Chasing the dream

[‘Help to find your new home’ TV presenter  – ‘What are your desires/requirements?]

Immaculate decor – which I’ll probably change,
modern appliances, and an old cooking range,
an old cottage feel, but the room-plan new,
quick city access, but a country view,
a shop and a pub on the village street,
a study, 3 bedrooms (one with ensuite),
space to give parties, entertain and prepare,
and a place for large freezers for everyday fare,
a garden spacious, but neighbours near us
(not too near, to watch us and hear us) …

Try this – Oh, no, it’s not got a …
Try this – I don’t like the garden …
Try this – far too expensive …

… at long last we’ve found it,
now it's hard to get round it!
his joints have got creaky,
my chest’s tight, and squeaky –

best look for a bungalow small, we sigh,
with some of our children living close by
– a temporary home, for now before long,
from here we’ll pass on, our dreams will be gone.

[Poetry Monthly: based on lists]