SHE DRINKS

SHE DRINKS

She drinks because her hands
shake
at the ringing of a phone.
Her whole day scheduled.
No time
for illicit meetings.
But still he rings
once, twice,
his office tone smooth,
caring.
Miss a call,
and she might be lucky.
Or not.
Depends
entirely on his mood.
A house of silence
crackling with suspicion.
Or tomorrow the extra layer
of make-up. Glasses.
Perhaps a scarf.
Look at the state of her.
She drinks, you know.