Sweet cloud steam of
Heat clean clothes and
All four: one to nine
In bed. Sound of second
Load. Valentine's tonight,

The bright red card he got her
On the cabinet, beside family
Pictures. Iron gurgles: the
Pile is enormous. For three
Straight hours there is

Nothing else but steam
And cotton that won't
Acquiesce. At eleven
Sitting down to home —
Baked pay, baby cries.

Fumble in dark for switch,
Approaching his cot
Our eyes touch:
Sink softly, life so
Radiant and messy.

He will not oblige.
At least not for some time.
Returning downstairs, night
And young family paraphernalia
Redefine 'Be my Valentine'.