REALITY CHECK

First published in August 2014

I lost an earring in Amsterdam,
one minute there it was
silver in the sun
then gone
taking the shine off canals
tulips, coffee shops.

I mourned its loss
after all, the globes
were a present
one of the first from you
just perfect, like little lights
switched on
by every movement.

Never mind, you said.
Can’t be helped – was that
one we found under the duvet
once before? No such luck
this time. I needed a kiss.

The following day’s headline
complete with photograph
orange jumpsuit
raised silver blade
put the lost earring
into perspective.