Watering-Place

On the Albion terrace
bird-shaped kites
are in an agony as they are knocked around
by brilliant breezes.

Bandstand—mother of pearl—
splashed in water
carelessly mixed and scuffed.

And everywhere, Dickens:

1839 and 1840
on the stone outside.
1845, 1849. 1859.
Wife not mentioned of course.

2018:
a bevy of tourists
a couple of retirement age
out for the afternoon
a woman with a pint.

And me.

Writing this on a table
before taking my cup and saucer
carefully back to the bar.