An Elizabethan era ended – Carolingians again.
—
Postwar gardens stuffed with produce, chickens scrambling, are lost to
Sterile lawns and
Plastic furniture.
Foxes sup pesticides and stumble onwards.
Hedgehogs falter.
—
A rush of wind carries the scent of Elizabethan shame: base notes of greed and
Top notes of callousness form a blend
Perfected over 500 years.
Decolonisation without reparation – or contrition.
—
Cars are nestling smugly on tarmacked front gardens,
Where alchemic hydrangea and sleazy foxglove hotels once beckoned bees,
Their tiny furry faces alive with the cosmic goodness of heaven’s promises.
—
On Oxford Street and Hyde Park Corner
A ghost keeps passing on his warning.
Placard man – ‘protein is sin’.
Outdated and absurd spectre,
A memory of a state where
Protest was permitted.
—
Soon, an old white man will wear stolen diamonds.
__
1/ https://twecharpitvillage.com/history/allotments-vegetable-gardens/
2/ https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/windrush-day-2019/why-we-should-celebrate-windrush-day/
3/https://www.leeds.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents-and-guidance/your-front-garden-design-guide
4, 5 & 6 stock images out of copyright.
This is amazing, especially when read by you. I loved the recording.
Thank you. With verse, it’s good to hear it aloud.
Hello Caroline, this expressed my own feelings very strikingly particularly the last line. I am also a Worthing by Accident resident. Perhaps it would be possible to plan some sort of ‘screw the coronation’ alternative activity? If you are interested, let me know and I would be happy to buy you an actual coffee. Best wishes, Ruth
I’ve been hoping for a ‘screw the coronation ‘ event. I reckon Joe Bunn might be interested in putting something together. We need respite and some dissenting voices!
Good to be in touch with other dissenters! Let’s get together when date for the event is is known. Ruth