just a kid out of the window

you're out of my window you erstwhile kid
you are bouncing that ball and shouting
like you always do

I see you on days when I'm home feeling liverish
and I see you live and you are bigger
but still the same

and Joan and the other old lady on that doorstep
that keeps them alive with chatter and gossip
see you too

It looks like you will all be there forever and
as if you always were to use an old sentiment -
things change slow

slow enough for most of us to miss the moment
of - not when they went - but when they started to go...