Paul

He studied outdoors on sunbright days
under a Cherry bloom awning,
listening to his transistor.
Lifting his head when she brought
him a fruit juice drink
he looked at her quizically
as if to say
Shall I tell her now?

She gave him a kettle and cutlery
for his bedsit
when he departed for College
but somehow couldnt throw out
a toy hammer from his old toolset.

He bought her a cordless phone
to take to the garden.
She sits breathing yellow Broom scent.
When he calls asking 'Anything new?'
the air is heavy with what is between them.

From: Catching Breath Ed.: Brendan Hamill, Glandore Pubishing 2001 page 32