Liverpool

Did you love this city’s winter murk?
the fog settling on the river?
Your hands tucked into pockets,
your eyes a widened glimmer

Did you leave because the city
was full of frenzied gulls?
And were they just too hungry
Or were you just too full?

You told me you liked history,
so I led you to the port,
the ghosts of traders that came
to dock;
the church hollowed by the war.

You told me you liked the library,
near the gardens of St Johns,
and hours of Beatles tribute bands
though I never liked their songs.

Did you love the city’s summer warmth?
the sun setting on the river?
You leant upon the Chinese arch,
your words came out a stammer.