POETRY: HOBGOBLIN SMILE BY PAUL TRISTRAM

She stood at the living room window

watching the street like a hawk.

Could feel his electrical energy

before he even turned the corner.

Studied his nearing gait and face

with concern and growing precision.

He was swaggering which was nice

but by itself is not always a good sign

yet he had a slight spring in his step

to match it which made her relax

her tight grip upon herself slightly.

“It’s a shame he’s not whistling

…I do miss him whistling!”

she mused thoughtfully to herself.

He called “Hiya!” to Mary at No. 33

with a courteous, musical snap

instead of a monotone ‘Hello’

and she trembled with anticipation

as he approached their garden gate.

He clocked her as he came up the path

and a twinkle sparkled in his eyes.

Relieved, she turned to the children

and gushed “It’s Ok, your Father’s home

from the hospital with a Hobgoblin smile

instead of a Jägermeister frown,

run get him a cold one from the fridge

and get ready for some good news, at last!”

Written by Paul Tristram

Available to buy via Lulu