Category: Unexpected

He was the very best friend
infinitely kind
endlessly patient
the sort every first home owner
and IT dunce needs.
Able to replace borer rotten wood
and bugs of the cyber type
would work all day
for dinner and dessert – cooking not his forte.

Single
seemingly confined to perennial bachelorhood
not so much unlucky in love
as luck not interested in love.
He loved women
women liked him
solid and reliable
but
no electricity an unrequited said.

Chance
shapes and forms
to rules applauded by the curve
but known only to chance itself.
At the end of an eternal wait
the girl from almost next door.
Can he bring her to meet us?
Sure is delighted.

Late thirties
slightly rumpled
slightly overweight
sensible hair
boarding school skirt
plain
homely
and nasty. Venomous.

In the neighbourhood
just before year’s end
a new family
young children
noise, enthusiasm and energy.

For Christmas
pleaded from Santa perhaps
a trampoline
they bounce in and out of our lives
the fence an intermittent conversation barrier.

Blue sky equity
from sunwake to dusk
a trio of shareholders
pass greetings, comments and gossip
as they bounce through summer holidays.

One day a broken fence paling
a neighbour enquires to the oscillating children.
They know nothing
and saw less.

The man in that house thought it was you
she tells one.
The seven-year-old springs cautiously
while pondering the identification.

“He might have been lying ”
is offered between ascents
the neighbour, a teacher of 30 years and mother of four
admiring the effrontery
and about to faint with laughter
drops the charges and awards cost to herself.

Much of life’s significance
has already been encountered – in rehearsal
exchanging vows
leaders debates
career interviews.
Practise prepares and desensitises.

No one is rehearsed for this.
Impact
severe injuries
helicopter
Critical Care.

Everywhere
electronic green
and beeping
soft and urgent
hushed
even extra time victory.

I asked the nurse
she said it was a question for the doctor
I tell her I’m middle aged
and have known disappointment
that it is my sister.
She turns away and then back
“ it’s not good.”