The World’s Yer Lobster

The World’s Yer Lobster
by Cat Cochrane

So whit noo,
efter the thrill ae graduation
and aw ma exams done and dusted?

Ma Gramps says the world’s ma lobster
—but the hing is, am no ready tae leave school,
why wid ah want tae?

Ah mean, it’s right roon the coarner
fae ma hoose and it’s no been
a worst state ae affairs fallin ootae bed
intae reggie class fur the past six year

Me and Gramps, wurr like pinkies roon a wishbone,
says am full ae East End promise
and noo is ma time tae take part in the world,
tae make ma big mark

He tries tae keep me
oan the straight and narra,
says at least nooadays they dinnae look
at yer surname and the school ye went tae
before knockin ye back fur a joab

Ah mean, am sound as a pound
wae a good hert
—Ah wid employ me if Ah wis me
but am at a crossroads,
decidin ma next move
and these hings cannae be rushed, know?

Ma bezzie wants tae go oan Love Island,
she’s goat four hunner followers oan TikTok
and hinks she’s the absolute bee’s knees

But you and me know it takes merr
than a cute bahookie and hauf ae young Shettleston
knowin yer business tae make it oan the telly

Am roon at Gramps the day,
ma first day efter leavin school,
tells me tae leave ma phone oan the ledge
and get a t-shirt oan so the sun can see ma erms

He hauns me doon aw these wee wisdoms
and ma happiness comes fae hearin him
whistlin in the kitchen
when he’s choppin onions like a boss,
even though it does ma heid in

He’s goat his auld records oan loud
wae the windaes wide open
as if tae mark the start ae new beginnins

Ah tells him Jimmy fae the market
is lookin fur an assistant er the summer,
Jimmy wae the Fresh Fish caravan?
he smiles wae a big cheeser
There ye go, hen, Gramps says,
the world IS yer lobster