Buying Winkles

Question 1

Stanza 1 (Buying Winkles)

Answer 1

My mother would spare me sixpence and say, ‘Hurry up now and don’t be talking to strange men on the way.’

-the winkles would be wet and glisten blue like little night skies themselves. I’d hold the tanner tight and jump every crack in the pavement,

Question 2

Stanza 2 (Buying Winkles)

Answer 2

they’d leak the smell of men together with drink and I’d see light in golden mirrors. I envied each soul in the hot interior.

Question 3

Stanza 3 (Buying Winkles)

Answer 3

I’d ask her again to show me the right way to do it.

‘Open the eyelid. So. Stick it in till you feel a grip, then slither him out. Gently, mind.’

‘Tell yer Ma I picked them fresh this morning.’

Question 4

Stanza 4 (Buying Winkles)

Answer 4

I’d bear the newspaper twists bulging fat with winkles proudly home, like torches.