AFTER MASS

 

After Mass                                                                                                    

you would walk us

to the newsagent

in your Sunday best

with waistcoat,

watch chain

and monogrammed

umbrella.

 

As you chatted

over the papers

Sunday Times

with News of the World

hidden inside

we each chose a gift.

 

I remember the tap

of umbrella on pavement

returning home for lunch

how you raised your hat

to greet each passer by

the twinkle in your eye

 

The gentle wheeze

of your breath

as we danced beside you

a flush of contentment

spreading rapidly

across your cheeks.

 

From the collection 'Hiding in Shadows' by David Subacchi, Cestrian Press 2014. 'After Mass' first published by Poetry Scotland Open Mouse 3 December 2012. (c) David Subacchi.