Cold Camden Town,
basement kitchen.
Breath freezing.
Steam rising,

from a coffee cup.

I climb the stairs
of my broken-down house.
Hair disheveled.
Face unshaven.
Legs stiff and unyielding.

The heater has taken

that chill from my room.
Plastic window covering,
crinkles.
Cars move outside.

I place a twelve inch
on the turntable.

Forget Me Nots,

by Patrice Rushen.
It’s for you.

A blast from the past !

Cold Camden Town,
Basement kitchen.
Breath freezing.
Steam rising,
From a coffee cup.

I climb the stairs
Of my broken-down house.
Hair dishevelled.
Face unshaven.
Legs stiff and unyielding.

The heater has taken
That chill from my room.
Plastic window covering,
Crinkles.
Cars move outside.

I place a twelve inch
On the turntable.
Forget Me Nots,
By Patrice Rushen.
It’s for you.