Memory of Adelaide

A wind rolled away down a lonely street Like silent thunder wrenching, reaping dread, While an ancient man drew the covers up To thaw old bones reclined on slatted bed. Phlegmy eyes coughed into wakefulness and Slid slowly in their sockets to his chest And Oh! to hear that moan of sheer defeat When the flagon echoed his emptiness. His stingy warmth - printed, numbered; scattered Like yesterday's news and flew with dire mirth To dance a cloven jubilee of death, As old boots, so weary, kissed their mother earth. The wind rolled away down an empty street - A whispering dirge borne on leaf-soaked cloud And an ancient man resting, still as night, Lies waiting, waiting, waiting for his shroud.