If we are shades

If we are shades
Who walked here once
Among the concrete buildings, on guiding streets
Hot in our skin and hearts
With all the time we thought was left to us

If we were there,
Just in time, breathing still
Our countable days
The words exchanged
The laughter released
Parting defences with our teeth

Would you rather be here
Than where you are and where I’m
Still ahead
If we are bodies
Who lived love
Before we are long dead

(with acknowledgements to Carol Ann Duffy)