Remember to take your inhaler

I know we always said
we would never leave our cottage by the beach
we agreed it was here we'd grow old,
buy a fishing boat and sell kippers at the market
but I have to think of my career.

The couple that have put in an offer for the cottage seemed delighted
and I am sure we will not be staying too long
with my parents in Greenwich.
I just need time to find my feet.

When you say there will be nothing to do
I think it is just the fear of change.
You will miss walking Patch and Bernie
but the city is no place for dogs
and I am sure you will still email

your friends from Book Club.
But this is a new start for us.
Seasides are for holidays
not somewhere to live.
We are not teenagers anymore
and you can buy seafood sandwiches
in Marks and Spencers.