‘la chambre haute’

‘ve not written much lately – it’s hard to create when behind one there’s the insistent tap tap tapping of the gallows. Anyhow enough of that – here’s a first draft quickie – oo err matron! 🙂

I glimpsed her often
holding a palm of seed
for birds to feed
I never saw her face
just the outstretched hand

she had a pulley line
fixed to a towering elm
to hang her washing
the pulley squeaked
I oiled it surreptitiously

I imagined her smiling
always smiling
chiding her ginger cat
with laughter
for scratching the furniture

she lived above me
always alone
always singing
always happy
I never saw her face

I did not try to speak to her
nor want to be  
her lover or marry her –
she would make me happy

I would spoil her life.