My Mother Gives Me And My Brother Safety Tips Before A Night On The Town by Kathleen Latham, Marmalade Sour (bracing and slightly bitter)

 ‘Anything can be a weapon, Charlotte. Keys. Hairspray. Pens. God gave you fingernails for a reason. Don’t be afraid to use them.’

I listen dutifully. Incorporate the message into my bloodstream until my heart pumps fear.

‘Anything for me, mum?’ my brother asks, donning his coat.

She waggles a finger. ‘You behave yourself.’

He kisses the top of her head. Throws me a wink.

When we leave, he heads off into the night alone, hands in his pockets, whistling. I clutch my keys in my fist. Feel the cold hard truth of their metal. The bite of their teeth.

About the author 

 

Kathleen Latham is an award-winning writer from Massachusetts, USA whose work has appeared in multiple journals and anthologies. Her debut poetry collection, The Ones, was published last October by Kelsay Books. 

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