We were on the border then,
the border of growing up,
alcohol
drugs
career
sex
travel
all discovered
and become practitioner … if not proficient.
A property owning democracy
what one leader ordained our country
a pithy elect me slogan
but
in Western post-colonial capitalism
more come of age than marriage,
or child.
Either could happen by chance
ill or good
but property takes discipline
and application.
Tight
very tight – money
dreams – character bungalow – cottage garden
stippled with sunshine
wood panelling
bay window and leadlights
brick courtyard and trees
roses and planter beds.
Price – possible … just –
if next week’s salary included.
Fees: valuation
legal
loan deposit
mortgage insurance
nothing left
what about structural integrity?
Try the council someone said
the person at the counter said, “ I am a building inspector ”
and
“ we’re regulatory … compliance, not commercial –
you need to hire someone who does.”
It must have been my face…..
…..“your first home?” – Yes
………. what’s the address?”
Orphaned Islands (Un)poetry 