I stepped outside in the dark
For a smoke,
A fifty’s refugee in fairisle
And tweed tabs.
I stood and inhaled the night
Nicotine fresh adjacent
To the Michaelmass daises
Delphiniums and chrysanths.
I turned and saw,
Through the buddleia spears
Her rise and fall
Framed in vibrant sash light.
I looked away.
And back again, drawn by the light.
And her beard kissed breasts
Uncurtained in delight.
I watched intently
Until the filter blazed between
My stanced fingers
And my spark fell to the lawn.
I stepped inside to the warmth
For a drink
As she arched in the window
Lost to the night.