A Poem Written Between County Hall and Parliament by Ben Borek

Oh you can’t imagine anything more beautiful
In the whole world than this, and you’d be
Dead of spirit if you didn’t feel touched by
The loveliness of it all. Like a big coat
London is wrapped in the morning,
Which is quiet and empty. Boats, office blocks,
Churches and other buildings are exposed to
The countryside and the sky. Everything
Is shiny in the clean, clear air. The sun
Has never risen as prettily on any hill, stone
Or ditch, I’ve never felt so calm!
The Thames is moving gently by itself,
Jesus! It’s like the buildings themselves are
Not awake yet, and the pulse of it all lies flat.

From: Hamilton, Nathan (ed.), Dear World & Everyone In It: New Poetry in the UK, 2013, Bloodaxe Books: Hexham, Northumberland, p. 174.

Date: 2013

By: Ben Borek (1980- )

Tags: 2013, a poem written between county hall and parliament, ben borek, oh you can’t imagine anything more beautiful, poetry