The Neighbourhood Sleeps

The Neighbourhood Sleep's (14TH 11 2023)

Hibernation

Sat silently, wrapped tightly in houses—

A snug little row of protection.

Young couples come and go,

Oh, such a lovely neighbourhood. (Great bones.)

Perfect timing—tick tock, the baby clock.

Hibernating.

Still silently waiting.

Seasons pass, leaves grow then fall.

And now the couples blossom.

The children are born to these

Great places.

Safe places.

Good schools.

Houses become family homes.

Safely wrapped in beautiful spaces,

The young families grow.

He stirs.

He awakens.

Gift-wrapped by the protection of innocence.

Now, in the days of social media,

We’re not so (at all) social at all (or after all).

In my day, we’d shout:

Weirdo. Strange.

Whispers—a neighbour’s story to tell.

The grapevine where everyone knew everyone.

Now this species is greatly protected.

We nod hello.

Good day.

Are my children ready

For you to come and play?

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