CITY LIGHTS Poem by Gerrit Komrij

An open space of square. Night's fallen fast.
The whole day long I've walked down narrow alleys
Where dazedly I've thought about my past:
Ash, dust and sawdust - such a woeful tally.

An open space, at last. A chiming bell.
Like some old etching lies the city square,
With scores of alleys drawn into its spell.
Arch, gateway, statue - everything is there.

The gleaming marble's listlessly approached.
The moon is full - does her awaited stint.
An owl hoots. Distant barking's faintly broached.
I see my mother standing on the plinth.