Hear No Evil (I.P.)

Picks her way through the debris;
a long overdue facelift – courtesy
of the council. Empty paint cans,
filthy dustsheets. Who was she
to dare complain?

Kneels down; strokes the cat,
unties her apron strings. Glances
through the window at the moon...
somewhere she’d like to be right now.
Since this morning, anyway...

Woke up late; the alarm clock on the blink,
or so she thought. Transpired, overnight,
she’d suddenly gone deaf. Medics said
it might pass in a day or two; if not
they’d run some tests. The devil they would!
She’d a phobia of hospitals, since her Frank,
unexpectedly, pegged out in one.

Fingers a brand new LP – the latest
by the Stones. She’d give anything
to hear it right now. Makes do
with a roll-up instead.

Looking on the bright side, this was
a blessing in disguise; at least the workmen
couldn’t get on her nerves no more.
“Two sugars, love...please!” ringing
in her ears – deaf or not.

Stubs out her cigarette; gets a breath
of fresh air in the yard with its awe-inspiring
view. Four factory stacks spewing smoke;
clothes on the line, cavorting with the breeze...

Even these looked good tonight. Funny –
how much in life we take for granted.
Could be worse, she supposed;
her shadow humming a tune.