Hanoi

Sitting in the lounge with tea, biscuits and
Bargain Hunt; late morning. Noise at the door.
Who is that? Sudden hoodie in their midst:
Give us your car keys. No time for options.
Sitting stunned as the money changes hands
And the car drives away. One o’clock news.
He walks the sofa back to get the phone,
Her eyes drip in violated silence.

They didn’t want it back, and sit alone
Together. Go out together in the
New car. The loved old one no longer loved.
Deadlocks front and back can’t prevent deadlock.
Blinds shut, volume lower, tea and biscuits;
Three hundred pounds being spent every day.