I came here to work

more than forty years ago,

before this town that called

itself a city, became a city

we both, the city and me,

worked hard to put down

firm foundations, to grow

sometimes working so hard

the growth went unnoticed,

my children became adults,

became mothers and fathers

right beneath my nose,

the city grew ever taller its

limbs longer, wider, busier,

I can see its pulse from my

window, throbbing, flashing

in neon clothing, clearly an

animal of the darkness, an

entity enjoying its spoils at

ease with its new crown,

my wistful eyes now make

the obvious comparison,

like my children the city

has come of age, has become

brave, now clad in a steely

confident carapace that no

longer needs my labour

but still dines on my heart

~

© Graham R Sherwood 12/24