Question One

 What's the inside of a

third year chemistry student's house like?

Like this you realise all o a sudden

O would some power the gif he gi us

Your son the 3rd year chemistry student

is ushering you up the stairs

towards his small but surprisingly practical bedroom

Past the checkered laundry bags

which will never know the comforting

ever so slightly uplifting aroma

of bold bio blue tinged washing powder

And instead partially conceal

hypothetical (never to be rebuilt) shelving units

and well intended veg racks

You're trying too hard

a voice at your back reminds you

as you briefly greet two healthy 

tanned and confident housemates

One of whom briefly assists you

with assembly of your sons desk

You have by now learned

not to try and be funny

Just get in and get the job done

Not out of shame or ennui

But Love and now though dost protest too much

And this is the inside of a third year chemistry students house

Behind the white stucco walls

Of a third year chemistry student's house

The red kia perkily nestled

On the forty five degree angled drive way

ready to plug into the beyond

That'll be fun learning to reverse off

The lawn is looking relieved to be left to do its business

and looks surprised at its own good fortune

sprouting four leaf never to be disturbed clovers

b lucky

You ease back the wheelie bin with your car door

Ethernet power line adapters ready

hello have I met you?

he's a bit part boyfriend of a house mate

You want to say flat but this is the 

Inside of a third year chemistry student's house

Slouched on the sofa watching virgin tv

A boyfriend with thick hairy legs

I need a wall socket you almost whisper

remaining calm and efficient

You are looking for a wall socket inside

the walls of a third year chemistry student's house

There is only one and everything

is coming off it

So you plug and hope

Hope that your child's plugs will pair

and he can connect

After a couple of false alarms

thar she blows speed test complete

time to gather your accoutrements

Hammer large red phillips head screwdriver

Arty print of Kurt firmly hung and adjusted

Your job now is to exit

down the tastefully is that 80 percent wool?

carpeted stairs

patting the surprisingly sturdy bannister

you step outside the house

Saunter back to your Skoda

Quietly digging its heals on the ramp

behind the Kia

You reverse together up the cracked concrete driveway

its easier than it looked

And now you can never again have to ask

What the inside of a third year chemistry student's house is like.