The Bridgegame Gang

Rain all day, spotting the curtain

and spitting in sideways through a slit in a window 

for the lady in the chalky blouse with the brimmed hat life doesn't get better

catching drops of time

crumpled Miss Demeanour

who hasn't said a word since she sat down

had to take the bus

Sunshine, in the smile of the Duchess of Durian Coast, and not just the way the sides of her mouth curl up like the raincatcher's hat,

But in her curves when she sits

where her chair doesn't complain

but accommodates her shape

as if she's made a statement by entering our lives

and the lines beside her eyes that hint "exhaustion?"

 no that couldn't be

She's too careful to have lived wild

but too youthful to slow down

yet every part of her demands attention

Joining the bridge game late

easy, fusspot faye, with her own deck of cards

always with a theme

this weekend: hummingbirds of the great outdoors

and even with arthritis in her voice

she'll happily talk your ear off

about how her grandson returned from the war

then show you his congressional medal of honour

for the 19th time

and down under a wet floorboard

a mouse with a handbag, all packed in the cheeks

a trunk full of memories

and a belly full of cheese

back to his hole-in-the-wall

a mansion, really

if you live small

says "I'll be home soon.. now what'd I do with my keys?"