They flutter behind you your possible pasts,
Some brighteyed and crazy,
some frightened and lost.
A warning to anyone still in command
Of their possible future, to take care.
In derelict sidings the poppies entwine
With cattle trucks lying in wait
For the next time.

Do you remember me?
How we used to be?
Do you think we shoud be closer?

She stood in the doorway,
the ghost of a smile
Haunting her face
Like a cheap hotel sign.
Her cold eyes imploring
The men in their macs
For the gold in their bags
Or the knives in their backs.
Stepping up boldly
One put out his hand.
He said: "I was just a child then,
Now I'm only a man."

Do you remember me? How we used to be?
Do you think we should be closer?

By the cold and religious
We were taken in hand.
Shown how to feel good
And told to feel bad.
And strung out behind us
The banners and flags of our possible pasts
Lie in tatters and rags.

Do you remember me? How we used to be?
Do you think we should be closer?