Terry Street revisited
Terry Street – Douglas Dunn wrote a series of Terry Street poems in the 60s – Terry Street has been demolished and rebuilt – it is none the better for it.
they were young – and still are
but walk like old men
leaning on sticks
some struggle on crutches –
loaned from the Infirmary –
they never danced for joy and cannot now
their legs too stiff – their veins too brittle
the world was all before them
pleasant pathways open to them
they chose a dingy by-way
and over time their wandering steps
faltered them to Terry Street
where they congregate in squalor
awaiting the parousia
of Bath Salts and Spice
I wish them grass.
© coolhermit 2021
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Hi there,
“Bent double, like old beggars under sacks”… Really evocative verse. I was reminded of Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum. I hope there’s more to come.
cheers,
Jim
Thanks Jim – funnily enough I am on the threshold of giving up poetry altogether – the old black dog has its teeth around my ankles and ain’t letting go. Still mebbe it might be worth continuing. I’ll take a break maybe 🙂
ps Terry Street backed onto my street – I kinda knew the people Dunn described – I used to run a Free Shop and people would burst in and shoplift – it’s in the blood doncha know ? 🙂
Hope you’re back soon and nibb(l)ing away as I really enjoy your postings. I haven’t experienced any parousia since my divorce though.
Well I try to rid myself of poetry but somehow the words keep knocking. No parousia? Resolve that, Sir! 🙂
you have a way of painting with words that lets us see it all, very much enjoyed this piece, love the end lines especially
Thanks 🙂
It will be a pity to lose the fine poetry you post on here. I always look forward to see what you bring us every Monday and Friday. This one is a good example of your work, it brings to mind a Lowry painting for me.
Thanksa lot – re Lowry I’ve a couple of his (prints of course) on my wall – I’m struck by the bent over ness of the figures compared with the tall straight mills and churches – says a lot to me anyhow 🙂