Neighbourhood Watch

The weakening light of the day
setting in the lengthening season 
casting skinny shadows of a naked
tree over the pale green moss 
natures revenge taking back
greening black spaces of the suburbs


A red bin with wheels awaiting the 
homecoming of commuters travelling
ring road lanes forming the border 
of city and the western civilisation
the price line of development
that defines your status in the market


Self consciously sitting in my van
as nervous inhabitants cast glances
am I an intruder waiting, lurking, unknown,
a suspect of criminal intent,
scanning the property, a stalker, a kidnapper, or murderer,
watched by the neighbourhood watch, 
but I am
just waiting...

Ciaran Burke