Just Go!

This is how it will be: me standing on

the platform, with my suitcase in my hand,

while, darling, you are unable to reach me,

all you can do stand weeping on the platform

opposite, the railway lines, a fence

separating us. Your hands are thrust

into your pockets, otherwise you’d run

the risk of actually waving. Don’t

give anything away, not now or ever,

every single eye is trained on us

and somewhere closed-circuit TV is watching.

It pulls in then, totally undistinguished,

crammed and filthy, uncomfortable,

here democracy still calls the shots.

I catch your eye: ‘Just look now, I was right!’

You told me to go first-class, said you’d pay.

Thanks, it was kind, but I’ll stick with the rest,

as you see, all the coaches are the same,

just go, don’t stand and watch the train pull out.