Call-and-response, chain-reactions, hoarse gruff barks
hocketing with high-pitched yelps: across the city
the dawn chorus of dogs. Long echo of the returning owl.
Gentle sawings and complaints: raven, rooks, wood-pigeon.
Dingdong of the street bell, click and squeak of the gate.
Istvan talking low recites countries around Romania -
Ungaria, Ukraine, Moldova
- a last-minute revision
for today’s exam. Shower-swish. Pipe-hiss. TV loud,
then hushed. Logs starting to crackle, ready to roast
today’s aubergines. Sunlight through shivering walnut
leaves rippling on the bedroom wall. Time to get up.
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