She's going out

[Savvi]

You wipe lipstick
from your teeth
with a finger toothbrush,
I watch ash confetti
fall slowly in to the hearth,
snow flakes on a coal fire.

You lean forward
to slide on a red shoe
that was polished clean,
with spit from a dry mouth.

You smooth yourself thin
by breathing in,
the mirror above the mantle piece
watches your mouth hold a smile
but reflections won't let it be happy,
it falls back too quickly
to anxious.

You'll be alright ?
you ask like a statement
and I sigh and draw out a yes
so you think I will be.

Later when the door light
slices the two dark halves
of my bedroom,
you'll whisper loudly
he's asleep
and the second stair tread
will creak twice
as you touch my hair.

In the morning
we'll pour quiet milk on bland cereal,
you'll carry your mothers guilt
while I try to sew fresh flowers
back on to your dressing gown.

At supper time
you'll say we're alright
but it's really a question
and I'll sigh and draw out a yes
so you'll think I don't care.