An Observation

(With apologies to William Wordsworth)

I wander'd lonely as a cloud
From Metheringham along the Dunston road.
Fluttering and dancing along the gutter.
No daffodils; just lots of litter.

Continuous as the stars that shine,
Broken glass twinkling in the grime.
Cans clattering along the street,
Chewing gum sticking to your feet.

I gazed and gazed, then had a thought,
Perhaps too much packaging this rubbish has brought?
Cardboard, paper, plastic, cans and bottles.
No daffodils; just lots of rubble.

Oft when on my couch I snooze,
In thoughtful or in pensive mood,
I was always taught "How Rude"
To leave your rubbish for others to move.

Is it really such a sin
To put your rubbish in a bin?
The Parish Council's heart would fill.
Less money for litter, more for the daffodil!

by Jill Spooner. It is based on her observations whilst walking from Metheringham to Dunston one Sunday Morning.

First published in MACLA News Magazine No.9 Winter 2002