PICCADILLY GARDENS, MANCHESTER
fiercely competing
for old ice-cream cones
pigeons fly down
from their perch
on the roof of the ladies loo
to vie with a solitary sparrow
that hides in the flowerbeds
over the heads
of single mums
couples cuddling on the grass
quietly kissing
and jaded travellers
who rest on benches
a cabbage-white flutters by
the noise of nearby traffic
and the hoot of trams
barely penetrates above
the gentle cooing
of the pigeons
in this City Centre haven
where the ratrace stops
for a minute or two
© Gerald England
Composed: Manchester, 17th August 1997
Publications
1997 Afterthoughts (Internet)
1998 LIMBO TIME (Hyde, New Hope International)
1998 Lateral Moves (UK)
[Note: The gardens have long since gone]
