Ties

Wearing a tie meant
being at school. Being at work.
Being strangled.

When I left my 'proper job'
I threw all mine away.
That was joyous.

It was up there
with hurling my satchel in the air
and burning my grammar school cap.

But in May I put one on.
It was borrowed. Black. And willingly worn
with a white shirt and new suit.

I was dressed for an occasion.
Showing respect in a collar and tie.
Suitably attired to say goodbye.

So goodbye again, good man, goodbye.


Goodbye