Summer, '79

Day 20:' write a poem that recounts a historical event.' I haven't got time for a lot of research this morning,  so I'm drawing on my memories of marching against fascism and in support of socialism, in London and Manchester in the late 1970s.


It seemed necessary, almost commonplace,
To travel on a coach with fellow students,
With our long hair, flares and desert boots, 
Singing rallying songs, putting the world to rights,
Completely convinced of our convictions.

It was thrilling to be marching amongst thousands
A wild blend of backgrounds, a melting pot, 
All calling and responding to chants,
We felt sure of saving the world,
Righteous glory ate up the miles.  

Brightly printed banners marked affiliations -
Socialist Workers, Communists, Labour,  
Liberal, every Trade Union under the sun - 
For that day our divisions didn't matter, 
Our unity was our strength.  

At day's end we'd reach a park, 
For speeches, songs and celebrations.
A fog of nostalgia cloaks those days, 
When we were proud to be standing up for freedom,
When I was proud to be carrying my unborn child. 

© Copyright 2024. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved

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