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Poetry Library Southbank Centre - The Poetry Library housing the Arts Council Collection at Southbank Centre

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David Boll

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Embarkation

This place has been sorted out. There’s proper parking
Laid on at last in the square. By the docks the neon
Chases itself in circles around the bars.
And arcades are all clatter and lights. And up the alleys
There’s a last pot of tea in peace, if that’s what you’re after.
Your loved ones can come on board, and see that you’re settled.
And the ship is so big, so white. And the uniformed crew -
A little officious perhaps, a little inclined
To patronise anxious arrivals - still,
Those expert hands that settle you down in your seat
Facing sternward - so when you leave you can still
Look back at the dwindling lights, hear the fading music.
No need for you to stare ahead into the haunt
And wraith of fog and the grey mouths of waves and sunset’s
Blood clots. Leave that to the man on the bridge
Standing there as steady and still as a gravestone.

 

Page(s) 43-44

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