He stands in the window
next to a red teddy bear
and a doll with one arm.
He looks out at the street
as customers limp in
and strut out and he wonders
why all the other houses
on the road are so quiet.
He feels his wings tightening
throughout the day. The word Andy
has completely rubbed out.
At night, the shop sign is no longer
visible and the bricks soften
into a home.

© Carl Burkitt 2021