My Mother does not

My Mother does not
watch television before 5. P.M.
eat ready meals pinged in the microwave.
She would never allow a condiment
without a saucer or a spoon,
tea without a pot,
a pop sock and skirt.
Never.

My Mother is fierce
and smiling suspicious.
Full to the brim with judgements,
fleeting wise,
quick to snap.

My mother has spun
around herself so many times
she is quite collapsed.
The never dos are can dos.
Slipped into Never minds
and never sure.
My Mother was always sure.

My Mother does not watch television in the daytime.
And yet she does.
Do not adjust the set.
Or her.

Rebecca Wheatley is an actress, singer and poet born in west London now living by the sea in Brighton with her husband and son. She tours the UK extensively writing her poetry on her way round.