I gave her a blanket once
it made me feel good
about myself
to know how kind I can be
with my wealth
I gave a book from my shelf
because surely Wuthering Heights
will help her through the nights
where she needs to hide away
from street-lights and bar fights
I thought I’d try
to feed her mind
when it was her stomach
that would need nourishment inside
When I brought her Tampax
because the Women’s Aid
website suggested it
she politely declined
Said Sinéad or Claire
who hang around near
The Winding Stair
might take them
And they both like Jane Eyre
I know I shouldn’t stare
but before we didn’t speak
Now I go off-route to see her
each and every week
They say you shouldn’t give money
cos you don’t know where it’ll go
So I wonder what more can be done
as I watch her belly grow
*
Leanne Rose Nulty is an Irish poet currently living in Aberystwyth, where she completed a degree in English and Creative Writing. Her poetry covers a range of topics including womanhood, grief, and national identity.
You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter (LeanneRose__x) as well subscribing to her YouTube channel bit.ly/2iJUC1L