ONE LITTLE LIFE LESS

My cat Ellington died on Tuesday, he was a gentle soul. 
I know in this world at this time many people are dying, carried away by virus or violence. Do not think I do not mourn their loss. I do and the inequality in access to resources that cause their deaths.
Every death reduces me.
Here is a poem for Ellington.

at such times as these

not even sleep holds comfort

I alternate between lying awake

and dreams that parade anxieties

so rise without the usual benefits

to sit in a silent kitchen

huddled around a cup of tea

that does not taste

outside the day goes about its business

one little life less

He will be missed.

On Monday I participated in a Zoom poetry workshop organised by Happenstance. It was based on poems from The Deal, the latest book by Annie Fisher.  
I use the guest bedroom as an office. We have not gotten around to redecorating it yet. It is on the list after the dinning room. It is the only room in the house with wall paper. 
One of the prompts in the workshop was to write about a space you knew. 
I produced this:

the title of this room is: man in an impersonal space

note the wall paper, never his choice

and that mirror, too long by far

the bed that has followed him from house to house

the wardrobe arrived with his wife

he never liked it

the carpet will go

along with the wallpaper

one day

the wipeable whiteboard behind his head

is for your comments

but please observe health and safety guidelines

and wash your hands before and after use

Here is Al Stewart.

Until next time.