Grainne Toher

We feel it more us childless
Unanswered texts like taking bullets

No preparation
For flippant cancellations, postponements and mess

An inconvenience to these parents
Whose child trifles and dramas cause them distress

We know our place and delve instead
Into words, photos, travel, music and art

The thoughtless comments of jealous parents
Like daggers to the heart

Friendships with us are trouble
It’s easier to just stay in your cosy family bubble

For us ghosts on the fringes you are our family
For you we realise we are not

When we finally grasp that
Life improves –rather a lot