The Great Fire

Twas the flames of the night, that caused such a fright In the great and vibrant city Merchants arranged, at the Royal Exchange Yet events to unfold struck pity Rich noblemen and proud women Strolling by the River Thames No time to tarry, new goods to carry Both silk and spice were gems Projected below, dark streets narrow Houses aligned together O’ tinder dry, would not defy The elements of the weather Flames would not wane, on Pudding Lane John Farynor’s baker’s shop As the flames took hold, his scared household Climbed to the nearest roof top As watchmen saw, the sudden roar Citizens ‘playing for keeps’ Abandon thy home, leave well alone The diary of Samuel Pepys With morning anew, it did continue Warehouse of the riverside An acrid stench, o’ would not quench The smoke of which to override Black clouds be seen, o’ King intervene Equip your soldiers and band A decision to take, for a ‘fire-break’ A guinea press into thy hand With energy spent, make way to the tent Creations upon Moorfields Yet to discover, new ways to recover Bring forth new trade and yields New plans for when, thy Charles and Wren Construct and build, be willing The worthy meets, brought straighter streets Provide thee with a shilling We can but climb, as we define The new magnificent Brick homes no fall, yet standing tall The commemorate monument Written by Geraldine Taylor ©