Poetry
Signs of my times
I was lucky enough to study at Keele University
(English and German). Not everyone enjoyed this
small rural campus, but for me it was wonderful.
Whilst I was studying, they built the M6 motorway
nearby. Nowadays it goes past the campus in a
24-hour roar. Except for a moment like this which
I experienced on a recent visit to my Alma Mater…
‘By the Motorway’
These trees and fields which owned the valley
Till ‘dozers ripped their peace apart
Ask me straight: “When does this racket
Ever, ever stop?” “Only”, I must confess
“When the world goes deaf.”
Suddenly
We’ve wrought the oracle
Our wish at least half-true – Though packed from end to end with lots
Of giant coloured boxes
The carriageway is quiet
Fields hold their breath
Trees turn their heads
And I do both, and wonder ….
Within a blue-light flash
We all know why – We sigh, and realise
The twist within the sorry tale
As told in modern days:
The siren’s song is heard OK –
But not till after
The catastrophe
Written by and © Eddie Lawler 1999
