Phil Wood
Caerphilly, Wales

Phil Wood was born in Wales. He has worked in Education, Shipping, and a biscuit factor.  His work can be found in various publications, most recently in London Grip.

Date Written 4th June 2020

Casual Labour

Strolling along our grassy lane
his smile came easy, furrowed his face
like the farmer's field. He was useful.
Tidied our patch, seeded some veg.
Mum said he was green-fingered,
with tender ways for me to learn.
His laughter drifted under our skin.

I did my bit, before he left,
to dig up dad's sweet briar, plant-in
a yellow rose for lasting friends.
One humid day it went all flaccid
with aphids. Could have squished them,
become green-fingered, but I let them be.
Ants came and gathered the honeydew.