WHAT SHE DOES NOT KNOW IS Poem by Dennis O'Driscoll

That she is a widow.
That these are the last untinged memories of her life.
That he is slumped in his seat at a lay-by.
That a policeman is trying to revive him.
That the knife and fork she has set are merely decorative.
That the steak beside the pan will be go to waste.
That he has lost his appetite.
That the house she is tidying is for sale.
That the holiday snap will be used for his memorial card.
That he will not be subjected to direct light again.
That she will spend all night brewing tears.
That it is not his car she will soon hear slowing down outside.