I wished I had a great big Rolls to drive around with pride:

I would that folk looked up to me, so's I felt good inside.

I'd love to have a palace grand, the envy of all people —

The tallest mansion in the land, as high as All Saints steeple.

I would I could afford to go and cruise in liners great,

To feed on ten-course meals, and leave a tenner on the plate.

I lay me down to sleep last night in our nice comfy bed

I dreamt a dream, I had a fright, creation all was dead.

I was alone, I had been spared the madman's nuclear horror —

But how was I, on my sole tod, to face this day — and morrow?

The roads I ran, not seeking Rolls, nor even mansion grand

Among those charred black remnants of this once so lovely land.

Across the town a church I spied, built stout t'withstand attack

Straight through the arch, I passed inside, and, standing at the back

I saw the man I most disliked — the chap who'd done me hurt

I threw my arms around his neck — and wept all down his shirt.

I heard a voice call loud and clear "Oh foolish little men,

Ye have enough — be glad for that, there's more ahead; Amen."

Then I awakened, oh, what joy!

My wife's beside me — and the boy

Is in his cot beside the bed;

And flowers outside bloom, green and red.

Poetry and Prose Archives

Len (Snowie) Baynes

18.05.06 Front Page

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