they flutter behind you
your possible pasts
some brighteyed and crazy
some frightened and lost
a warning to anyone
still in command
of their possible future
to take care
in derilict sidings
the poppies entwine
with cattle trucks lying
in wait for the next time
do you remember me
how we used to be
do you thing
we should be closer
she stood in the doorway
the ghost of a smile
haunting her face
like a cheap hotel sign
her cold eyes imploring
the men in their macs
for the gold in their bags
or the knives in their backs
stepping up boldly
one put out his hand
he said i was just a child
then now i'm only a man
do you remember me
how we used to be
do you thing
we should be closer
by the cold and religious
we were taken in hand
shown how to feel good
and told to feel bad
and strung out behind us
the banners and flags
of our possible pasts
lie in tatters and rags
do you remember me
how we used to be
do you thing
we should be closer
