Written for the prompt of 'place' for the PGCE writing group, 15/01/2024
Here I stand, in
A centre of a quadrant, in
A city that isn't really a city, in
A country which doesn't know who it is.
Ground divided, uncommon, despite four
Sides of equal length, surrounded by jagged slabs,
Paved over in budget friendly bitumen. They claim that
This is where the first rules of the game were drawn together, or
Devised, on this foot fall; yet borders have since changed. Trees have been
Uprooted, replaced by rich yet empty hotels, new schools, indie bars and restaurants,
Glaring yellow into the night as the pool ruptures it too, a septic shade of chlorine white.
When it is night, I cannot see the already dead stars which those who stood on the
Shoulders of giants could. I cannot imagine studded and riveted leather boots
Being worn, shins bruised and torn, games born, nature forlorn. No. All I
Can see now are shadows of the shadows that walk past in the
Same, empty anoraks. All I can feel now are eyes
Fogged up, masks over faces to avoid the cold,
Heads bowed down in faithless idolatry.
Strange hopes turned to whispers,
A dream unending, restless:
And here I stand.
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