The english way

Long rows
up the street and down
where I used to live
– small and grey –
built ages ago.
Pink roses on curtains
drawn – closed up –
but a pathway to the backdoor
for friends to come –
specially at teatime

Knock three times
and be welcome.
Hightea in the afternoon.
In front of
an open fire
armchairs
to avoid the
shiver down
the back.
Remember the hug
on the sheepskin rug.

Let the time freeze
in the street where we used to live.

                 Robert, Elke und Ellen 1954