A clear day
        and no memories
sun glistening
        on the water’s surface
of Spirit Quay where a grey wagtail
        is hopping from one
lily pad to another—
        a yellow-bellied male
with a black throat and
        whitish moustachial stripes

Barges moored by the riverside
        are flying the Ukrainian flag
and people are sunning themselves
        in the Hermitage memorial garden
: the tide is out and time
        is taking a break

John Lyons