14 APRIL 1990, Page 30

Lil's Jigsaws

Since Edna got thinner and thinner and died last winter Lil's had two passions: the golden-haired boy next door and giant jigsaws.

In her front room three galleons under full canvas are waiting for her to mend a splintered sea before they can slip anchor.

But first she rubs grass stains from school cricket whites with a bar of 'Vanish' and pegs them out high on the backyard line to hang in the sun like angels.

She shuffles to the door on bunioned feet and hesitates, as if when the picture's complete the hand that grips at her throat when she climbs the stairs will pick her out like a piece of cloud and fit her into the sky.

Vicki Feaver