WASTED DAYS

I went to the pictures and saw nothing.
The trailers ran, the screen turned black.
I gazed for hours, amid smushed popcorn.
I didn't get my money back.

I went to a concert and heard nothing.
Roadies shuffled and one-twoed.
But the band soloed in silence.
No one clapped, but no one booed.

I went to the graveyard and felt nothing.
Bodies rested meaninglessly.
Birds twittered in bland abandon
On a shadowless yew tree.

I went to a zoo of empty cages.
Nothing scuttled, preened or bayed.
Pools stood stagnant, branches stiffened.
Nothing trapped, nothing had stayed.

I went to a restaurant and ate nothing
At a table laid for two.
Candles dripped by squeaky-clean plates.
I left my tip and one for you.

I went to the shops and bought nothing.
Blurring aisles failed to entice.
Products slouched on special offer.
What I wanted had no price.

I went to the kitchen, the cupboard was bare.
I went to the door, there was nobody there.
I went to the spare room, but my guest had gone.
I went to watch TV, but found nothing on.

I went online and nothing loaded.
Went to the garden. Nothing grew.
I went to war, nothing exploded.
I went to bed
And dreamed of you.