What a pity

The sand slipped through the hand

It was in the grasp

But with careless abandon it was lost

The weight of it went unnoticed

In a busy world that whizzes by

Distracted by so much noise

No quiet space to contemplate

What true intention knew

The gap would give way

And takeaway any chance

To hold together and mould

A solid base to stand strong

On the sand that could

Have built the stone

-Camille Delaquise

This poem appears in Behind the Facade, Camille’s debut contemporary poetry collection. What a pity speaks to the quiet tragedy of neglect — how what might have become lasting and foundational can be lost through distraction, carelessness and a failure to recognise its value in time.

This poem is available as a contemporary poetry print on textured recycled card.