1Earthling

A few possessions in a suitcase.
Dad's advice went on and on.
Mum hugged for the longest time.
The train left early Monday.

Town shrinking by the window,
past the mill and football ground.
Nobody called it leaving home,
just the next step along the road.

The paper moved a little higher,
further than the town could reach.
People followed where it pointed,
for opportunities found there.

Some found freedom in the distance.
Some just learned to live alone.
Doors kept opening a little further
every year that followed on.

Shared walls and unfamiliar voices.
Names written on the fridge.
One bloke never washed his dishes,
left them sitting by the sink.

Roster pinned beside the doorway.
Late night shifts, morning trains.
Assignments stacked by the kettle,
trying not to fall behind.

The paper moved a little higher,
further than the town could reach.
People followed where it pointed,
for opportunities found there.

Some found freedom in the distance.
Some just learned to live alone.
Doors kept opening a little further
every year that followed on.

Nobody said when to sleep now.
Nobody checked if you got home.
Some nights lasted until morning.
Life discussed, plans revealed.

Extra shoes beside the hallway.
Someone sleeping on the couch.
People drifting through each other,
while the world kept opening out.

The paper moved a little higher,
further than the town could reach.
People followed where it pointed,
for opportunities found there.

Some found freedom in the distance.
Some just learned to live alone.
Doors kept opening a little further
every year that followed on.