North and South

North and South
came together
many years
ago

From the distant South
back to the remote North
you returned
when you were but young

The roads remember
The railways recall
The signals swing
from green to red

You fulfilled your promise
you honoured those
who went on ahead
many moons ago

I was shown the island
by you
with pride
and with love

And when I travel its roads
and pass through its townships
The memories are there
of what we once had

Time marches forward
you'll always be
to my left
to keep an eye on me

Your time has concluded
but you aren't really gone
what you were rests now
but I carry you with me always