Barnes Common

Today you find me on Barnes Common

The weather although mild is changing

As cooler winds begin to dominate

I am glad that I am wearing my cream sweater

Henry Fielding once lived in Milbourne House

On this lovely common

I wonder who lives there now

As I am heading towards the railway station

It is likely that I will pass his house on Station Road

I believe it is number eighteen

Forgive me if I am incorrect


East Smithfield

Edmund Spencer of The Faerie Queene

Was born in East Smithfield

I have a copy of his Amoretti sonnets

In my green silk purse


Greek Street Soho

I am in a cafe in Greek Street Soho

Enjoying a reliable coffee

It has been a busy day

And I am a little tired

in 1802 at a young age Thomas De Quincey

Stayed in this street living the life of a vagrant

In what were later said to have been mean lodgings

A few minutes ago I visited the ladies loo

And was surprised to see written in felt tip

Part of the Owl and the Pussy-Cat by Lear


O lovely Pussy O Pussy, my love

What a beautiful Pussy you are

         You are

         You are

What a beautiful Pussy you are


That was all folks

The corruption was obvious

I almost admired the joker

Soho I thought

Still had the capacity to shock

to be continued