A brand-new boiler, installed
to keep us warm this winter,
all pistons firing, cosy
we wish to be, to keep away
the oncoming winter storm
from our sheets and duvet
and allow our toes,
and often frozen fingers
the chance to not feel the pain
of Jack’s teeth tearing at our vulnerable flesh.
All is well,
only a thousand other jobs
to keep us safe
in old age.
Ian D. Hall 2018