Poetry

Inspired by the inimitable Sir John Betjeman - Slough How do people live in cities? The concrete arms wrapped around them tight The plastic air layering their sight How do people live with masses? The smell of hot grime going up their noses The beds of rubbish instead of roses How do people live without peace? The pigeon flaps and constant sirens The tatty music and the loud intrusions How do people live in cities, when Arcadia is waiting for you? Sylvan peace and meed-filled

We cheat death, or at least we try to Knowing that the money's due Even if the goods are faulty The bailiff comes for me and you A simple loan, the terms unspoken We take the deal and walk right through We didn't know the life, the love The hurt, the consequence, for you It is a product that we wear A one-time deal, no money back Sometimes used and sometimes broken Sometimes with a mortal lack The bell that tolls rings loud and truly And in the end all debts are paid It only

In the gardens of England, small fairies tend the flowers While in the skies of Persia, dragons show their power Those dragons do their work, they know their masters While on the green hills of England, fairies tend the pastures