Various commutes

 * various commutes *
Alexander's soldiers cross Asia Minor
Must have felt this depletion
The weariness of travel
Tramping across the known world
Fighting all who challenged them
Any who would block their way
So the life of the commuter
Foot swore and weary
Turning about from work to home
Weary in the phalanx marching
Down the street to bus or train
To closely packed to companions
Know them intimately without want
Ready to mow down any in their path
Angry almost eager to enter fray
Homer should write of these modern heroes
Performing the odyssey five days a week
Dealing with transport timetables
As ill-concieved as dating Circe
Confronting flood and heat and wind
Hydra forms of fickle Melbourne weather
Not for plunder or riches raw
Though if enough years serve
As Alexander's ranks knew well
Might make them free citizens
Or at least a grant of land
Newer soldiers we enduring
Dripfeed to clear the mortgage
Keep children in shoes and schools
Feed and clothe and roof us
The commuters underlying purpose
To pay the bills on time
Take rewards and invest
In present and close ended future
For like those Greeks so well travelled
At journey's end of life
Death collects the debt.