On Not Being There

Missed you, wondered where you were.
Not there so didn't care?
Rose late? Bus failed to wait?
Accident? Met your fate?
Attention grabbed and caught
by matter of import?

The chair you ought to occupy
unfilled by deputy
and, noting your absence,
no defence, no pretence,
your contribution's missed,
year's careful work dismissed.

The road to punctuality,
paved with rare frailty,
sees good intent, hopeful
plans for time well spent
eschewed. Common downfall 
of procrastinators all.

©Janet Henderson 12th February 2018