Hustle, bustle,

Loud and crowded,

Friendly faces,

Happy sounds

Airhorns, rattles,

Engines, shouting.

Speed, excitement,

Alive with joy.

Scarves and rosettes,

Wool and satin

Show fierce loyalty

To green, red and white

Lifelong friendships

Forged with ‘ommers.

Extended family

Kept me safe

Neglected, scruffy,

Yet loved by thousands.

Unkempt, outdated

But home to me.

Then builders bought it,

For new development.

Appeals against them

Did no good.

No more cheering,

Races, victories.

Homeless Heathens

Wander now.

Now it’s houses.

Neat and tidy

Clean and modern,

Row on row.

Now it’s lifeless

Cold and sterile

Concrete boxes