Leave the light outside switched on.
It will gather unwatched moths
deter burglars
brighten the stranger’s path.
Avez-vous entendu ce bruit étrange ?
It is the gabble of geese:
their honk-led woosh of arrival
the cackled greeting
we sometimes recognise.
Mais ne connaît pas notre langue.
When all the hubbub settles down
see the milk in your teacup curdle,
biscuits going stale.
Hear the drone of constant moaning.
Hélas, je suis un peu plus vieux que prévu.
Age brings wisdom, so you tell me.
Yet I speak with statues
interrogate the town clock face,
would rather be a cog.
Notre départ a été retarde.
N’arriverons-nous jamais à limite ?
ii – ix. 2026
