Invasive Species Maria Cohut

Maria Cohut

Invasive Species

It’s how they look at you - in class, on buses, at the letting agent’s - the frowns as you let out the words and your accent won’t settle - a wild cat, braver than you despite years of polite conversation.

You used to feel safe in the remoteness of this language, unburdened by shame - the homes and hollows of your elders. It’s the stares that wall you up now, your rolling Rs the curse of generations.

You have come to see it, your enormous guilt - how you have brought respectability into disrepair.