Getting Ready (Poetry)

Almost sudden
her face came looming
out of the morning mirror at me —
this woman who I barely recognise
wild from sleep and looking vaguely anxious
the shadow of a dream dissolving
slowly lost behind her eyes

I’m guessing she must live here now
but strange — try as I may
I can’t remember exactly when it was
or how long ago
she came to stay

The water’s scorching hot
the mirror mists over —
hides the image so I find
an odd thought rising — a vain hope
she might have gone away

Some minutes pass
the glass makes it clear
she’s getting ready for the day
no longer bound by routine’s busy rush
she takes her time considering
her toilette

I watch from a close distance
unsure — frowning
at her arthritic hand reaching
for a cherry-flavoured lipstick
then pick up my brush