I grew up in suburbia
and was ashamed when
I understood
what it signalled.
And from that moment
I sought the world
from Central America to Africa
and all points between.
Became saturated with
everything that wasn’t
suburbia.
But now
upturned
I’m back
remembering
benign pavements
low grey skies
with occasional promises
of sun.
A shallow hint of
excess
but only that.
Of a kindness and deference
I thought existed
only in adversity
and I’m surprised.
It’s like I’m on my bicycle again
weaving through
cul-de-sacs
without a thought
of the fight.
John H Davies
2nd X 2026
