Seen Through Their Eyes

My father and his wife
Visited my apartment where
I live alone.
Having lived abroad for a while
They'd not seen it before.
They were dropping by for coffee
And I'd forgotten they were coming.

I felt awkward somehow
Letting them in-
It was as though I was revealing.to them
Something of myself
Of which they were unaware:

The pictures and posters,
The carpets, the ornaments-
The mess:  It was all mine.

I apologised at having forgotten
We went through to the kitchen.
I put on the kettle
Wishing that there was not

Washing up waiting to be done.
They went to wait in the lounge
Where there were posters
And magazines
And my half- written doggerel
And notes lying around.

I went through with the coffees
And some biscuits
Reappraised the posters
On the wall and hurriedly tidied
Away the magazines.
My father smiled.

They were keeping well,
They said, and were glad to hear
That I was also well.
We agreed that the apartment
Had potential.

I had no real insight into his thoughts
As I showed them both round-
The lounge, the kitchen,
The bathroom and my untidy bedroom:

More posters- they would go.
Clothes waiting to be washed.
I'd get the Hoover out, I thought.
They went afterwards
Thanking me for the coffees
To see my brother and his wife

Leaving me feeling awkward
And tidying up as best I could.

MDC