OXFORD TRIPPER



Over the river gate
I take the path to Christ Church Meadow
find the boat-clubs
and a grandstand view of the stars

but what's this, fireworks?

explosion of colour in the night sky,
cheering crowds, music starting up
a riverboat cruising past;
search party from the land of dreams?

A little further to the left, Milton Keynes
Some chap with a loudspeaker in the morning mist
crawling out of my sleeping bag
I walk along the tow-path

An official in navy jacket
informs the rowers
This is race No. 26
Attention
Go

Christ Church meadow, boat club deck
The Thames here similar to Richmond,
my favourite Surrey bower for sleeping rough - call me George Orwell

I'M AT THE BOATYARD
OF REPAIR AND BEAUTIFICATION NOW
coming under Oxford's spell -
the bookshops, the architecture,
the gargoyles