Vers Libra
Written in the Café Whose Name I Forget
on September 20th 1997,
on the occasion of the dearly beloved son, Jonathan,
and his friend, Liam, starting their courses
at Manchester University.
University —
A new life begins,
Dislocation,
Great activity in the ant's nest-
Hunting, collecting, filling boxes,
Packing and re-packing,
Plans of campaign to cram a quart
Into a pint pot —
Or car.
University —
What does a student need these days?
Guitar, computer,
Pots and pans,
A hi-fi and two very large
Loudspeakers for Liam.
Is there anything he's forgotten?
— Food...
University —
Saying goodbye to everyone
Then a dash to the station
Coming down the steps
As the train comes in.
No time for our goodbyes
And they're gone.
University —
Up early next morning,
Execute the packing campaign.
Saturday - traffic light,
Easy going So far...
Then into the tangle
That is Manchester's road system
And a tour around
Manchester Infirmary...
University —
Intermittent signs thereto
Through the maze,
Then suddenly "Denmark Road!"
And a sharp left turn.
Now - where is the beloved son?
University —
Contact made,
Struggles up slatted stairs,
Boxes seem even heavier.
How can all this be arranged
And still leave room
To open the door?
University —
Taking photographs
From all angles to show
The folks back home.
Will he adapt
To such a restricted territory?
Well, he's made his bed
But it's hard to lie on!
And there's still Liam to track down.
University —
Everything sorted out
A belated lunch
Liam calls it
His Last supper
Jonathan lacking sparkle
Did he think he was still in Magaluf Last night?
"Drink as you mean to go on?"
The body protests.
Parents leave
Apprehensively......
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