From Manchester to Birmingham return,
This train trip took me back, and not only
In space, along its track, for me to earn
My corn, discussing oil excise duty,
But also back in time, to a city
I knew when young, but how it’s changed! The names
Of streets are the same, but I would not see;
My eyes rejecting the new, as my brain’s
Picturing old shops, old buses, old trains
From 25 years ago. To relearn,
Retrace, retread (the opportunity
My meeting gave), a search for what remains
Of memories of former things. I turn
Some pages on Proust to pass my journey.
Tue 18 Sep 2007
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