Another life

Under house arrest
I bake bread
suggest we go to the pool
soak lentils for sprouting
hear the shower running at midday
iron shirts
deadhead plants
read books horizontally
write love letter ramblings
speak with a disheartened friend
sleep alone
imagine new aubergine leaves
watch the mailman ride past our box
lovingly fold your socks
receive an offering of comb honey
dream up evening meals
defrost milk
plaster my face with yogurt
shower every day
experience powerful waves of missing you
listen to Loreena McKennitt
make the bed
arrange for neighbours to post mail
mix olive oil with garlic
and wonder why it tastes different
witness Lucy’s pleasure at having us here
feed the goldfish every two days
dress fully even when it’s hot
don’t need reminders of you
recognise the bittersweet nature of this love.

January 2000

Photograph/Liz March