View of Stamford from the North

              VIEW OF STAMFORD, FROM THE NORTH

              That Great Roar -
              the old artery
              which sustained the town
              when coachmen would choose Inns
              for the merits of their stables -
              passes by this neglected,
              southern toe-end of Lincolnshire,
              separates it from old-pal Rutland
              now drowned in Leicestershire.

              Left in Burghley's tourist-shadow
              it might have become
              a small-time town where no-one laughs
              where life is a serious business.

              Landlords of those same Inns
              now serve bar-meals in yards
              which have become beer-gardens
              They extend the same welcome
              recognising that their visitors
              must choose to come this way.

              The town respects its position
              - even the Mayor shops at Morrisons.

              © GERALD ENGLAND

Composed: Great Casterton, 23rd May 1989

Publication

1989 The Third Half (UK)