Tomorrows England

Will tomorrows England

Be pleasant and green

Or will the smoke

Still be seen

For as we destroy

And continue to burn

Let's say goodbye

To beach tree and fern

 

Will tomorrows England

Be free of disease

The changes in climate

Can trigger a sneeze

Advances in medicine

Means we're breaking new ground

But for some strains

Cures may never be found

 

In tomorrows England

Will the streets be clean

As knives are carried

Weapons unseen

As the infirm and elderly

Now live in fear

Whilst at a graveside

A Mother stifles a tear

 

In tomorrows England

Will our leaders unite

Taking bold steps

To do what is right

Standing on principles

That are steadfast and sure

And stepping down

If that's what's called for

 

In tomorrows England

Will we strengthen our ties

With our armed forces

Over land sea and skies

And give to them generously

And not just a penny

For one soldier lost

Is one soldier too many

 

In tomorrows England

Will race set the tone

As a young boy at school

Now stands alone

"We don't like your colour

We think less of your skin"

And a world now collapses

Because they won't let him in

 

In tomorrows England

Is a marriage for life

As a young husband

Walks out on his wife

No explanation

Not even a glance

But she'd have him back

Given a chance

 

In tomorrows England

Will things be the same

Or will we hold dear

To the things that we claim

We have such history

Yet this vexes me still

Will tomorrows England be different

I pray that it will 

 

Reviews

[Jaime Tollefson]

Excellent meter and flow. I'd only suggest adjusting this bit a little:

Standing on principles
That are steadfast and sure
And stepping down
If that's what's called for

Perhaps undoing one of the conjunctions at the end. Otherwise this is thought provoking, honest and true.

[Bubo]

In tomorrows England
Is a marriage for life
As a young husband
Walks out on his wife
No explanation
Not even a glance
But she'd have him back
Given a chance

Solid............every verse heavy with truth, and I see every Englishman nodding his head in agreement...........brilliant flow, and such it is that I agree with you, that we are losing our history and vibrant culture too many decreasing values of society.

[Angel Bird]

This is a grand poem. It has an impressive rhythm and wonderful flow, but most of all the questions that you conjure and the answers that no-one knows are much food for thought.
Great job.