Ode To a Gargoyle

I pass you several times a week
down at the Cheapside junction
your name defines the job you do
but you perform no function.
No drainage from the upper roofs
no demons are you scaring,
the passers-by stream past
with ninety-nine percent not caring.
The occasional ghost walk party pause
to check you out, inspecting
the mossy run down shell of the old building
you're protecting.
Some folk may say that you're a waste
of all the time you've been there
but I've been inside and you outshine
the architecture in there.
An outcast among gargoyles, by the doorway,
out of place
maybe because the Mason gave you such a charming face.
Spectator to the march of time, ignored 
though you may be,
console yourself as you gaze down-
you have a friend in me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Delaney Avatar
July 9, 2015 at 12:18 AM
I really enjoyed reading about your gargoyle. must say I like them myself...eapecially those that represent time weathered history. another 7 & a fav for me. SuZ
Wigley Avatar
July 9, 2015 at 12:29 AM
Thanks, Suzy, very kind. I wish the march of time had been as kind to my face as it has his :) .Viv x
Fleming Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 4:14 AM
Damn!! Do it every time - its a seven now!!
Wigley Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 6:16 AM
Thanks, John- I do that all of the time. Viv
Fleming Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 4:12 AM
Very well done, Viv. It would not have occurred to me to have chosen a Gargoyle as a subject for a poem - Excellent!! A "Seven"!! Best regards!! :) john.
Wigley Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 6:17 AM
Cheers, John. Viv
Lerose Avatar
March 29, 2015 at 11:37 PM
Thank you for the warm welcome into poetry soup. Excellent Gargoyle poem brings life to these amazing carvings.
Wigley Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 6:17 AM
Thanks, Tanya. Hope you're enjoying yourself on the site. Viv x
Beaufort Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 8:05 AM
I really like this. Art appreciation is, it seems, not a lost art. You have at least partially restored my faith in humanity. You are a complex character! Also, thank-you for bringing a beautiful set of thoughts into my day!
Wigley Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 9:13 AM
As applies to life, not just architecture, we'd all have a more enriched life if we just looked up a little more. Thanks for poppng by, Duke. Regards, Viv
Andresen Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 3:44 AM
- We often overlook the beautiful we see every day - A wonderful ode poem, Viv - hugs from Norway // Anne-Lise :)
Wigley Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 9:11 AM
Takk! Viv x
Hunjeri Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 3:20 AM
Nice. I agree with Jan 100%. Good day my friend.
Wigley Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 3:24 AM
Thanks, njeri. have a lovely weekend x
Allison Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 3:04 AM
oh what a wonderful picture - reminds me of a gremlin - so many people walk around blinkered and never bother looking up at the beauty that surrounds us - a 7 from me:-) hugs jan xx
Allison Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 4:15 AM
Sister lives in stepping lane lol guess I have passed it many times - not visited Derby for several years - we must meet if i ever do get back there!!!! hugs Jan xx
Wigley Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 3:24 AM
You've probably passed it yourself a few times, Jan- St Werbergh's in Cheapside, on the junction with Friargate x
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