Secrets

[addy]

During my second breakdown, when I stalked through the fields
behind my old school, as night descended like a lid
over a tub of cold chicken, interesting image, and for me a good set-up to your Nan and I sought refuge with my Nan,
who arranged a taxi then waited at the door,
she and I shared what we thought were secrets. Good, intriguing line

I told her I was gay and she said “I know”
like a tender confirming the price of a drink. haha, this part reminded me of an old classmate of mine
We hugged and she told a tale of her known,
how as a girl she’d loved a boy who "everybody knew was queer",
effete and unattached as he was.

Surrounded by sedate portraits - one of a rose filled wicker basket,
another depicting dinner on the pier, a woman in a red dress,
two tuxedoed gents and a faceless waiter – cookbooks
and Wilber Smith novels belonging to her late husband, I like how you take in the features of the room... it lets the reader in on the narrator's state of mind without literally having to impart your Nan's story. Your somber, distanced reaction is enough.
I felt cold as her narrative reached its ending. I really love this intentionally vague ending, the tease and the mystery of what you heard and at the same time all the sympathy and focus falling on the narrator. It strikes a great balance

Very nice job as always, Jack