Kathy D’Arcy is a published poet, performer and activist. She is a qualified medical doctor as well as holding a PhD in Creative Writing from UCC. This poem comes from Encounter (Lapwing 2010), her first poetry collection. The collection is available to browse in virtual form at her website – http://www.kathydarcy.com/encounter.html#
Measles
His watch sits on the table
rash-itchy.
My pillowcase and sheets are inside out,
the sour-milk smell of our union
folded away.
I will wrap myself in them
as if I had the measles
and school off tomorrow.
Kathy D’Arcy