Keeping Cognizant

Clive sits up nightly reading the obituaries.
They were all his close friends, society people,
Or so he reminisces in fantastic reflection.

Certain truths jar modestly,
Like that he wasn't in Africa during World War Two and didn't ever go to Scotland.
But they still could have met at a party and kept up correspondence by mail.

A tragic sense of personal loss helps the lessons of another life sink in.
Clive gains strength from the triumphs of these significant troops.
When he decides to act it will be informed by these long hours.

This evening there isn't time.
Today's papers might sit idly
Only to be joined by tomorrow's if Clive neglects his reading.

John Coltrane & Rashied Ali - Jupiter (from Interstellar Space)