Donkey

The donkey on your postcard
escaped into a field
next to the 10:25 Plymouth to Totnes
travelling backwards
bright winter sun slung low

The walk from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth
was bitter
with wind
at first
but later settled
You wouldn't believe it was January


~ ~ ~


Her name is Alice
I like her
Her correct spelling is Alys
I like that, too

Unfortunately, she lives in la-la land
I talk about recent events
and she skips like Peter Pan
pretends she hasn't noticed
She lies to me
and I don't like it


~ ~ ~


My grandfather gave me a clock
so I took it to pieces
to see what made it tick
He was upset
wanted me to put it back together
but that was impossible
His ticker stopped 32 years ago



~ ~ ~