So what
If it has been
Done for years?

That does not
Make it right
Or reasonable

Or nowadays
Feasible

Through the snow
Greenwich time signal

Start on zero
I like order

Neatness
Nil

Nameless
State-owned

Zoning out
On drugs/grief

It happened slowly
I hadn’t expected to be out for so long
One hour turned to three

I should’ve turned around
And gone home
But we were waiting

For news from the hospital
So busying myself in weeds
I buried my unease

Scratched knees
Against raspberry bushes
Mind rushing

I felt it come on
As I watched the gate
They were late

Coming home
My face glowed
I knew pain

Was on it’s way

Hydrogen bonds
Can be reset
When wet

And contribute
To your hair
Elastic

But salt bonds
Imbalanced suddenly
Can be troubly

Disulphide
Once compromised
With chemicals and heat

Make waves weak

Spreading across the land
Like veins
All that water and steel

I cannot help but admire
The workmanship
Hours of dedicated labour

A once thriving industry
Floating joyfully
Toward the next gate