Turbines: a poem by Gillian Southgate

TURBINES

 Now stand with me, and contemplate the turbines,

Tall and austere, and standing in a line.

We’ve tried, but haven’t managed to discover

A fossil fuel alternative as fine.

As energy official on the council

I’ve heard it said that coal’s a better bet,

But we feel coal is thoroughly polluting,

And nuclear carries an insistent threat.

So windfarms, splendid windfarms are the way now,

Irresolute in water, hugely high.

Observe the symmetry, remark the order,

The movement of the future on the sky.

The sheep that graze the marshes lend perspective,

They can’t demur, nor can they make reply:

Stern, fundamental, practically silent,

The turbines state their case. We must comply.

  

G M Southgate