Whilst you were out the kittens kept asking about you — miau, miau, miau The house held its breath the Buddha waited patiently but my father asked after you wondered what you’d done with his cups (I had stored them) — but it wasn’t blame Whilst you were out the bed remained unmade resting how we rested together and the man of Fordlândia played for a straight dozen pairs of ears not a baker’s dozen as usual Whilst you were out I pushed and heaved and bent and stretched thinking it’s something we should do Whilst you were out I wondered why my heart softens in your absence when your footsteps I shall hear and those smiling eyes, curling lips, long flowing strands of hair my spirit will once again grace Whilst you were out I missed you, though I don’t often tell you so 31-XII-2016