There was one thing about today
from the start it was predictable
well rehearsed as yesterday
and many days before.
Through trees and stiles
passing from the meadow,
the geese and cattle beside the lake
ignored by Jack and ignoring him.
This is a well tried comedy
practised to a fault,
walking in the rain or sun
often on a Monday
kicking through the winding track
deep in blackening leaves,
rooks restless in the cold east wind,
blue tits in the holly,
gloves and boots and home by dark
as will be tomorrow.