now the gemstone party’s over
all the ruby spent streamers,
remind us of past explosions
time to take your hand,
steer you to bed
the covers are ruffled
was it an apology when you said
you never made it
I replied, we came far enough
the domestic knife that cuts into us
should not be an assassin of glamour
for we, as an item
belong on a catwalk stammer honeymoon
we are still beautiful together
don’t you just love the gale moon,
all sticky and sweet
looking back
a daydream, when
the weight gain never got a look in
I was complete with you
those yin and yang moments
we made the same shape in bed
ice-cream talk, under silk spreads,
melted when I noticed wrinkles
got hurt by ageing
don’t ask what I’m thinking, anymore
I don’t mind…that…many casualties found
on the way to ruby.
Dorian Grey would never do it that way
I just laughed
got scared of times quiet and persistent hands
as you held me
I think I caught a glimpse
slipping out the back door
sudden realisation
there goes 20 years love
its all pouring out
shove over your side
'rail monthly' and coca
got used to the ashtray
chain smoker
where’s the curlers?
teas-maid
may as well rise at six
no lie in, traded for dog walks
taught new tricks
don’t need as much sleep, slid
20 years did this
yet
still solid the bond,
just a different one
pebbles, ponds
Sunday park
held the leash skimmed stone
felt beneath the person I was
yet content to let age do its thing
children skipped
their dufflecoat mits all innocent
never touched a thing of it yet
their life, I envy them
and crane to you
wanting comfort, when convenient
you oblige, enduring