Elevenses

Put the kettle on.

No milk.

Grab keys, phone, bag.

Unlock, lock.

Unlock, lock.

Turn car round and

drive forwards to gate.

Watch, listen, sense.

The volt-laden gate slides open.

The home is vulnerable now.

From the road, watch as the gate rumbles closed.

Then drive past the unblinking eyes.

You hope they're watching,

but a lot can happen in 3 minutes.

After 200 metres, park,

making sure you smile at the Congolese attendant.

It feels right, so

Unlock, lock.

Keeping clear of the bank staff - arms on auto,

you buy a litre of semi-skimmed.

Back at the car, cash is handed over.

Unlock, lock.

And you drive the 200 metres back.

Past the gate, checking, observing.

At the cul-de-sac,

you turn and return.

The dogs are barking,

but not too much.

All clear, the gate opens.

The house is out there now,

for 25 long seconds.

Then the gate closes the protective loop.

Each strand of taut wire set

as near to death as is legal.

Park.

Unlock, lock.

Unlock, lock.

Put the kettle on.

Pour over Nescafé.

Add milk - just a dash.

Have a digestive.