No one’s left
when he returns.
They’ve
vacated
common spaces,
laughed their way
to other places.
Pay no bother
when he’s around.
Words ignore
and plans exclude,
but they keep him there;
convenient
steady spare.
Accessory
picked in passing.
Built to build,
to purpose and deploy.
Object of construction –
useless
without direction.
No time for him
or circle space.
Dust coats his name –
ill-fitting man,
uninvited guest.
New memories made
include him less.