Poetry Pleases: Embankment
Gill Laurence's poem takes as its inspiration the song The Streets Of Laredo. Gill's tuneful poem is far cheerier than the dirge upon which it is based.
As I was a-walking along the Embankment
When I’d been shopping in Bedford one day,
I spied a tall man looking down at my Polo.
He stood with his ticket by my parking bay.
I could tell by his clothing that he was a Warden.
These words he called out as I hurried close by,
‘Your time has expired and I’m going to book you.
I know it’s not nice, but I hope you won’t cry.’
I stamped on the pavement and kicked my poor Polo.
I ranted and raved as his pen moved along.
We all hate Traffic Wardens, so spiteful and greedy,
But I do need my car and I knew I’d done wrong.
He said, ‘Give me some money to send to the Council
And do please remember the meter to feed.
Next time you’re out shopping just don’t be so careless
For a Warden can pounce with astonishing speed.’
