slip-sliding away…..

This is the last October
I’ll sit on this curb.

The last October
hearing renovations and the school siren
a few blocks away
signalling the start (or end) of break time.

The last October
under the shade of this slight tree;
enjoying the breeze
and ceaseless calls
of my feathered friends.

The last October
of both hot and cool days –
Springtime unable to decide
on appropriate weather;
yet I value the beauty of both
in a single day.

The last October
I can embrace the peaceful freedom
of this serene complex –
a home for almost 15 years…
a lifestyle I would’ve dwelled in until death,
were it not for the constriction
of the inner environment.

The Spring has been underwhelming this year.
No spectacular blossoms,
nor vivid colours.
Dullness
punctuated by yellow Cape Dandelions
who sleep long before the sun’s departure,
and host bees
who seem far fewer this year.

Still, the dove coos.
Still, the smaller birds chirp and tweet.
Still, the shadow sways in the gentle wind.
Still, the cars ease by,
just behind the wall which protects us
from the world outside.

Still, the drills drill.
And small children mumble –
incoherent babbles which
will soon turn into first words.

Still, the weeds push out
from the concrete
under these pages.

And the ice cream truck roams
for customers
who are all at school now;
broadcasting the conforting tune of my childhood.

Still,
the green leaves spread
on the fence outside my front door:
a source of Autumn fascination;
a visible sign,
year after year,
of the change in seasons.

All will remain
long after I’m gone.

But perhaps
this curb
will remember my warmth.

Perhaps
this tree
will recall how it sheltered me from sun.

Perhaps
these cats
will wonder
where the daytime wanderer has gone.

“Be in this world as if you were a stranger
or a traveller along a path…”
Simply passing through;
taking shade and rest for a time,
then moving on.

This rest has lasted
a decade-and-a-half.
But soon it will end.
Soon
I must pass.

Whether my new dwelling will bring such peace,
I shan’t know yet.
But of one thing I’m certain:
this place
I will never forget…