Smell of tobacco
and Old Spice;
dancing round the living room
standing on his feet
gliding over a
shag pile ballroom.
 
I’d do his rounds with him
if I was sick from school.
Waiting in the car
as he met his clients;
his friends;
the bookie's.
 
Taught me how to
use the adding machine.
Which columns to total
and where to write
as a “wee favour”.
At night, I’d sit with mum
doing his books
to be closer
while he was absent.