atop the hill

from the by-pass exit
i overlook my small hamlet

where daylight hours
show me modern rooftops

with curled winter smoke
or solar panel summertime glint

snug beneath a canopy
of rich green foliage
                     in tree sentinel
                                   stands

belying cottage quiet
where internal media centres
                   keep eyes peeled
                          fingers itchy
              and privacy secured

lest the dark world find out
           our tiny little secrets.

Geoffrey Aitken