Further details of loss
Further details of loss
Written by Seni Senevirante
(Reasonably priced family home. Parents deceased. No chain)1940's semi detached home, located
at the quiet end of the road,
over the hill from the noisy end.
A front porch of glass and brick construction,
for a mother who hated draughts,
part double glazed by a DIY father, who economised.
His home made cupboards have made way
for modern wall and base units in a kitchen
that was always too small for a mother,
who squeezed herself between washing machine and oven
to sift and blend, baste and mash, chop and fry
three meals a day; apple pie and cake at weekends.
The lounge, always known as the front room, is measured
into original, leaded, stained glass, half bay window,
once a picture book for sick children in bed downstairs.
The original, wood surround fireplace listens alone now;
comforts itself with memories of the duster's caress
in this aching room, filled with the sighs of a widow.
The dining room clings on to happier memories
of Christmas and anniversary family meals,
kept safe in a corner of the built-in cupboard,
once crammed with dusters, tins and games
that tumbled out of its carefully opened door.
A full frame window searches the garden
for a child, smiling, ankles crossed, on a rusty swing.