While young women hide themselves
Behind sunglasses, looking relaxed
In their designer discomfort,
I make for the solace of
The shopping centre, full of
Lunch time crowds and children
Spared school until September.

This is how I hide myself
From the Sun, and, come the rains,
I will hide there too, scurrying
Surreptitiously alongside
My normal route.

Jaundiced artificial light from
As yet unseen sources cannot
Compare with the full brilliance
Of the midday Sun, so
My hideout acquires an almost
Stygian air, just as,
I suppose, it should.

Somehow, today, all that
It contains is beautiful.
Faces that usually display
Banality or hostility shine
With a light that surprises
My heart with joy, offering
Welcome natural illumination.

Suddenly I notice that I am
Not hurrying: I merely stroll,
Soaking up this unusual
Supplementary atmosphere.

And when sunlight greets me
Once more, it blinds me with
Normality, and I begin to rush
Along streets filled with others
Failing to make the most
Of their brief respite from
Their daily toil.

08/18/2005

Posted on 11/06/2005
Copyright © 2024 Richard Vince