Woodchip

According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member…

Woodchip

He picks at the woodchip
at the bottom of the stairs
Thinking: so what if I die?
Nobody cares

Was it my Christmas jumper
I went up to find?
Or, was I still looking
for where I last left my mind?

He picks at the woodchip
at the bottom of the stairs
Thinking, so what if I die?
Nobody cares

My carer is due!
…Or has she just been?
I can’t quite remember
when last she was seen

He picks at the woodchip
at the bottom of the stairs
Thinking, so what if I die?
Nobody cares

She’s got a nice file…
I think I mean smile
She’s so merry flushed…
I think I mean rushed!

He picks at the woodchip
at the bottom of the stairs
Thinking, so what if I die?
Nobody cares

My netface! Neckchase! Necklace!
With a button to press!
He taps at his chest
But, there, it no longer rests

He picks at the woodchip
at the bottom of the stairs
Thinking, so what if I die?
Nobody cares

Tap, tap, tap  tap. Code Morse!
He thinks  back to being a kid
And secret codes they used
To reveal where they all hid!

There’s no woodchip left to pick
at the bottom of the stairs
As he remembers the kid
And the people who once cared

But, the people are now leaving
They slowly walk away
As night time comes too early
On a bright, fresh winter’s day

Tap, tap, tap, ta…

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