Those Unfortunate Travelling Few



Babies land and depart guilelessly
From their perfectly formed craft
Arrival halls shrill with new meetings
Creased caresses and gentle gazes

Tear soaked departures
From faulty and age laden vehicles
For those left behind
Only the half empty duty-free care
Scattered with cold cups of coffee

Bags sometimes packed
Sharp objects required
X-rays and body searches waited for
In a queue no one stands in 

Security dispensed cold
And acrid in the palm of your hand
From every bed-end and door way 
Policed by your conscience
Or a nagging relative

The fascinated stare
Children scream
Talk abounds in whispers
Medicine is suspiciously sipped 

Endless corridors
Lead to 
Endless departure lounges 
Leading to 
An Endless departure gate