Grenfell tower
ruptures the horizon,
London's skyline is scarred
like a blackened diplodocus
or a charred monument
for a laconic London bridge
still burning
But look,
linen wraps its iron-bones
mumifying the city's underclass-
an icon for future generations
oppressively,
grief hauls a heavy granite cross
as sharp rocks splinter shins
then whips wheeze
winnowing breath
ascending a modern Golgotha,
who unleashed this hydra 's fury
whose black breath incinerates
the once laughter of our kindred?
As family once sung at Christmas,
they now hear
the endless screech of sirens,
the contagious roar of conflagration.
Is London another Guernica?
trodden by apocalyptic steads
with mothers cradling dead infants,
rocking their limp limbs
in a deep dirge to red-fired skies,
furnaced by council fascists
as politically the city is fractured.
An emerging phoenix will sprout,
magenta winged against black,
from this burning pyre, a reincarnation.
a rebranded London is reborn
perused by the London Eye
ever vigilant but now blindfolded
observing justice for the unheard
and voiceless minority
as a terrible beauty is spawned
Categories:
grenfell, social,
Form: Free verse
High living
High living what does it mean?
Eating caviar or to live on the highest
Flat on a Grenfell tower in London
without a sprinkling system?
Having lunch at an expensive café
because it has a famous chef or
drinking tea from China instead
of drinking it from a cracked mug?
I call it costly living.
Moving around finding a distraction
because after money life is boring.
Categories:
grenfell, corruption, courage,
Form: Blank verse
Promotion, bonus, we believe good job well done,
we saved money let's give the rich a ton,
aluminium is nearly as good as zinc
nearly half the price that's how we have to think,
what about residents complaints, unfounded
Health, safety is considered, always hounded
inconsiderate people, shouting we are dire
what do we do if there's an emergency, fire,
you are all safe, all precautions taken they say
then came that predictable, indefensible day,
lives lost, lives ruined, possessions, memories
gone forever, no reason, now no remedies,
now we grieve for our unrecognisable dead,
they knew the problems but they never said,
stop buck passing, playing the blame game
has got no relevance, hang your heads in shame
for your ignorance not for the treasuries shock
for the people that once lived in Grenfell tower block.
29/6/2017
Our thoughts are with the all the families of the residents of Grenfell tower Islington London that were lost on 14th June 2017.
Categories:
grenfell, bereavement, betrayal, corruption, england,
Form: Couplet
Granfell tower is a symbol:
a charred monument of loss,
a bombed church's vaulted ceiling.
it is our grief;our heavy cross.
A scarlet tongue licks the ashes.
who unleashed this hydra 's desire?
whose black breath incinerates all?
who released its inhuman fire?
The once laughter of our children;
the family singing at a celebration;
now the endless screech of sirens;
now the roar of conflagration.
Society must remember
these victims now in heaven,
their voices echo on the streets,
their tears shed by men and women.
Did we realise we were all one?
Not until this beacon was fired;
Not until this torch was lite;
Not until justice has inspired.
Let the tower remain in view,
a statue to commemorate.
Let its black ash stain the skyline,
a shrine for us to venerate.
Who's to blame for this tragic shame:
the government's policy?
the contractors' money game?
or the Council's complicity?
The community must be answered!
a phoenix will emerge from this flame;
a blessed reincarnation;
a voice united to eradicate the shame!
Categories:
grenfell, allegory,
Form: Ballad