The Foreigner
This sun on me is a cure
helping my nails grow
and burning off that skin
which had been flaking
I am the foreigner
who scares the small kids
with his Englishness
and chrome walking stick
Older residents recognise
my dead brother in me
and stop to talk – or more
A grandmother touched my face
I read books the wrong way round
was one child’s observation
My kin have my eyes and brow
and are shocked by this mirror