks our way.

Daisy and I link arms and scuttle out

as quick as we can without actually running.

We burst out laughing when we get outside.

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