Counting the change hoping to make sense
the clatter of copper as coin hits coin
a constant metallic taunt of coming up short
wish for the beautiful folded silence of paper
Decisions of necessity looking in a cupboard
portions estimated, ingredients to substitute
planning for a lunch box and subsistence supper
minimal existence working for minimum wage
Cold nose and numb feet two ends of shivering body
temptation to turn on heating is numbly resisted
unopened gas bill can’t be hidden from the mind
residing in the cupboard, no skeleton just a monster
Waiting with Leap card as another full bus passes
time does not tick but digitally slides into tardiness
five minutes late is a quarter hour deducted
and the first drops of rain wash the hope away.
– CIARAN BURKE
