Home » Poems » Terry Flood » What Past Was That Then

What Past Was That Then

Rename that lane for it’s unpleasant truth? Pull down that statue and melt down it’s proof? Destroy the signs of a malignant history? Soon kids will think it’s all fiction or mystery Rarely is history all hearts and flowers Rarely is history pretty or sweet Conflicting views and competitive powers Where someone’s a winner and someone gets beat Use and abuse and to hell with the weak Victors exploiting the downtrodden meek History tells us of yesterday’s way So we’ll tread new paths for a wiser today So rename that lane if you’re really that fussed That statue will fall if to fell it you must But sweeping the ashes of yesterday’s fires Will just breed a nation of abject deniers

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gary Radice

Date: 1/26/2023 3:20:00 AM

The best poem of yours I've read to date Terry. There has been much upset over Penny Lane in Liverpool as some think its named after someone related to the slave trade. It may have been. I don't know. Liverpool's own Museum of Slavery have done some digging and decided it is not related. I agree with the underlying message in your poem: Whatever wherever whenever we have to learn from the past not hide it. Cheers - Gary

Terry Flood
Date: 1/26/2023 7:29:00 AM

Thanks, Gary. Actually wrote the first four and last two lines months ago but didn’t post. Had a tinker and added some lines to get something I felt I could submit. New ideas are lean right now, so I’m scanning my unlisted but unbinned items to see where I can take them. Glad you approve. Terry

Tom Cunningham

Date: 1/26/2023 12:12:00 AM

I've noticed that schools in the uk are very selective in what they include in history lessons. I believe everything should be taught both good and bad. We can't change the past but we can make a better future for all. Greetings from centerparcs in Woburn Forest. I'm on the move again. Hope you're well Terry. Tom

Terry Flood
Date: 1/26/2023 7:32:00 AM

Thanks, Tom. One of our local schools has the kids singing ‘Bah bah RAINBOW sheep’…. Which is absolutely bonkers. The world has truly gone quite mad!