A bird's eye view of Croyden burning,
the billowing bright yellows and orange,
glaring under the skin,
the thin veneer of `society`.
Sweeping in and out, over and around,
a visual treat for the voyeur,
but tonight no-one feels safe,
and what is a `consentual` response?
Clapham and a handful of silhouettes,
with hands outstretched,
caught catching the flying lady from the burning flats.
Captured for consumption,
the perfect image of `society`; now.
The flying `eye` hovers over some busy looters,
electrified by the boundary lack,
never has so many forgotten tomorrow,
or is that the point?
Hackney is in a standoff,
a lone mother, grandmother?
Screaming, fearless at her community's `youth`.
Swearing, and cursing at their mindless suicides.
Society's pulsating dregs,
but they belong to us.
Comments
maggyvaneijk | August 9, 2011 - 21:03
A thoughtful and important piece you've written here, a stark blend of those unforgettable scenes we've all been watching today.
mark_yelland-brown | August 9, 2011 - 23:21
Thank you, it reminds me of an old fashioned blood letting, relieving a sickness,
These riots; unacceptable but a wake up call...
seannelson | August 10, 2011 - 06:44
an intriguing and well-written piece. There are always different ways to look at a thing: love the flying-eye trope!
tcook | August 10, 2011 - 10:21
Great to see you back Mark - and this and Sean Nelson's piece give us great pause for thought.
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anshuman_sarkar | August 10, 2011 - 10:38
Hi Mark, Good to see you back...really you have captured every bit of it in so few words. Have been watching it on Television...my sympathies for those who lost their home and property.
Tony, I connected with Mark on Facebook and regularly find him tweeting quite a few interesting thoughts.
Mark do keep contributing here...because you have lots in your literary treasure to share with us.
mark_yelland-brown | August 10, 2011 - 12:37
Thanks guys it's good to be back, reviewing my stuff, it's very hit and miss, this poem was pure gut response...
Highhat | August 10, 2011 - 18:06
I am really sorry this is happening to you Brits at the moment. Seems pretty mad and very reckless to say the least.
;)Pia
Richard L. Prov... | August 17, 2011 - 01:57
Very dramatic writing, excellent access to the soul of the moment, pillage and exultation---sadness and unfulfilled dreams at risk, residue of life left behind, and so many questions. Richard LP
phase2 | September 9, 2011 - 19:06
"Clapham and a handful of silhouettes,"
I like very much the sound of this, but also (we don't have telly so I've seen no pictures) evokes the swift bite of sensation you get on the news, then whisked off to another shock
"never has so many forgotten tomorrow," Reminded me of Cameron going on about "there will be consequences" but what about consequeces of basing self on consumption, for those without wealth?
It all comes from not having enough drizzle. Can't riot in drizzle