Downstairs Neighbour

You got up at ten past six. I know, because I didn't.

You put music on low — always low, always the same three records.

You had somebody over at the weekend and you laughed at a different pitch.

And I have never seen your face.

I knew when you were sad. Your feet go different when you're sad.

I knew when you gave up smoking, because the door stopped going at eleven.

I knew before your family did, probably. Which is a strange thing to own.

And it stopped in the spring.

And there was nobody to ask.

Because what am I? I'm the ceiling. I'm the sound of the ceiling.

I don't have the right to miss you.

And I do.

I really do.

Somebody new's in now, and they're fine, they're perfectly fine,

and they get up whenever they like, and it is none of my business.

I put music on low sometimes. I don't know who for.

Ten past six.

I still wake up.