When he first arrived in England,
Jozef K felt like a single whole pea
in a blob of mushy peas.
It is difficult to be surrounded
by squashed masses.
I wonder if his mother,
writing from the native land,
reminded him to be grateful:
“Be grateful for the mushy peas
as they’re full of opportunities.”
It is scary to be mushed,
let your insides out
have vinegar poured all over.
But Joseph C made his mother proud.
Jealous of his bravery,
I remain unmashed
making fish & chips uncomfortable.
by Inga Piotrowska
Inga Piotrowska is a Polish poet and translator currently living in Manchester, UK. Her first poetry book was published in Poland in 2018. Her English poetry was chosen to be published in harana poetry, Wild Roof Journal, Eye to the Telescope and Thimble Literary Magazine. She likes to explore the themes of family relationships, identity, and spirit.
