for a few pounds she stripped off
slowly folding each item
there was no reluctance
just a habit
a well versed routine
the cardigan was hand knitted
by her ageing mother I wondered
did her ageing mother choose her underwear
or had she developed a need
for those lycra panties
she tugged at to remove
neither body
nor eyes
held any signs of youth
her indifference covered her nakedness
the loose skin draping
her middling time-worn frame
those folds touched
in pencilled moments
the breasts eased
teased almost
into papered shape
by cupped hands
creating an indifferent likeness
all this time she had stood in silence
now dressing as she had undressed
and this time fastening all buttons
on her hand knitted cardigan
then left
with her indifference intact
© Annie McLean 28.02.01