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A Couple Observed

Enda Boyle

That Tuesday evening in November the Italian was half-empty.
Already the restaurant was displaying the first attempt at festive
Cheer. A sad shrub of a tree bent with the weight of too much
Tinsel and gaudy sliver baubles. At a tale table about two feet
Fire exit a middle-aged couple were out for a monthly treat
A negotiation over the house white and a split side of chips.

She sat picking at her linguine, with a look of wearied tolerance
On her face as he rattled off his post-work prattle while scoffing
A BBQ Surprize pizzaseparating large chunks from the crust
Using his knife and fork, for about an hour afterwards they
Continued talking in a strained manner about kids, work
And holidays they would never take, until the taxi came.

What would the mind’s eye see if it could follow them home?
Though the city centre and to a street with large gardens.
Might we see a second bottle of wine waiting at home?
In a living room surrounded by photos of weddings
And graduations, with the television flickering
Sitting together in the silence that gestates tenderness

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