Leaving

 

We have to leave the smell in the hall.

We can’t pack the bumpy wallpaper

Or the way the back door squeaks

When you lean on it.

We can’t take the neighbours,

Or their cakes,

Or the closeness of the church bells

That ding dong their wedding song

On sunny Saturdays.

 

We have to leave the sunshine that

Joins me on my pillow before school.

We can’t bring the corner garden wind

And the way it sneaks passed the bbq (we have to leave)

And into the kitchen (we have to leave)

To tell us our sausages are ready.

“Love we have to leave!”

Mum’s voice bounces off the ceiling

For the last time.

We have to leave.

I leave my breathe in the walls

And sigh goodbye to the house

That will stay in my bones.

 

(Published The Dirigible Balloon)