Yorkshire Red

They called me a Communist
When only just a teen
Nothing much has changed in  
Those  Sixty years in between.
My village once had fourteen farms
Now it’s just got one or two 
Those employed in the village 
Are now very far and few.
It’s commuter land these days
Almost deserted on weekdays 
An almost soulless place
With modern village ways.

There was  Social Housing then
Now it’s mainly owner occupied
Very few common folk there
Now it’s  well and truly gentrified.
The old Falcon Inn once well used 
As village meet and social club
Has been renovated and become
A stylish seldom open Gastro Pub.
My dad’s old cottage still stands
Only because it’s been listed
Next door has been knocked through
As though it had never existed.

Two hundred years the family home 
Now any trace of us long gone 
It’s what these days they call progress
As life ambles and stumbles on.
A place of many required lessons
Which I never did manage to learn.
Only old family graves there now
So I seldom bother to return.
They called me a Communist 
Because I wouldn’t doff my cap
To the Johnny-cum-lately Squire
Touring the village by pony and trap.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Volumes Avatar
January 3, 2023 at 6:57 PM
We still live in a town like that. Used to love it so, friendly faces everywhere, now we don't know a soul. All too busy making money and building mansions to have the time of day. Loved your poem
Ireland Avatar
January 4, 2023 at 4:02 AM
It’s so sad Wen. Modern life has taken so much away from us
Bauer Avatar
January 1, 2023 at 2:15 PM
you've described this very well, terry! it's sad when our memories of places we once loved are all that is left thanks to "progress."
Ireland Avatar
January 2, 2023 at 1:01 AM
Thanks ilene - we had a working farming village, now almost gone and not many ordinary people live there now. No bus service anymore, no shops, so without a car youre lost.. Very sad.
Hargreaves Avatar
January 1, 2023 at 12:14 PM
Hi Terry. They call it progress. I've seen it here. Once we had miles of farm land. Green Pennine slopes and sheep grazing. Now here its gone. Replaced by luxury housing, industrial estate etc. And this was supposed to be 'The Green Belt'. Best wishes. Tony
Ireland Avatar
January 1, 2023 at 1:26 PM
Hi Tony - in some ways we have been more lucky. My village is almost surrounded by the Holderness Flood Plain, which floods every year still - not often threatening houding, but close. Nu, it’s the meadows, gardens and orchards they’ve destroyed. Thanks - Terry
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