Written to the prompt L is for Light
My Neighbour’s Security Light
My neighbour’s security light shines in my kitchen.
It’s saving me electric, but cooking is fraught:
With the light going off at inopportune moments
My food never tastes quite as good as it ought.
I reach for the mixed herbs and, plunged into darkness,
I put a good handful in my Bolognese,
I give it a stir and I smell the aromas
And know I’ve gone wrong in the cruellest of ways.
The light comes back on and I stare at a jar labelled
‘Mint’ and I put it back where it belongs.
My Bolognese now tastes like beefy Chianti
Laced with a packet of Sharp’s Extra Strongs.
The reason my neighbour’s light points in my kitchen
Is after complaints from one more neighbour who,
Finding it shining straight into her bedroom
Became much distressed and I ask, wouldn’t you?
At critical moments between her and husband
The light would go on, causing flash revelation
Of their giant shadows upon bedroom walls
And giving them premature illumination.
And that’s why my neighbour’s light points in my kitchen.
He offers to change it, but I won’t agree:
‘Cos the rest of my family now make all the meals because
They think that they can cook better than me.
So everyone’s happy – my neighbour’s secure and
There is no more nocturnal flash bedroom fright,
And I have more time to do things that I want to
Thanks to my neighbour’s security light.
© Carol Carman 2025
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