Beyond the Shale

Chimneys of red brick
Flues of black,
Corrugations, ruined shells
Kilns off beaten tracks.

Sewerage works to the left of us
Oil retort to the right,
Over the bridge the public loos
Are hidden out of sight.

Industrialisation
Is never far from view,
Our wellies wade through water
Where once there would be poo.

Kilve's cricketers crack willow
In whites as white can be
Beside a sea of grockles
Who've come here for their tea.

Litter lines the coastal path
Like the horizon's cluttered cranes,
Seagulls raid the bins for treats,
Cars crowd the country lanes.

Big brother looks on catching out
Those who enter, leave, betray,
Are cameras in the countryside
The price we have to pay?

Beyond the shale of history
We mine the landscape still
I for one hope all our visitors
Will love our dear Kilve Pill.


- (Whispers) 

Leave nothing here but footprints, 

Make memories, please enjoy!

- (Louder)

Leave nothing here but footprints,

Make memories, please enjoy!



A Wensley

6.06.2023