Ranked

Once, while in bed with flu
I made a list
of all my friends
and worked out who I liked best.

I discovered I had forty eight friends
a number I was happy with
as it split perfectly
into four divisions
of twelve.
Maybe one day the number of teams
in each league will increase
if I network.

I rewrite the leagues every Sunday
my notebook is hidden on a bookshelf
between Hard Times and a Guide
to Russian Grammar.

Sometimes when I see a friend in the street
I will think to myself
Sixth in Division Two.
Those who make excuses and leave
when I talk to them
soon find themselves threatened
with relegation.

My friend Eddie lost his place in Division Four
when he did not return my phone-call
at the weekend.
His place was taken by Naomi
a girl who works at Woolworths
that I met at a party.
She went straight into Division One.

When you found the notebook
you were disgusted.
That night we slept in different beds.
I tried to explain that although you were
only in Division Two
you had every chance
of promotion.