His Voice In My Ears Poem by Louise Tredoux

25 December 2008 Rudi went to work today
I went to the beach on my own, prefer to be
alone if he can’t be with me

Swam until senseless with fatigue, then just
lay on the sand, alone, alone, Juliette invited
me to her parents

I didn’t want to go, need time on my own
to sort my thoughts, went home to the flat,
listened to my favourite song

A sentimental lullaby, I cried and cried, feeling
sorry for myself, I wanted Rudi here, wanted to
feel his arms around me

His breath in my neck, his voice in my ears…