Its genius rests 
in silent pieces. 
This crystal-tuned 
and exquisite plan 
abandoned.

None would admit 
having seen it
approaching
as forecast.
Now all that’s left is
Catch-as-catch-can.

Do you recall the words he sang?
His warning?
‘Roads of fires and phantoms’
and “The white man dancing” ?
‘Repent. Repent.’
A muted
testament
now translated
“Catch-as-catch-can”.

Every heart bore witness
as it swept across the land –
some kind of hidden hand.
Catch-as-catch-can.
Just Catch-as-catch-can.
Catch-as-catch-can.
Catch-as-catch-can.

© 2020.