Meeting for Worship

The cowl on the chimney flue swivels in the wind

as if scanning for hostile objects.

Hard and presbyterian,

beside it, the original squat masonry stack.

*

“You should write something about the dog.”

*

Stars prick out.

*

Music travels into the breeze block cottage

where a painting of the Duomo

hangs above an electric fire.

Lots of “fucks”.

The music is killed off after ten.

*

A secret walled garden

bound by seashells and mossed concrete,

ruled over by a strapping rose.

*

At the centre of the world,

a single blue iris with yellow landing strips,

and a knobbly peach rose, with a lichen-covered heart...