I would look at houses
on American TV shows
and get excited when
the number on the door
would be over a thousand.
I’d think about the possibilities
behind each one, the different
smells tumbling out of that many
kitchens, the families looking
out for each other, the endless
wallpaper designs, the music
made and played, the popcorn
and movie nights, the high-fives,
the lifting up and listening.
Now I just shudder at the thought
of the street’s WhatsApp group.

© Carl Burkitt 2022