Endurance

The Sunday streets are full
of tired-looking marathon runners
egged on by the sound of half-hearted clapping.

The pie shop and estate agent have opened especially
What do they hope to gain?
A woman from Marie Curie Cancer Care
Has a secret smoke round the corner

Some people say hello
to neighbours they don't want to know

A hen party still in pink cowboy hats
file back to the station deflated

Last night's pleasureheads now casualties
crawl home, pained.

This is Sunday
in Brighton, in England
Everyone thinking exactly the same thing;
"I can't wait til this is over."