DIVINE INTERVENTION
Lines addressed to all critics of the proposed new road through Christ Church Meadows.
Come stifle now the loud complaint And exercise some small restraint! Know that this plan has been designed To gratify an Alpha mind.
Consider how the traffic rolls Right past the Warden of All Souls; Despite the Noise Prevention League He scarce can hear himself intrigue. Enlightened folk will not think twice About the trivial sacrifice Involved in setting right a wrong Patiently borne for far too long. Let lorries twenty-fold increase Provided he is left in peace.
The festal lights in Christ Church Hall Are going to look extremely small Beside the powerful sodium glow Of concrete lamp-posts, row on row.
Where once Zuleika drew her swains Will stretch the tight-packed traffic-lanes.
(What matters beauty, peace or pride So long as SHARPE be justified?) On either side a floral zone With little walls of Cotswold stone And notices which proudly say : `It's BOASE'S roses all the way And where the parkways intersect Will stand . . .
. . . What's that? You still object?
Open the Book, and therein learn One sparrow's fate is God's concern. So shifting SANDYS, at His behest, Will insulate the SPARROW'S nest.
OSBERT LANCASTER
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