My hand trembling
trying to keep a straight face

drawing a seam
down the back of each of my Auntie’s legs

“Keep it straight…keep it straight! ”
she’d shriek

(giggle as it tickled)

I became quite an expert
at it.

Looking over her shoulder
coquettishly

her heavily mascaraed eyes
eying my handiwork
in the mottled mirror.

Her mouth
a perfect pout

a thread of crimson
squealing:

“Good man…good man
my lovely little man! ”

“Perfect job! ”

And then off we go
to Church

& pray to
God.

Dónall Dempsey

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/seams-nay-tis-not-seams-madam-it-is-for-auntie-nellie/