Watching Uncle from Afar
By birksy
In the distance, though, in truth, Not far, I see him walk, Arms straight by his side Back upright, bag hardly swaying. From side on, when he turns, I see That he now walks heavier, than I remember, which makes me think that maybe I’m mistaken. But that hat gives the game away, It could be the one that his father wore, in that time I’d had a grandfather. He walks at some pace before me, A man on a mission, I watch him from afar, fondly remembering what makes him, who he is. Now he’s in a shop which I frequent myself from week to week, I do not see what he buys, but that continues the strange viewpoint that I have. And then he drops down, walking step on step into the hole which marks his halfway, and I wait till I see him reappear and watch his continued march. Then, of course, I realise what is happening This man, whose known me from birth Has slowly walked this way all his life, his own daily routines now becoming more concentrated His laps smaller, but just as defined as my own. And next week, if I see him, I’ll remember this experience and understand it as a part of me. Written March 14th, 1998 © on Aug 06 2001 07:19 AM PST, Simon Birks 0 • 12
AI analysis available. Enable JavaScript to interact.
About this line
"In the distance, though, in truth,..."