Morning Ride

The lamp outside my lodgings cut through fog of dirty grey,
I donned my coat and hat ready to start another day.
The sound of hooves on cobbles meant my transport was at hand
I stepped onto the pavement as it pulled up at the stand.
Quick turn of the brass handle, creaky door swung open wide,
a short leap to the footplate and I clambered up inside.
The bench seat buttoned velour, colours fading, rather frayed,
long scratches on the rosewood round the Marquetry inlaid.
We bounced and swung on straps and springs and galloped through the streets,
Side window broken in one corner, letting out the heat.
Outside the Quad I paid my fare and stepped into the cold,
and thought 'how many other Derby cabs are quite that old?'

Inspired by an article in today's local paper regarding the age 
and appalling state of some of our local Taxi cabs.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
May 3, 2018 at 8:41 PM
Indeed! Cabs well past their prime, Viv.. I love the turn of the 19th century atmospheric quality your gave to your beautifully poetic taxi cab blues. You make your point in the most charming way, my friend. Great use of nostalgic imagery.. Warmest wishes ~Susan
Dietrich Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 7:33 PM
Gosh, I thought i was back in the 19th century reading this one. You did a great job of describing it to seem so old and worn, Viv.
Wigley Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 12:41 AM
Thanks Andrea, our Council inspectors have come across some Taxi cabs in an appalling condition and many are well past their prime, so it made good poetry fodder. Viv x
Roper Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 9:51 AM
Nicely done and so creative... I love the nostalgic ride... Hugs eve
Wigley Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 12:42 AM
Yes, Eve, those horse drawn Hansom cabs have a certain charm. Viv x
Inman Avatar
March 25, 2018 at 7:50 AM
Nice couplets and wonderful imagery Viv.
Wigley Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 12:42 AM
Thanks James, I went all Dickensian for a minute. Regards, Viv
Gentry Avatar
March 22, 2018 at 9:05 AM
Excellent imagery of another time and place. Enjoyed this different but interesting write.
Wigley Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 12:42 AM
Thanks Susan, lovely to hear from you x
Smith Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 1:24 PM
The picture and write remind me of a foggy London night with the Ripper in every ally way. well done Viv...
Wigley Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 12:43 AM
Yes, Charlie, shades of evil deeds in Whitechapel, methinks. Thanks for dropping by. Regards, Viv
Hoffman Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 8:20 AM
Love the humor shown here depicting how some of your taxi cabs are quite ancient as if you we're on a horse and buggy ride! Funny and interesting Viv!~Che :)
Wigley Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 12:44 AM
Thanks Cheryl, yes, I'm sorry to say those old coaches were in much better fettle x
Cunningham Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 6:26 AM
I can just see the gas lamps and street urchins in flat caps. Brilliant Viv.
Wigley Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 12:45 AM
Thanks, Guv'nor, cor , stone the crows, strike a light, it's a real pea souper and no mistake. And God bless Tiny Tim :)
Michael Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 5:56 AM
I like the write...a journey back in time...All the best Viv
Wigley Avatar
March 26, 2018 at 12:45 AM
Thanks Arturo, me being a little harsh on our local Cabbies. Regards, Viv
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