Election Day

The sun shone, and old men
sitting in the park
gave me good day with a smile as I passed.
Young men played with babies
on their front doorsteps
and laughed and said, ”Isn’t it a Beautiful Day?”
Shop assistants chattered happily
and parcelled up my purchases.
Under the cherry blossoms
children, solemn and dressed in kimonos,
held a tea ceremony with their teacher.

I looked at the skeleton of my marriage
and shrugged.  “Life’s too short.
Let’s live it.”  And that was a holiday.

No-one mentioned any politicians.

8 May 1997