A million drops of drizzled rain shine
glistening on my coat - reflecting
the light from the flash,
surrounded by a group of friends
Exams over, wearing my grey coat
over an Italian cut suit open
at the top showing shirt and tie.
Bobby, well into his cups, grinning
his hand on Kevin's shoulder.
The smallest, happy
to be part of a group, happy to kill
one evening away from an overbearing
father. Gary, a prince among men,
grumpy that night pulls himself into
his collar. Kevin the most popular
strongest, most balanced, unaware
his glorious life would end, too short.
Geoff, drunk, playfully bends Ron's finger.
Ron unable to feel the pain lolls up against
Ieuan laughing, adoring. Tony catatonic in drink
imagines he is sober, hangs
a hand on Ieuan's left shoulder.
We hug together around Bethany Square.
A giant cedar sheds needles onto our coats
they fall and sprinkle us in the fine rain.
I own: one suit, some overalls, a tool box,
two pairs of blue jeans, a bloodied shirt,
and a certificate that says importantly
the Institute of Mechanical Engineers
accepts me as a technician engineer, as if
this was the key to all future happiness
and wealth. As if this starless night
was the pinnacle of my life.
- Hugh and Group Bethany Square.jpg (100.55 KiB) Viewed 3001 times
