2008

Like my (gently) rubbing

of your wet face.

Like my brushing of your dry teeth:

I seem to prove an annoying

but improving

ex-foliating daily chore. 

 

2018

You stand aghast as I

rail down the 'phone

(on your behalf)

for those absent cheques.

 

You look askance as I query the bill

for the meal that you've just paid for;

(Or the life that I've arranged

on your behalf)

 

 

2020

But, I watch your up-turning mouth

forgiving with a smile

as I join you at our table.

And, I feel your taloned grip

(in my palm) 

that's fierce in my defence.

 

And, as I hear 

(from a strangers mouth)

of your apparent love for me:

I burn with a silencing ache. 

 

Words and foto  Tommy Carroll

re-edited 2019

Written in 2010