Culshaw

Minus the Wife and Dog

 

MINUS THE WIFE AND DOG

 

When his dog died he walked alone

again. He picked up his coat off

the peg hook and opened

 

the front door to let the sun shine

on his door mat. Dust danced

in the light as he walked out

his feet tapping the morning sky.

 

He carried a dog lead in one pocket,

and a lock of his wife’s hair in the other.

The gate was ajar then he pulled at it,

heard the metal argue with the floor.

 

His mouth became whistle shaped

released the words that were lost

in his brain.