Subjectivity by Laura Webb

I liked the way you said Battle of the Boyne
and how you knew who the relevant Kings were
and how when you pronounced their names
they came out of your mouth in italics.

And I liked how Drogheda was twinned with Salinas
in California, and told you about María of the same name
and how she was one of the most loyal friends
to Catherine of Aragon whilst she waited for Henry to love her

or so history records. And on nights like this
I like to think of all the twin towns out under their various
moons, communicating in secret tones, attending
language schools, and of Drogheda seen from space,

much the same as Drogheda seen from space
four hundred years ago, should anyone have noticed.

From: https://www.poetryireland.ie/publications/poetry-ireland-review/online-archive/view/subjectivity

Date: 2017

By: Laura Webb (19??- )