Young Widow

 

                          Life stood still

                          Behind a cart in a market.

                          She spoke of now with friends.

                          Of children sent off to school

                          And the cleaning of jeans.

 

                          Once a sociology major,

                          Master of the washing machine

                          And the ladies’ auxiliary

                          Post graduate in soap operas,

                          She smoked a pack a day.

 

                          Secluded within a house of memories

                          Behind a wall of whispers,

                          She has disappeared into the legend

                          Eyes unclouded, not comprehending

                          Aware of long days ahead.

 

 

 

                                                           Jack Mashman

                                                           1986