shot glass
title
"... brevity is the soul of wit ..."
- William Shakespeare

Bio


Mark McDonnell lives in Staffordshire, England where he teaches in a high school. He was recently shortlisted for the 2017 TLS Mick Imlah Poetry Prize. His poetry has appeared in Snakeskin Poetry and will be featured shortly in Measure. He was a finalist in the 2016 Eratosphere Sonnet Bake-Off.


Mark McDonnell


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Hulk

Curtains drawn — just me, the convex screen,
our carpet where I'd hug my knees and sit
for Lou Ferrigno, loose and glowing green.
The visits had become routine - the ward,
the snorting drinks machine. Her hand.
One afternoon, I didn't go, felt bored
and put-upon, embarrassed to admit
that it was Hulk-time. Mum would understand.

She died that day. And still, beneath my skin,
I feel the raging spirit that dwells within.