Early twilight frost hardening

plangent to imperative;

language learnt to clutch and curve

him clear of sideways currency.

Shadow boxers bob and weave;

hide and seek the scripted fall

softened by linoleum;

the sting of an averted cheek

stained a dark and bitter flame,

discolouring chameleon.

Boiler bubbles, dripping tap,

carol singers, hiss of gas,

brown sideboard, aspidistra;

squeeze a bauble, tear a picture,

pilfer happy thoughts and crush

the unspeakably familiar.