lorna burchell

 

Forgiveness in the Botley Road Tunnel
 

I’m sorry

the pavement’s camber caused me to lumber

to stumble, a little off course

and forced my clumsy left-lean

to gently launch into

and collide with you

here under the bridge

Oh please don’t take umbrage

I suppose it was unreasonable for me to expect

you to catch me

for we’ve only just met

in this somewhat unfortunate

context

please forgive me

be gentle

for grace is all we have

to offer freely

as we blunder together along the path.

I’m a traveller too

just passing through this tunnel

unwillingly funneled

on my way

to the other side.