Bobbley Things

Those knobbley, bobbley things 

are marching forth

covering the sidewalks 

in a pavement proliferation

of ever wider strips,

ever steeper ramps,

ever stranger cambers

determined to catch you out.

I know that they are only really designed 

to trip up those who can’t see very well,

but they are a problem for everyone

those knobbley, bobbley things.

I wonder, was the man designing them 

bitten by a vicious guide dog, out of control?

Or perhaps he was floored by the too eager 

waving of a white stick?

I think something has caused him 

to bear a grudge.

But it can’t be justified.

when they are difficult for everyone

those knobbley bobbley things.

And yes, I know it’s a ‘him’.

No woman would endanger 

her high heeled strut

in such a way.

They are a male invention,

those knobbley, bobbley things.

Man made and increasingly

creating problems for everyone.

Seemingly unstoppable

in their forward march.

First published in Zombie Logic Review, October 2016