~
I came here to work
more than forty years ago,
before this town that called
itself a city, became a city,
we both, the city and me,
worked hard to put down
solid foundations, to grow
to flourish, sometimes we
worked so hard the growth
went unnoticed,
my children became adults,
became mothers and fathers
right beneath my nose,
the city grew ever taller its
limbs longer, wider, busier,
I can see its pulse from my
window, throbbing, flashing
in neon clothing, clearly an
animal of the darkness, an
entity enjoying its spoils at
ease with its new crown,
my wistful eyes now make
the obvious comparison,
like my children the city
has come of age, has become
brave, now clad in a steely
confident carapace that no
longer needs my labour,
no longer wants my lifeblood
but still dines on my heart
*
© Graham R Sherwood 12/24
grahamrichardsherwood.co.uk 