The Instructions
have all been written down, but still
she has trouble working the TV. She calls
me up to say the device has turned itself off
again, and could I come over and turn it
back on? Just look at the notes Nana,
I say. I wrote the instructions down for you.
It’s a similar story with the microwave,
with its buttons seemingly designed to
perplex her. The internet is a true enigma.
I just don’t know how to manage, now
that he’s gone. The place is just so big,
so empty. And the bills, she says. Michael
used to sort the bills – now I don’t know
what to do. I try to assure her that all is OK,
all is in order, the electricity won’t run out,
the hot water won’t suddenly go cold.
