nilly deen

there is a red door
at the top of a hill
with glass that is stained
and ashy windowsills

birds feel from a cage
treated to a hefty load
the sight is serene
at 49 Wesley Road

appliances dot round kitchen
like beauty and the beast
there's Uncle Ben's in the microwave
Manny's cooking up a feast

James all fluffy at the sink
in evening-onesie kind of mode
and there is school-night stillness
at the crest of Wesley Road

a door shuts, taps drip
Rivers rolls a morning cigarette
Tommy's listens to podcast
on ancient minarettes

keys are fumbled, and a little bell rings
Oboe sussing his abode
all along his watchtower
at 49 Wesley Road

a kettle at the bottom
humidifier at the top
Manny's taken the bike today
as back gate is unlocked

and there is silence and laughter
and (at times) a very cold comode
in Armley's little fortress
of 49 Wesley Road

December 2022 // Leeds, UK