Written for the prompt U is for Unusual
The Usual Routine
Every morning, seven-fifteen,
Sydney showered, short but keen,
Ate his breakfast, washed the bowl
Listening to some rock and roll,
Flossed and brushed his teeth with care,
Cleaned his glasses, combed his hair,
Donned his shirt and tie and suit,
Pulled on each well-polished boot;
Grabbed his briefcase, coat and hat,
Left the house and that was that.
Every day at ten past eight
Sydney would, like others, wait
To board the train to journey in
To London, where work would begin
For Sydney on the stroke of nine
As his computer went online
And he would sit and tap away
(With healthy breaks throughout the day)
Moving stocks and shares about
And seeing how they all turned out.
Every lunchtime, one till two,
On Hampstead Heath (he loved the view)
He left behind the stocks and shares;
Swapped the pressure, stress and cares
Of high-risk high-reward employment
For some calm free-time enjoyment.
Sandwiches, a yoghurt, fruit –
He never spilled food on his suit –
A walk around the heath and then
Off he went to work again.
Every day at five-fifteen
On railway platform he’d be seen
Waiting for his homeward train
Come sunshine, snowstorm, hail or rain.
Once at home, his evening fun
Started with his daily run:
On a treadmill he would race,
Sometimes going quite a pace,
Then he’d lift weights, stretch and he
Would finish off with some tai-chi.
Every evening, half past six,
Favourite cocktail he would mix,
Practise French and cook some food
In a calm, untroubled mood.
He’d eat his dinner, then at nine
He’d sit down with a glass of wine
To watch a film, gig, concert, play –
Whatever he felt like that day.
He would not wander, would not roam,
At his happiest at home.
Every night at half past ten
Sydney cleaned his teeth again,
Practised mindful meditation,
Winding down in preparation
For the sleep that was ahead;
Then he climbed into his bed,
Pulled the duvet right up tight,
Lay on his side, put out the light.
Sydney slept just like a log;
He was a most unusual dog…
© Carol Carman 2026
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