Railway Lines from Successor by Anthonie Tonnon

They're electrifying the train lines
putting public art on the bridges
and it's just the sort of thing you've been writing in for

John just giggles on his saucer
he's visiting from Australia
he's come home for a cup of tea and to borrow your car

you say Son watch your speed on the main street
they should have kept in the crossings
they've turned walkers into targets out there

still it seems better now
out doing the rounds for the shopping
small grocers are appearing again
selling flowers outside

and you're attracting smiles from the cafe
you check your hair in the window glass
and like John says
you really do look better now you're all the way grey

always hoped to be a wise old man
when you ran for council
they called you a frustrated librarian

and you saw what they could do
with their money from developers
their people at the papers
they turned your own family against you

still you didn't hold it against the kids
when they begged to move away
because you were born before the motorway system
and you would wait for a new day as long as it would take

and maybe it's today
as you stare at the rain cleaned other side of the street
in new spring sunlight
maybe it's today

as the cars bank up at the railway lines
maybe it's today
as you step out with groceries on your shoulder
maybe it's today
as the children snigger at the new sculpture
and a car speeds around the corner
and you try to make eye contact with the driver in time
maybe it's today

• Alternative
• art pop
• New Zealand