Scene 393

SCENE 393

Men
were gathering in the harvest.
Womenfolk
were washing the sweat
out of yesterday's clothes,
keeping a wary eye
on children
playing in odd corners
of the market place.
Dogs
of the villagesized town
were sniffing round the fountain
where a gendarme
sat
sleeping.
Flies hovered
around the dogshit.
A young girl,
soft blonde hair gleaming in the autumn sunlight
her white dress hemmed with dustgrey,
brought a donkey
to drink at the fountain.
Her cheeks were radiant
but blue eyes were hard
cool under the heat of the sun.
Even today
it isn't fun
for a Gascony peasant girl
stared at by tourists.

© GERALD ENGLAND.

Composed: Sheffield, 26th March 1971

Publications

1987 Dictionary of International Literature (USA)
1989 Centre for Hispanic Performing Arts Supplemento (USA)
1992 Bouillabaisse (USA)
1992 Radio Void (USA)
1992 STEALING KISSES (Hyde, New Hope International)
1997 The Bard's Library (Internet)

Autumnal Visit to Cambridge

AUTUMNAL VISIT TO CAMBRIDGE

At first
I did not stay
to watch canoe-racing
on the River Cam
on account of
the cold wind
which swept across the land,
rippling the waves
where young boys fished
and swans swam

I walked over the green grass,
conversing with a
friendly Latvian,
refugee from '47

We parted
and suddenly the wind dropped

Back by the river
it rose again

Pausing
to capture the scene on celluloid,
I was hit in the neck
by a sycamore leaf

© GERALD ENGLAND

Composed: Cambridge, 1st October 1970

Publications

1972 Contac (UK)
1990 The Old Police Station (UK)
1997 The Bard's Library (Internet)

I Sense That

(click above to view text)

© Gerald England

Composed: Glasgow, 11th October 1966

Publications
1970 YORKSHIRE POETS '71 (Sheffield, Grove Publications)
1972 THE WINE THE WOMEN AND THE SONG (Pyle, Kenfig Press)
1990 Temm (USA)
1991 California State Poetry Quarterly (USA)
1997 The Bard's Library (Internet)