Say Something Back

Item: Say Something Back
Author: WhichBook

Denise Riley

A collection of poems which have been written following the death of Denise Riley's adult son, Jacob. The main theme is of grief and loss and the need for communication with each other and the world around us. The longest poem 'The Part Song' is particularly moving and inspirational.

Extract

Oh my dead son you daft bugger
This is one glum mum. Come home I tell you
And end this tasteless melodrama - quit
Playing dead at all, by now it's well beyond
A joke, but your humour never got cruel
Like this. Give over, you indifferent lad,
Take pity on your two bruised sisters. For
Didn't we love you. As we do. But by now
We're bored with our unproductive love,
And infinitely more bored with your staying dead
Which can hardly interest you much, either.

From A Part Song

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