I walk in from the dark and wet The glass door sprung to slow me. Find a chair. Collapse.
Am I exhausted or Not?
I don't know.
A friend of long ago and now is dying The shadow of his place with gulls and shops I leave on Albert Road. Broken arm across his short betraying breaths With that inevitability grin I know so well from school and later, As little bitter fortunes
Unfurled their flags.
I walked in through his easy door Words floundering till whisky hits Then: Of course we will! Sure we will! - We fill the months and weeks with plans Travel to the sights he wants for him. Boats and Locos, Houses, Friends. The evening slews in amber liquid, Fades in fervent words.
Morning grey. For me the stunned drive back to work And England's ridges higher - home to home.
Finally Southbank - monied words. Their voices to the ceiling reach: A gentle civilised hubub of the saved Bathed in culture, purpose and the careful light.
And you are back there, purposing a Fractured night That counts each clock chime you restored.
Oh now, by all the alleys, faces, roads And domes of London,