Poetry Magazines - The best collection of poetry magazines online - Simon Armitage

This one recalls;
In a part of a town one has frequently seen before,
Though from other angles, hence
The brickwork seen through the uncurtained top of the
                                                                           window
One can’t quite place, though outside one would instantly
                                                                           do so,
This one recalls,
And thick cups with chunky handles, the hiss and clatter
From behind the counter and the total absence of
                                                                  conversation,
Eyes moving at intervals, not looking for anything but
                                                                          looking
As if looking for something, glancing at faces
Of others likewise slightly puzzled,
And the traffic squealing, grinding and growling outside;
Ws all got to get somewhere,
The drivers have things to do there
But we in contrast are here, a fact that scarcely needs
                                                                   emphasising
Though it seems to have both unimportance and
                                                                   importance
And there’s an unwillingness to depart
Though no reason to stay;
This one recalls
As one recalls the dry coughs, the scraping of chairs and
                                                                  the sunlight
Halving diagonally the pedestrian mural
On the opposite wall,
But not the suggestion to go, which must have been made
Abruptly or jokingly or brightly or wearily or simply by
                                                                              gesture;
This one does not recall.