On the verge

Travelling down the 419 on my usual daily run,

I saw some workmen mowing the verge (I think they’d just begun).

I reached my destination and did an eight hour shift,

But, what caught my eye on my return really left me miffed.

Not only had they mowed the grass they’d mowed the litter too.

And now there were a million bits instead of just a few.

Now, I think I’ve lived a sheltered life for why was I surprised?

For the litter that had been chopped up the grass had well disguised.

McDonald’s empty cartons sliced neatly into bits,

Chopped up daily papers it really was the pits

Crisp bags and empty bottles, knickers and a shoe.

All cut up with butcher’s skill oh what are we to do?

A clapped out upright freezer, a flush door and T.V.

All trimmed around there in the hedge, could it be topiary?

An armchair and a Belfast sink they’d mowed around the lot ,

Leaving them like sculptured art what skilful men we’ve got.

Bits of polystyrene and supermarket bags,

Half eaten Subway sandwiches and half smoked full strength fags.

Empty Costa coffee cups and coca cola cans,

Broken England football flags from cars of football fans.

Hub caps, rubber tyres and mobile phone revamps,

All lying there for Mr Mole to get the stomach cramps.

So workmen cutting verges may I proffer a tip?

Collect the litter before you start and put it in a skip.