Hidden Lives

HIDDEN LIVES A doctor is so serious as you Ask her to your pain subdue When you leave and close the door She’s break-dancing across the floor School is filled with teachers stern Their pupils quiet, serious , learn. When the bell rings out as last Staffroom shakes with laughter blast Cop on duty in the night Has to deal with gangs that fight At home he’s painting flower vases Maybe embroidering with laces We all have secret lives unseen Can’t be helped - it’s in the gene Judge not a man who’s just there clerking His spirit’s under the papers lurking.