Harried Life

Sarah Standage

With apologies to Elizabeth Daryush (‘Still Life’)

Through the patio doors the dull sky casts a shadow on the messy table, strewn with newspapers, cutlery, and plates for four, a vase with forgotten roses, odd mugs and wizened apples in a bowl, white sliced toast and a tub of margarine, a pot of tea – no need for a strainer with teabags – and four mobiles blinking weather reports and latest news. She rushes up the path with the empty compost bin feeling her life is a mess and no sooner has she sorted one thing than another problem surfaces. She worries about the corner that she cannot see around.