IanG

You caught a plausible situation in a few paragraphs.

This is a good introduction, it raises a big question while plunging us into a difficult situation for the narrator.

When it comes to the rift between mother and daughter, you could describe other differences besides dress sense. Do they disagree over religion or politics? Has mother betrayed father? Perhaps these issues will become apparent later on.

Yes Thomas, this happens to other people. I seldom write out a plan beforehand and I don't always know when inspiration will strike. My stories don't always work out as I thought they might.
Even full time writers can jot down notes, give up on them and come back years later with better ideas of how to develop the idea. Perhaps you'll be able to finish something in the future when you can't see how to now.

I'd have written "there was no escape as the sharks were gaining on him." Please take that as constructive critcism as the basic plot is a good one. Animal lovers will like it.

I'm not an expert on the technical aspects of poetry, but I agree with your sentiments here.

As with the first part, you evoke your characters' emotions well.

You wrote 'load' when you meant 'loud' but that aside its a convincing, well written piece. The declining town and the mismatch between memories and the present are very believable.

You make a good point about people's prejudices against outsiders and anyone who looks different. Let me offer a little constructive criticism.

Hiding from the sun under a large oak reads better than hiding under a large oak from the sun.

If Moss is a plant based life form he should ooze sap not blood as he dies. Perhaps blood is more dramatic but sap is more consistent. Plants drained of sap die just as people drained of blood do.