“Sound of a human”
The shrill musical alarm interrupts the silence Heralding the start to another cycle of greyness Bones squeak under the scruffy patterned quilt As wasting muscles disembark from the bed Leftover TV dinners strewn across the kitchen bench Await the weekly cleaning lady, my only visitor Today is Tuesday- cleaning day, so I proceed to the shower Washed and dressed I await my guest with a bowl of almost mouldy cereal Of course I wouldn’t admit I am waiting Waiting for a smile, a ‘hello’ and a ‘goodbye’. Joseph, my love, chose heaven ten years ago My children interstate, overseas, outstanding The leaves from the oak crunch under the car’s tyres Footsteps approach soon after, black work shoes I know I let the doorbell ring and slowly walk to the door The door is flung open to ‘Good morning, Mrs Joseph!’ I gruffly mumble a greeting, hiding my smile I settle into the beautiful sound of a human in my house Who am I, Whose am...