And we end our set of poems about change of identity with one that our guest editor, Degna Stone, says “is a change that feels familiar, the move from idealistic teen to cynical grown up…”
Home from the late shift
serving lobster and guinea fowl
to the rich folk at The Stile Restaurant.
I rub my sore feet, switch on
the TV and watch the film,
the one where Richard Gere
carries Debra Winger
out through the factory gates.
I was that small town girl
waiting for the white knight
to come and sweep me off my feet.
Now I want to say
fuck that, don’t wait
don’t you dare wait.
That white knight is a myth,
you can do it all on your own.
Rachel Burns’ poems have been published in UK, USA and Canadian literary journals. Shortlisted in competitions Mslexia, Writers’ & Artists Yearbook and The Keats- Shelley Poetry Prize 2017. Anthologised in two Saboteur Awards shortlisted anthologies #MeToo and Please Hear What I’m Not Saying.
Celebrating Change 