The Circular House

For J.P.G.

He grew tomatoes in the desert
"Miraculous" the locals said,
and they all had a look
at his plump, firm, January tomatoes
"It's a jungle of red and green," I said
"You just need a Missus now,"

He rode a mountain bike
and wore a huge Mexican hat.
The locals got used to him,
he was going to build a circular house.

We spent days on the foundations
—the mixer spat the dummy,
the measurements had to be precise
the house was fifteen foot across.

Some local writer came to assess the venture
and the greater venture—
examined the sheltered spot
smiled at the symbolism.

My daughter loved the concrete
the grey wetness of it all.
She'd mumble like a tradesman after each load:
"Settin' smooth dad, yup, settin' smooth,"
She wanted to swim in the concrete.
I'd answer her, "Yup Lena, settin' smooth, settin' smooth..."
James would just smile anxiously and
          scurry for the tape measure.