To the balcony

I am about to put the house keys through my own front door.

In doing so it won't be my house any more

but I stop myself and decide to have one last look around

disguising it as checking for a mislaid ornament

a picture still hanging on the wall

a pair of trainers left out on the balcony to dry

who knows how many months ago.

People always have far too many books

or not nearly enough books.

No-one ever gets used to moving house

or driving past somewhere you used to live

or ringing on the doorbell

instead of just letting yourself in.