Poetry and artwork - Henry Denander

My Funny Valentine

The first flat of my own in Stockholm was
really small but in a nice area on one of 
the islands south of the old town.

My girlfriend often stayed with me,
since her own flat was way out 
in the suburbs.

The two of us never rang the 
doorbell but used 
the squeaking mail slot in the door;
when it was opened slowly it made a sound that 
could be heard in the flat
and made you rush to the door.
You knew who was there.

Years later, we have been 
married for some time,
having dinner in our new flat
listening to a recording of 
Miles Davis 
playing at Philharmonic Hall in New York 
in 1964.

My Funny Valentine
 
Suddenly, half way into the song, 
we both look up and listen,
Miles Davis is improvising and 
playing a 
long 
single 
note
the exact 
tone 
of that 
squeaking mail slot

We smile 
and feel proud
to share 
this small secret 
with Miles.

 

 

 

Published in Weeks Like This, 2005