Category: Love

After 10 days silence
the letter is just confirmation
rubber stamp to disappointment.
“Thank you ..
unfortunately
the calibre of applicants
we wish you …”  Did they?

Found by chance –
not going to read, read situations vacant.
Yes! Exactly what choice would choose.
Intuition thought it had done it
CLOSE,
a photo finish – nose in front.

Day 1-3 : Post contest relaxation.
Day 4 : Countdown.
Day 5 & 6 : Standby
Day 7 : Perhaps???
Day 8 : Damn.
Day 9 : Shit.
Day 10 : Fuck!!
Day 11 : If only

Disappointment takes to the road
by bike
despair fails to notice …..

He came to the counter slowly
wore green overalls
smelled of oil and competence
offered no greeting or platitude. Craftsmen’s eyes measured
tool worn hands palpate.
“I can do that now.”
He replaced the spokes,
straightened the rim,
looked at me for the first time – taking me in –
“that’s ……
“there’s no charge.”

It’s almost always possible to pick the person in charge, even when
looking incongruous
out of place
and bedecked with soft toys.

Woodsman forearms,
solid and
tattooed
shoulders and chest of a professional footballer
voice deep and pack a day.
This man works for a living –
he looked fancy dressed, bedecked with soft toys –

“There ya go mate – for ya wee girl.”

My brother never did diplomacy
and this was no different.
But he didn’t mean offence either
and none was taken
his cheerful gruffness, endearing, and aside pushing
neutrality the result – always.
“ It’s okay pal, she’s got plenty of toys, give it to someone who needs it.”

The big guy said, 
“ mate I’d really appreciate it if you’d take it,
that way all the kids get one
and nobody feels poor.”

We were both surprised
you’ll be lucky said the agent
Christmas eve ….. “must have been a cancellation.”

In the arrivals hall my mother was delighted
truth knew it was about yesterday, not today
the birth of a grandchild – her second.

We swung by the hospital
sister –in – law and new neice – brand new
quiet
very quiet
only, hours old babies and first-time mothers.
And
a group of burly men
uncorporate, untailored, unairbrushed
panel beaters
builders
mechanics
working men
skipping the Christmas booze up
to deliver soft new toys
to soft new arrivals.