Constantly following tomorrow

Barefoot on chalk pavement

Standing at regular intervals

And watching.

 

For something inanimate

Subdued or chained

Furniture from an old house

Nettles from childhood fields

A familiar cloud.

 

Intemperate weather

Hot and cold

Sun and moon at once

People are passing

They carry fire

To the exit

Of the street.

 

Everyone is moving towards it

You try to go

You have become

Part of the concrete

Wrinkles and grey hair

A flag saluting

Your life of standing

And watching

Those at the far end

Slowly growing

Into the distance

Almost leaving

Then

Gone.