Northwords Now

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On Visiting John O’Groats

by Lydia Popowich

On Visiting John O’Groats
Lydia Popowich


It can take most of your life to see
the large car park at the end of the line.
There are no instructions on arrival.
You circulate widdershins and search

the large car park at the end of the line
for a space that suits your personality.
You circulate widdershins and search
a familiar face in the day-glow crowds

for a space that suits your personality.
Some of them are smiling and holding
a familiar face in the day-glow crowds.
How many cofee beans in the jar?

Some of them are smiling and holding
hands. It’s important to guess
how many cofee beans in the jar.
Green sunglasses are optional, refective

hands. It’s important to guess
how many miles to Land’s End?
Green sunglasses are optional, refective
blisters on the soles of your feet.

How many miles to Land’s End?
You might travel naked and grateful for
blisters on the soles of your feet.
It can take most of your life to see.

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