Page 11 - 1.News and Views Spring 2025 for Jim.
P. 11
Visiting Simon Bowden
Crag-faced Peggy sits in a chair polishing
her dirty spoon and bowl that won’t come clean.
Chirpy Margaret shoots off on her zimmer.
She’s almost blind but has to get back to her mother,
who once lived near. Beside her, frowning Maureen,
feels affronted, snaps “That cup was mine!”
then shouts “I hate you!” I give her a chocolate biscuit.
She beams back, as good as teacher’s pet.
Sightless Russell beckons, holds my arm.
He heard my voice and needs to speak, man to man.
“If they cause you trouble, I can let you have five thousand!”
From his Irish past, we’re menaced by men with guns.
This foggy road is lit up by old tunes
and time unravels in Mr Bean cartoons.
Pamela of the gentle smile is still able to walk.
She shows me the little koalas in her book.
And mum’s forgotten this is where she lives now.
She can hardly swallow, she’s dying, but does she know?
Everyone asks “Where am I? Can I go home?”
This time their childhood will be a happier one!
Come a day, I will leave the souls in this room,
questions unanswered, and never visit again.
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