Poetry by Mary Bradley

TWO REDHEADS REMEMBERED

Robyn at school -

a preliminary

Burne-Jones sketch,

her hair a wiry tangle

of chestnut strands

bird-nesting around a freckled face.

Dark eyed Lorraine

in contrast

a bold Modigliani

her layered cap of sheeted copper

auburn firing

in the morning sun.

Two red warnings.

Pubescent boys took note.

Kept their distance.

Panted instead,

like puppies,

after the soft cream of blondes.

© Mary Bradley