1.Back to Back

 

In the still of the night

Lying in bed, back to back

You are facing West

And I am facing East

 

All the years together

Kids grown up and gone away

Together still in mind and heart

But lying here poles apart

 

Memories of when we’d face each other

Recount the day, share our thoughts

When did we become just good friends

Lying here like silent book-ends

 

When did it all change

When did we stop sharing and loving

When did that physical spark die out

Just how did that come about

 

Now we lie here with our own inner thoughts

Memories only of the distant past

Why are we quietly lying here

So far away yet also so near

You are facing West and I am facing East

2.Toast

 

This is tricky.

One foot wrong and I’m dead.

Blown to Kingdom come.

 

All those around me,

Relying on my every tread,

Or we’ll all be blasted into body parts.

 

Keeping my balance.

On the uneven surface below.

Watching my every step

 

Eyes wide open.

Keeping my wits about me.

Assessing the lethal path that lies ahead.

 

Left foot forward.

Gently pressing down.

Breathing a huge sigh of relief.

 

Gingerly probing with my right.

Sweat upon my brow.

Heart pounding, tightness across my chest.

 

Uh Oh.  Sharp intake of breath.  Disaster.

I’m sorry everyone, I think we’re all toast now.

I landed on a crack in the pavement.  Game over.