Oldham December

OLDHAM, DECEMBER 1981

           The wind that whistles over Oldham Edge,
           having crossed the town,
           the road, the railway and
           the demolished wastes of Glodwick,
           hits me full in the face on Hardy Street.
           I turn down Barlow, South Hill, Chief Streets,
           find the shelter of Bobbin Skewer Walk.
           Mr. Khan curses the weather in Urdu;
           he has cleared a path
           through to the local Mosque
           but snow still drifts
           threatening to engulf the Pentecostal Church,
           Ukranian Social Club and Old Folks' Flats.
           The lake in the park is frozen over.
           A lone van struggles to climb Park Road,
           wheels spinning in the salt-green slush.
           The winter isolates inhabitants;
           few venture out for fish and chips
           prawn foo yung or japatis and curry.
           The doors of the Waterloo Inn
           are open - just: four players
           huddled round the pool table
           discuss plans for summer holidays.

© GERALD ENGLAND

Composed: Ashton under Lyne, 21st December 1981

Publications

1983 True Thomas Poetry (UK)
1992 STEALING KISSES (Hyde, New Hope International)
1996 POET'S ENGLAND 18 - LANCASHIRE (West Kirby, Headland)
2001 Poetext (Internet)