WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD CARRY

My mother gave me the prayer to Saint Theresa.
I added a used tube ticket, kleenex,
several Polo mints (furry), a tampon, pesetas,
a florin. Not wishing to be presumptuous,
not trusting you either, a pack of 3.
I have a pen. There is space for my guardian
angel, she has to fold her wings. Passport.
A key. Anguish, at what I said/didn't say
when once you needed/didn't need me. Anadin.
A credit card. His face the last time,
my impatience, my useless youth.
That empty sack, my heart. A box of matches.


MAURA DOOLEY


Listen to Maura Dooley reading the poem; view my own poem inspired by it in the comments

Photographer: Lachlan Bailey for Vogue UK
Model: Arizona Muse