After War

‘The Firs’, ‘Hillcrest’, ‘Innisfree’

I

An aerial view. A brochure maps it out And full possession guaranteed Within the year: time for the prefab plots to sprout Before the moves and backyards turn to seed.

II

Look, engines pushing upwards, shovels plough Until the hill is taken, then a kerb Whitewashed, colonial style, now caps the brow Once held by rosebay willow herb.

III

From smoke-black stations, city veterans Ascend and, armed with suitcases, meet packed Possessions dropped by green removal vans To walls in plaster, pale and cracked.

IV

But after decoration, ground is gained: Slit trenches, dug in by skeletal frames, Hold nothing but the memories retained By varnished pokerwork to post the names.