Category: Before the Rain

I would like to say I figured it out –
first principles,
evidence,
deduction,
conclusion. But I didn’t.

Mike said, “ thanks for the refractometer ”
and
“wouldn’t mind using it next time.”
Then winked.
Penny dropping –
payout on a poker machine …. coins tumbling everywhere.

The balance of the universe : reparation
night / day
frost / sunshine
winter / summer
gotcha / tip off.

He told me about the small pickup –
the only diesel vehicle in the fleet.
Written on the key
and the tank …. “but …”
Said I might find myself using it …. needing fuel. I did.

To the Good is a sequel to Fine Print– posted Feb 8, 2017

Mea culpa …. I didn’t ask,
didn’t think to ask,
didn’t even think about, thinking about asking.

The refractometer was heavy in my hand
dense
solid
precise … and one touch responsive –
the doors of a fine automobile, or expensive dwelling.

Recording sugar levels of just orphaned fruit –
a real task,
with a real instrument.
So unlike the tired practicals
and toy devices of university.

“ Any chance ……”
new, eager to belong – “sure.”

The first time : a head nodded at the sign.
After use equipment must be cleaned
and
returned to from where it was collected.
I did. And did.

Next time.
“No.”
“No”– coiled and waiting –
a cat for a bird, a dog for the mail man.
The lab technician said it had been returned late –
said I hadn’t returned it when I said I would.
I had …. but had on loaned it to someone …. from the other side.

Fine Print is a sequel to Declare – posted Feb 6, 2017

Upbringing was catholic. And Catholic –
two parents. One bed. Zero deviation
adultery an evil,
divorce infinitely more sinful than murder.
Divorce. I didn’t know anyone who was until aged 19….
didn’t know about two homes
about split holidays
about division.
Division of property, assets and friends.
Especially friends – whose side are you on?

It was the opposite to divorce. And precisely the same.
A forced amalgamation, of two workplaces
each a mirror of their leader
each expecting to be paramount.

1) Competent, meticulous and unworldly.
2) Utilitarian, empirical and wily.

No contest.
Streetwise seizes power. Carnivorously.

I am assigned an office in the carcass
three years dead
but,
when I walk down the corridor – whose side are you on?