John-Ward Leighton

LATELY

Charlotte, John, Anna May: Saturday 19th March 1960i’m prone to bursting
into tears
it’s as if i no longer
have control

emotions too powerful
to deny
the loss when
old lovers or friends die

the measure of a man
are the times
when he is moved
to tears

tears come unbidden
when the news tells
me someone’s son or daughter
has given their life in the Afghan war

closer to home
when the news comes
of a dear friend’s demise
or their immanent demise

where once i could
maintain the stoic stance
i blubber and embarrass
all around me

there are serious chinks
in my armour
these days

old photographs
and things long past
now don’t bring a smile

i feel the loss of friendship
victim of the grave
confirmation that
we are alone

a mournful celtic song
is on my sound track today
it’s cloudy
and my sun has gone away