Box

 

Their credo, curb this gutter life,

a VIP is coming by, Daimler drifting,

wafted waving, sighing -

why gracious calmly flutter, slide,

to please these hordes,

flags responding to that side?

 

Strange new fit my corrugations,

secreted stash of old-life snaps,

long ago, perhaps a week,

when she died, and shifted out,

tenancy her name, just the son.

 

Ironic, as a monarchist;

would she have moved me

at the council’s bid -

standing on my recent home,

paved bunting wings to flitter out?

 

She would doubtless disapprove,

layabout should get a job,

no dignity, streets mucking up.

Care for her, employ my due,

love-undertaking till another

took the rôle, me left bereft.

 

They cleared the flat and home

became new slab, street corner stone,

with blanket coverage of press,

independent, sun and star,

guardian of my troubled rest.

 

The bedroom swept, their car passed on,

my plot resumed, though box was

skipped, along with mother’s photograph.

She missed that visit, as did I;

her box undisturbed, mine recycled,

both her life and mine.