Stop

the bus driver says it’s really nice
to see the children in the park
it’s been such
a wet winter
and it’ll do them good to get some real
fresh air, he points out
he’s wearing shades
but he’s not vain it’s only because
of all the dust it’s too much
and his skin gets flaky, red,
he should
probably use a moisturiser
but don’t tell anyone he said that
to nobody in particular ……… anyone
who will listen, he’s

ahead
of schedule with time
on his mind, going as slow
as he can, and most

of all
he wonders
why it is the CCTV camera
on the long pole outside
the massive police complex
on Paisley Road West
is always looking out towards
the trees in the park, it sometimes
swivels a click to the left ………. he wonders
if maybe the operator is
a bird watcher and someday soon
he’s going to stop and go right on in
and ask, yes, someday soon
he’s going to stop, and ask