Paul Hansford - Victims

'Trains into and out of Waterloo are subject to delay because of...
a body on the line at Basingstoke' (railway notice)
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A body on the line at Basingstoke -
the train to Waterloo has been delayed.
You'll have to wait; the plastic bag brigade
are clearing up and trying not to choke.

Commuter suicide's no news to us.
We don't suspect foul play; it's by the book.
But one more driver, terror in his look,
takes the day off, wishing he drove a bus.

Neighbours or strangers, those who saw him leap
could never know what so possessed his mind.
His unwished legacy - they long may find
the image of his death disturb their sleep.

The quiet desperation of a life
brought by that final step over the rim
to its conclusion - weep no tears for him,
his torment's over. Who will tell his wife?

Paul Hansford

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/victims-6/