rain
floundering through the labyrinth
the hostile environment
after months
the benefits interview
arrived
the lady was nice enough
but the grilling
was gruelling
my disabilities laid bare
each question
uncovering
exposing
unpleasant truths
my brave face slipped off
as I left
rain lashed down
diagonal drenching
the nadir
all mixed
with tears
a hollow laugh
at the cliche
Pic by Mike Barr
HC: 2020