Gardening Leave

A poem from 2017

Hi, Dave, it’s me, Lorna

I’m wearing your favourite perfume

I know you like it

It’s rather gorgeous, isn’t it?

And this sexy dress

You’d love me in it

Oh, my sweetheart, your hand is cold!

But you look so calm and peaceful

That’s nice

It’s a lovely summer’s day

We’ll go for a walk soon

I’ve had a fairly good day

Work, well I don’t want to bore you with that!

There is a bit of office gossip

Rumours about the boss and his PA

All a bit 1970s

I didn’t think people had affairs with their secretaries any more

I went out for a little walk at lunchtime as it’s so nice

The trees are stunning in the park

The usual kids playing on the swings and roundabouts, parents nattering

Ducks and pigeons hanging around the pond

They seem a bit mafia, if you ask me

“Give me stale bread or I’ll peck you”

I sat down for a bit

That bench we like

Wanted to read a book but couldn’t concentrate

Oh, guess what I’m eating tonight?

Yesterday’s leftover lasagne

Yes, life is that exciting, my darling

Hey, I’ve brought you a CD!

I know you like this one

I’ll put it on for you in a bit

That’ll cheer you up

John’s coming to see you later

I do love you so, Dave!

I wish I knew you could hear me

I wish I knew you were still in there

It’s been three weeks now

I… oh, Dave.. I miss you so much

I will be strong

We’re all rooting for you

It won’t be long now I’m sure

Did your eyes just flicker, Dave?

Did they?

Flicker them if you can hear me

Oh, flicker them

Squeeze my hand, my darling

My darling

Please