The Lane That Leads To The Woods

The unsurfaced lane

that leads to the woods,

at the bottom of which

the river Bollin flows,

was once a smooth path

that people trod

when taking the dogs

for their walkies.

 

It isn't so pristine

any more.

It is muddy,

full of potholes

and has become

a thoroughfare

for heavy trucks

delivering material

to a building site.

 

The powers that be,

in their wisdom,

had decided we need

more houses;

300,00 per annum

was the estimate.

Population growth

was the reason given.

 

Then, for good measure,

affordability and regard

for the homeless

were added to the list.

The overall mission

to be accomplished

by building dwellings

on brownfields.

 

Without exception, now

green fields are used,

pricey luxury homes

dwarf the number

of cheap housing

and the homeless

still sleep on streets

in cardboard boxes.

 

The public is consulted,

then, after deliberation,

objections are ignored

and planning is approved.

I am told that I'm a NIMBY

because the development

takes place in the proximity

of my humble abode.

 

The authority has spoken

and I have to accept

that I have no recourse

and can't alter the course.

But it's not only the lane

that is in a quagmire,

we all seem to be

in the same predicament.

 

 

© Luigi Pagano 2021