Footsteps Poem by James Dylan

Daily sitting at my desk
At the office
I’ve learnt to recognise
The pattern of steps
Of the people working around me
Like playing music by ear
Recognising intervals
I have learnt to recognise
The sound of their steps
The keyboard I type with
Is a piano
I work out the steps
Of the tune
Who’s coming towards me
The gorgeous Vietnamese girl
With her distinct high heels
And ruffle of her cotton
The tiny Muslim
Who stomps
Big steps for a little man
The old white man
A frugal bore
Who’s daily routine of tea
At the exact same times
Never changes
The insipid boss
With his rattling keys
An annoyance I have learnt to live with
They all have a goal
As they walk past me
Get a coffee
Refill the water bottle
Take a bathroom break
I put up with this everyday
Longing to never
Hear these footsteps again