The lady in red lives in a distant land
and only sees me on occasion
brings jollity colour and a sense of humour
to every family celebration
Walks to work, has Wednesdays off, loves her job.
Her wardrobe isn’t trendy, but she knows how to dress
not in torpid tartan trouser suits (Mum…)
Throws the best parties. Knows how to have a good time.
Gives the best presents. Knows exactly what to buy.
Built a quite big house for her quite big life,
and it always has clean bedding
and clear surfaces
and cream carpets
and light.
The way her house can keep a guest
makes ours look like a pig sty.
She has a degree in catering, but doesn’t know how to cook -
didn’t realise you could make a quiche at home.
Always hand-washes everything before it goes in the dishwasher.
Starting your career at Sainsbury’s does that to you.
Makes lists, and more lists, and lists of what she’s got lists of.
But still leaves things behind.
When I am fifty
I’ll walk to work in a big red coat.
Just like her.
