The pub window has a winter scene painted
across it. White line illustrations of ale and wine
bottles dangle like decorations above a skyline
of a town that looks like the one I’m in.
A four inch snowman stands next to a three storey
house topped with snow dripping
down like icing on a trendy wedding cake.
The house has a door I can picture you closing
to keep the warm air from getting out.
I bet you’re happy in there. It’s nice to imagine
you growing up without a motorbike license,
struggling to fit your latest food delivery
in the freezer, play fighting over the TV remote
with kids you will never meet.

© Carl Burkitt 2022