(for Kellie Jones, born 16 May 1959)
 

Lately, I've become accustomed to the way 
The ground opens up and envelopes me 
Each time I go out to walk the dog. 
Or the broad edged silly music the wind 
Makes when I run for a bus . . . 

Things have come to that. 

And now, each night I count the stars, 
And each night I get the same number. 
And when they will not come to be counted, 
I count the holes they leave. 

Nobody sings anymore. 

And then last night, I tiptoed up 
To my daughter's room and heard her 
Talking to someone, and when I opened 
The door, there was no one there . . . 
Only she on her knees, peeking into 

Her own clasped hands.