O River Thames,  maiden born pure

then, like the life around you polluted

now once more sparkling without your trade

chastened by those who would buy

your favours in high rise form

pressed close guarded, jealous of others

who would press their claims

on your genuflection and breathe

your grey reflection.

 

You shamelessly ignore those men

with Rolex watches who,

waking through glass

pivot on east and west water

make their insignificant histories count

on the only waterway they cannot mount.