a pool of sunlight spreads
across the wooden floor – whorls,

flecked chains and golden knots emerge
like water creatures floating

over deeper scores – pointed heel,
metal chair leg, tip of an umbrella.

Outside, clouds shift. By a whitewashed cottage
a line of laundry

gives a multi-coloured wave.
When the heating switches on

each drop of sun evaporates in unison –
grain falls into shadow, warmth

replaces light. Somewhere else
the wind lifts up a corner of my life.