The angle of light cast by the low-voltage downlighters <br />Produced a seagull-shaped shadow <br />On the station-style clock face set upon our piano, <br />Banking the bird ever-so-slightly to the right <br />On its eleven-past-nine wings. <br />Even manufactured, artificial, <br />Contrived in my mind <br />It was still effortlessly beautiful - <br />Metaphorical: <br />Time; <br />Time flying; <br />Time flown <br />Above the photo of my parents: <br />That photo. <br />That last photo. <br />The one before I became singularised <br />And downsized <br />In the only heritage department that matters <br />Or ever will. <br />You brought me into the world, <br />Though you paid a daughterless, <br />Son-plus-less price for the privilege. <br />I took the photo: <br />That last photo, <br />With my beloved OM 10, <br />Your 18th birthday present to me <br />Which faithfully served its in-built purpose <br />And registered your image: <br />The pink blouse with the high, ruffed neck <br />You'd bought in M
