Ray Templeton is a Scottish writer and musician, living in England. His poetry, short fiction and writings on music have appeared widely on the web and in print, and sometimes even other people sing his songs.
Spring 2009
Table of Contents - Vol. V, No. 1
Poetry Interview Translations Fiction Book Reviews
Ray Templeton
Islands
He bought a doll-size version of his own house,
had it custom-built according to his measurements,
his meticulous observations. Then he set about
its decoration – the colour of the walls,
carpet patterns, kitchen fittings, furniture,
bathroom suite. On tables, he put tiny cups and saucers,
carefully chosen; cut clothes from fabrics tracked down
over time, and hung them in the wardrobes,
always slightly open, as if just lately left that way.
He wired it up from ground floor to the attic, so that
wall lights and table lamps all worked:
adjusted through the day, turned off at night.
Coloured cellophane warmed the fireplace,
a small receiver played Radio Four.
Beside a baby baby-grand piano, he placed
a music stand; from time to time he’d turn the pages.
He kept it covered over, in a shed they never visited.
If they’d seen it, they’d have recognised
their house but they’d have understood
from every detail, that this was not their home.
© Ray Templeton
