you used to tell us about the music you heard

part of short series about my grandmother

you used to tell us about the music you heard

we knew

it was all in your head

but still agreed,

nodded,

told you it was beautiful.

the day you

started stealing

newspapers

from the woman

across the hall

was the beginning 

of the end. 

there was nothing

for us to do

but wait.

outside the rain fell

softly,

steadily.

the birds stopped

coming by

your window.

they too, 

knew.

but the music

still carried on

as loud as

ever.

Reviews

[David Benson]

This slice allows the imagination to wander, and for me I see an old woman suffering from dementia - or possibly Alzheimers. This is a strong vision, and I think it's the kind of work that I'd like to see published.

I definitely like the contrast between the birds and music - a nature vs humanity visual: Nature knows, humans don't care.

Strong. Very strong.