~
I am woken
to your rhythmic night noises,
an alternating lilt between
inhale and exhale,
that puts me in mind of the
hushed attention accorded
to the Saturday teatime
football results presenter,
East Fife four Forfar five
in a melodic singsong grumble
annoying and reassuring
in equal measure, vying for
a hard-fought score-draw
only defeated in extra time
as you self-wake, then
a dissatisfied crackle akin to
the crumpled coupon
striking the back of the grate
and bursting into flames
*
© Graham R Sherwood 11/23
grahamrichardsherwood.co.uk 