I lost heart in family life long ago
It always sets me floundering against a current,
unsure of how to play my part.

I offer an arm to a neighbour
Whose daughter raised your
Straight-backed golden boy.

I listen to her backward-looking stories,
Feel her isolation
Like a forwarning of things to come.

You, my dear, are becoming leaner.
Your footfall on the stairs is quicker.
The bones in your face show the shape of you.
You talk of hunger and hunting.

I want to **** reassurance from you like a syringe.
Singe you name into my skin.
Freeze your love alongside too abundant vegetables.
Put you down, so you are wounded and needy.
Pin you to my heart
Like a brooch found in a park somewhere
Trampled by many feet.
Out on too many rainy nights
To refuse a good rescue when it sees one.