by Debbi Voisey
I remember your feet coming from me; the first thing I saw. And your screams and your crumpled face.
A breech birth, and ever after, different to everyone.
I remember your feet, going to class in sturdy brown shoes, and your singing and your smiling face.
A bright girl; my shining light. Different to everyone.
I remember your feet dirty and bare, as we huddled in the boat, and your crying and the fear on your face.
Be brave girl. On this journey we’re no different to anyone.
I remember your feet thrashing in water; cries all around. And your screaming and the waves on your face.
Swim girl, like I taught you. We’ll stick close to everyone.
I remember your feet poking out from the blanket, a strange shape on the shore. And my wailing at your white lifeless face.
You were my girl, my life, no different than anyone.
© Debbi Voisey
Debbi Voisey has stories in print and online in several places and is Pushcart and Best Micro Fictions nominated. She had two novellas-in-flash published in 2021, Only About Love, and The 10:25. Her novel, In the Dark, was published in 2025 by Bloodhound Books.
Find out more on debbivoisey.co.uk, Facebook, X, BlueSky or Instagram.
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