Barbara Derbyshire is an author of short fiction and poetry. Originally from London and now an Irish citizen, her home is in Kerry where, with more time to think, observe and remember, she has rediscovered her love of writing. She published her first book, Tapestry of Love, Life and Spirit in 2016. Her second collection of poetry and short stories, Leaving Echoes, was published in 2019. She is currently working on a new book of poetry.

Love and Pain

I saw you both, post-coital bliss on his face
a look of was that it? on yours.
Shamelessly sprawled among the apple trees
you tried to hide yourself
He jutted himself out further, proudly.
You saw me and you mouthed sorry.

I walked far away that day
to Alaska and, beyond there,
to a planet unknown to you or him.
I’m here now, watching and waiting
for you to turn up. You can never lose me
even though I am not looking for you anymore.

I beg you to leave me alone
or to be mine completely.
Why do you settle for this?
His latest forgettable fuck?
When you could be my world
and I could be yours?

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The Galway Review 10 Anthology is a ninth printed edition of The Galway Review. This literary magazine has evolved from the popular online edition which has now more than half a million online readers.
The Galway Review 10 – Pre-buy at least two copies