ONE STEP AHEAD OF DECAY
The stinging nettles have surrounded the letterbox,
the aspens tremble on the verandah floor,
the roof tiles gape around the chimney, the door-latch
points limply at the mat, the floorboards give way with
lethargic creaks, the putty falls out in chunks, the wallpaper
loosens along the skirting boards, tubs, bowls and saucepans
collect water that drips from ceiling and taps,
rooms have been locked off in stages, the wallpaper is rotting,
damp stains like skulls are coming into view
on the walls, an ant-hill is trying to establish itself
in front of the fireplace, it is frightening to recall
that the former owners suffered a completely natural death.
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