Solitude in public spaces

Ah, the windows on this world
are cracked and dirty
The reservoir is brimming
at the point of overflow

We’re past the winter’s solstice,
but there’s precious little progress
towards longer, brighter days

The artificers are beating
at the hull from within,
and I can’t form a thought
for the jackhammer’s din

The old forms of escape
are in the throes of breaking down,
and it looks like we’ll be waving
off the soldiers from the town

But this is not a time to be morose

Grin and bear, close your eyes
to the production

Cheer and applaud
like it’s going out of fashion

Use anything that works
Stay with the herd

Don't go wandering
to lonely corners of the field