I walked the streets, like a dying swan
And thoughts were dead, not going on
So I felt crazed and drifted within
My mind to feel the maze I’m in.

Then I settled under a bridge
And felt my fingers, with coldness itch.
The scraping sound of water passed
My ears so quick, it would not last.

These sounds echo in my ears
Of time now lost, forgotten tears
And screams of mine for my life gone
And thoughts of how I made it wrong.

I wonder lonely to the shops
And laughter fills the air then stops.
Children playing tears my heart,
Reminds me of life’s cheerful start

But soon to merge into a gloom,
An ageing sadness that fills my room.
The Christmas lights they soon will come
And with it hope to feel the sun,

To feel the warmth and love of light
To see the sore clouds drift from sight
And dance like a jewel with people fresh
From summer love, no wickedness.

But sadly for me, all is dream,
A passion that dies like an ebbing scream
And breaks my fancy like a hammer
Smashes bones and causes stammer.

Truth now comes upon my back
And carries home its weighty sack
And I, bedazzled, now must crack
As from the town to home I back.


© 2000 Matt Everett