Oxford tripping.

OXFORD



I climb over the river gate
follow the path to Christ Church Meadow
find the boat-clubs; a grandstand view
of the stars, but what's this, fireworks?

An explosion of colour in the night sky,
a cheering crowd, 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.
I crawl out of my sleeping bag
and 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.