Roller-coaster

Dandelion dust – whatever
           passing through Peckham Rye
bound for Victoria
           a flock of low-lying clouds
racing eastwards
           as I travel west
sunlight breaking through
           here and there in the gaps
hear the sound of gulls
            ducking and diving
overhead

In the streets off Northcote Road
           scores of wounded Christmas trees
lying disowned on their sides
           on the pavement
how the mighty are fallen
           a forest cut down in its prime
the ground littered with needles
           and decorations
fifty-per cent off

It all went so quickly
           barely a week
and barely remembered
           and into the New Year
the new life that awaits us
           if we want it

Dandelion dust
           caught in the wind
blown to the four corners
           gets in your eye
Life is relentless
           stopping for nothing
a rollercoaster – breakneck speed
           and either you’re on
or you’re off
           though there are little lay-bys
quiet moments of reflection
           a little love and kindness
but don’t get caught out
           it’s all over before you know it
so make the most
           dandelion dust

John Lyons