Aberdeen

A crisp city.
Waking out of slumber.
Crisp views, glittering buildings,
On this cold, clear morning.

A weather front,
Saddling the horizon.
Just a darker shade than the
Wider clear blue sky.

Traffic noise
Sounds like rushing water
Twenty miles away, though
The cars are just outside

Little fir trees
Dance a wobbling Charleston
As the swirling wind
Tickles at their branches.

The night porter
Interrupts my breakfast.
Checking I like my coffee
And talking about my journey

I'm planning
What I'll say this morning.
Thinking ahead, &; double-
Guessing contributions.

I'm thinking:
I'd rather I was walking
wrapped up against the wind
Than talking in a meeting.