So as to not leave any marks
on the freshly emulsioned walls
by leaning the metal stepladder
against them, and to save me the groan
of starting next morning by heaving
it up off the floorboards and lugging it
into position, I stand it upright,
dead centre of the empty lounge
overnight, clothe the rungs
with my overalls; no better place
for my scaly gloves than snug
on the ends of both stiles, as though
waving or ready to grab you.
