Drub betas on the roof, fingers tapping the tiles.
I peer outside, past two windows.
It's pissing it down.

My room is covered with someone else's boxes and belongings.
My own things contained on one lonely round table.
"I just want to get everything put away before Friday."

Bags of rubbish surround the bin,
"What should I do with this Mr?"
"Put it in the bin, it's all rubbish."
Soon the floor is covered in papers.

Isle after isle of the same thing,
73 kinds of chocolate - all of the contain nuts.
37 varieties of washing powder.
Buy one get one free.

World Strongest Man:
1985.

Friday night television.

Excited children walking down the street;
Teachers on the look out;
What for?
The children are too excited to notice.

Silhouette of the leaded window on the wall.

Golden sunlight.

Curtains glowing.  

Sweet, sticky, onion coating,
Hot from the toaster,
I spread on the butter and cream cheese,
What now?

Gazing out of the window once more,
Orange light glows on the window frame
Agitated trees reflected in the neighbours patio door.

I smash the ice cubes on the table,
Tip them into the glass,
Pour in the juice.
Now.

Smash!
Shooting pain through my face.
What happened?
Hit by a door.
Could be worse. . . .

Uncomfortable seats, row after row.

Officials isolated behind glass.

Scant comfort offered by the hot drinks machine.

How much longer? 

I am surrounded by papers and Post-It notes,

Plastic wallets waiting to be filled.

Dinner is almost ready.

Three red buds in the distance:

Balancing on a green totem, 

Steady in the breeze.

Nestled in a purple blanket, 

Deep coco smell, 

Teeth crack through the outer layer,

Soft, sweet centre.

July Small Stones

Wafts of apple fruitiness.
Air freshener?
That smell shouldn't be here.