he was coming down the escalator
box tucked beneath his arm
a well-made box
imperial yellow
pictures of what pristine treasure
nestled inside
his face suggesting pride of acquisition
high-end tool, compact machine
body language of a schoolboy
bearing home
the coveted model engine
and I wanted to lean over
tell him to relish
those prime moments
opening
unwrapping
assembling
don’t rush into commission
savour
all that precedes
the ineptness of first use
inevitable disappointments
delay
the gradual realisation that
although it may bring
moderate satisfaction
this isn’t going to change your life
.
Tony Lucas
.