Magdala Mansions - Storeys

First published in SOUTH 31 - April 2005

First Storey - Flat No: 1

Shelley is pretty, young, loves make-up & Brad Pitt;

works on Maltby's store cosmetics counter,

nails dipped in red-black blood, lips to match,

white coat reminiscent of a hospital;

remedying the ills of slightly older ladies

with pantheons of chemical potions,

necessitating the remortgage of houses.

Her balcony hosts the world's largest collection

of pot plants in the smallest concreted area,

so she can drink Alco-pop al fresco.

Second Storey - Flat No: 2

Dave - builder, plumber, electrician, cat-hater -

is Jack-of-all-Trades and Jack-the-Lad.

His attractive customers (female) often end up

bottoms up in his lumpy bed, sheets laundered

by Shirley at the local laundrette, Hot Tub,

seething suds and gossip with equal velocity.

His flat reeks of discarded take-aways

rarely taken out to the dustbin downstairs;

his only view of outside - a red-brick wall -

one side of the rancid-fat crisp factory.

Third Storey - Flat No: 3

No one has seen the person who lives here.

The door is scratched, the varnish is peeling

and a fetid mat curls up to woodworm woodwork

in the rank darkness, because the shattered light bulb

has never been changed, banisters dusted, carpet hoovered,

or the key turned in the lock.