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