refusing correction / its frown / its finger poke

also refusing smug and cosy / No to the tucked up right /

also not giving in to silence / nor to dusty old Alone

walking off shouldering his broom / No to him as well /

Who refuses?

/ the loosely connected /

those quickly scattering like broken strings of beads

and those taking dares / protecting beauties they have noticed

those who by canny skill make homes from scraps / hoard

keys for locks unknown / keep joys warm in rag and bone /

those saved and useful / those tired and worn / who weep /

to hear the distant music of offered help come closer /

/who remember

when heart was young in fear / who remember

/even hearts dark and craven say yes when they hear

poem and photograpgh by Jo Mariner