Au Revoir

Long drawn out doorstep farewells, and dashes indoors
For the dog’s lead – forgotten toy – coat from the back door – a book.
At last, off they go, waving madly. Come again soon!
It’s been brilliant! Go safely!

A calm silence falls
And at once the listening house seems to double in size,
Though the faraway clock, softly chiming, sounds clear as a bell.
Once the laundry is dealt with, the kitchen swept clean,
An unwonted neatness sets in. You can hear yourself think –
There’s work to be done, plans to make and letters to write.
Peace and quiet can be good things. In moderation, of course