Sea
You made me the sea-
trapped behind two toilet rolls
encaged in a deconstructed Cornflake’s box
smothered with pink face paint and smattered with
twinkling glitters.
When I peered inside I was
transported to Mullaghmore.
Swarming waves smashed up against the rocks
like tortured bees forgoing all;
protecting their queen.
Consumed by the warmth of your heart
the nimbleness of your fingers,
I almost forgot to look under the bed-
where your store bought gift lay-
open and abandoned.
Therein lay the disappointment.
Now, the cat scratches at your cardboard when he needs to go outside.
You made me the sea,
But I’m not that strong.
Orla McArt is and English and history teacher on the west coast of Ireland. She is passionate about poetry, creative fiction and photography.