SUMMER MORNING

First published in June 2005

I wasn’t ready for it - as
a general rule, we don't
do photographs - but your
image falls out of the folder
and there you are, grinning
at me, blue checked shirt,
my neatly-ironed creases
visible across the shoulders.

Behind you, fiery Crocosmia,
white moon daisies, the
washing line. You squint
into the early morning sun,
your confident gaze clearly
of this world, emphasising
your not-hereness. A gasp
escapes me, yet still you smile.