U Turn (a poem 11 August 2006)

I have seen it with my own two eyes
after the rose-tinted glasses were removed
I have seen it
foreign to familiar
this river that's a landmark
in the city of my temporary dwelling;
changing,
one day overflowing
occupying the banks with its proud, full swing,
clearly there, ruling,
playing a role not to be missed.
Then - July.
A month of no rain and even Richmond Park looks like a Zambian safari.
Cycling through it my mind races
how a landscape can make my heart pound!
Anyway
the river once glorious now minuscule
insignificant
a murky stream alongside its faul-smelling rubbish
now exposed in the half twilight sun
it was there all the time
now circumstances bringing it to the forefront
and it's too late
for a last minute quick fix.
So, miles and time zones away
a character in a different tale
you change
and I see you
your rubbish exposed
the rose tinted glasses in the bin
and, finally!
I walk away.