Good work, Frank! I like how the sense of the whole poem hangs on the line "the former mrs ellis" -- this has a special poignancy giving the minimalism/simplicity of language and narrative. Nice!

 

Best,

Philip



	-------- Message d'origine-------- 

	De: Frank Faust [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 

	Date: sam. 8/23/2003 7:56 

	À: [log in to unmask] 

	Cc: 

	Objet: sub - introducing mrs ellis (ex)

	

	

	



	introducing mrs ellis (ex)





	the former mrs ellis

	has been working evening hours

	at the hospital

	

	it's busy there at night-time

	in emergency

	

	at eleven pm

	her shift comes to a close

	she says goodnight

	to all her colleagues

	trudges to the car

	and then goes home

	

	a two bedroom unit

	on the promenade

	perhaps a little spartan

	but it's prettified

	with flowers

	coloured candles

	photos on the wall

	of the children of her brother

	the family at the beach

	two summers ago

	

	or was it three

	

	there is comfort

	in this little home she's made

	it isn't much

	but it's all hers

	

	no complications

	

	every night when she gets home

	when her work is all behind her

	she does a little tour

	of what is hers

	touches the walls

	touches the kitchen table

	reassures herself

	that it's still there

	it all belongs to her

	

	at the end she's always smiling

	though she's unaware

	

	then the former mrs ellis

	starts the washing machine

	turns the tv on

	and settles for ten minutes

	to rest her weary legs 

	 

	~