city on a hill

City on a Hill

The buildings shine in the heat
Like white teeth
I wish to see this city
No second coming, I hope.

The city on the hill
Dreamt of by philosophers
Rumours of war
“And was Jerusalem builded here
In England’s green and pleasant land”.

The lanes twist
Through cow parsley and buttercups
Are strewn through the meadows.
Hello Ma, Goodbye Ma
Don’t worry, Ma
I’m only bleeding.
The sun rises behind the Tor
Oh Glaston!
You are my city on a hill.

Christopher Baily
28 May 1999

©estate of christopher baily