After school activities

The very best thing about karate, or trombone, or tap dancing

is not their contribution to extra-curricular education,

a well-rounded individual,

opportunities for growth,

or the child’s chance to make it through to BGT finals.

No.

It’s the time alone in a car park

with nothing to do but wait.

No burnt-on lasagne aspersions

No laundry accusations.

And, even better, the phone signal is too bad

to order worm tablets or sort out insurance.

Lights are jumped, speed-limits disregarded

in the hurtle

to get to the after-school club

early enough for 10 luxurious minutes

of stationary car solitude

and silence.