Though my mother was already two years dead br Dad kept her slippers warming by the gas, br put hot water bottles her side of the bed br and still went to renew her transport pass. br br You couldn't just drop in. You had to phone. br He'd put you off an hour to give him time br to clear away her things and look alone br as though his still raw love were such a crime. br br He couldn't risk my blight of disbelief br though sure that very soon he'd hear her key br scrape in the rusted lock and end his grief. br He knew she'd just popped out to get the tea. br br I believe life ends with death, and that is all. br You haven't both gone shopping; just the same, br in my new black leather phone book there's your name br and the disconnected number I still call.