Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Advent 2023: Day 18 O Clavis David

 


Image: a railway platform with the words MIND THE GAP painted for the benefit of those alighting from the train, so that the letters are upside-down from the perspective of those waiting to board the train.

 

Now is the season for journeys home by train
(it has been too long)
We are approaching, now
but no one’s certain
if we will leave to left or right
until the platform rises to meet us.
We stop; there is a pause
as fingers stab the {{open}} button
and we are held; the lock released,
lights turn to green: and yet we wait
a moment more, as fingers
fumble, press {{close}}
and now, at last, we spill out—
mind the gap—
to blink and take
our bearings and stride home.

 

Passengers a-lighting,
please mind the gap
between release and being free.

 

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