Judy's Hand by Jennie Farley

It was a wooden hand
poking out from a box of rags

in the sale room on viewing day

that made her pause. She lifted

a rag and saw a painted doll

with bold blue eyes

which seemed to follow her

around as she paused to admire

pretty brooches, pictures, a silver vase.

Drawn back to the box for another

look, this time she saw a face she knew

from childhood summers on Filey beach -

that florid-faced creature

inside the striped pink kiosk,

his hooked red nose, chin sharp as a knife.

---

Jennie Farley is a published poet, teacher and workshop leader living in Cheltenham. Her work has featured in many poetry magazines and been performed at Festivals. Her first collection is My Grandmother Skating (Indigo Dreams Publishing 2016) followed by Hex (IDP 2018). She founded and runs NewBohemians@CharltonKings, a popular arts club providing poetry, performance and music throughout the year.You can find out more information about Jennie's work on her website: jenniefarleypoetry.wordpress.com

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