Wish I Lived There Still Poem by sunnetra basu

I have seen the death certificate - died in Islington Workhouse 1914
Dead toes under starched sheets
A name in copperplate - a plumber in Angel Court
Inside my veins I carry the blood of people who walked here before

The eyes of fish, black and round, gaze a North London Street
I walk the streets where I used to live
The pigeons bathing in the flooded lawn, lose feathers in the muddy pool
Greenfly on the traffic light make long shadows in the sun

The 29 bus rocks to a stop
Disembarked at Fins bury Park Station
Heads and shoulders, knees and toes
Disheveled commuters shuffle on the past

I walk the streets where I used to live
The busker still plays Bob Marley
Somewhere in the beat of time the times are washed and cleansed
The mini mart Greek Cypriot's daughter is ever cheerful

I walk the street where I used to live
African grocers sell African herbs
I only remember good times
Somewhere in the beat of time they washed the dark times from my head

I walk the streets where I used to live and wish I lived there still
I walk the streets where I used to live past sixteen tongues
Five unknown to me
Born to die in English, drowned by offspring (I have seen the death certificate)

Outside the Moon under Water I stole a kiss
It dried on the lips and planted sweet needs
The months in these streets chasing replenishment!
In The World's End the beer and music wore grooves of joy!

Action evaporates in time and lingers in recall
I have seen the death certificate
How many ghosts follow me on Stroud Green Road
Eating pizza or steak and kidney pie?

The evening sky spreads light against dark clouds
The orange streetlamps warm
A cold breeze slips and curls about The Dairy
Looking for warmth from the laughter inside

I walk the streets where I used to live
I have no bed here now
I slip inside the mouth of Fins bury Park Station and step on the past
I have seen the death certificate now