To ride upon a chariot, a gleaming armoured steed
Of vanity's provision, labour's answer to a need
To satisfy the status of a climbing orphaned waif
Who desires the reassurance that his pride is riding safe

A motor car of lofty reach that hails him as arrived
At another plane of getting with the rest who have survived
Humble strivings as a pauper, now attired as a knight
Riding high upon his wheels, a souvenir of labour's fight

A badge to last 'til such a time as stautus gives a prod
And reminds him that, although a steed, the mount would best be shod
In a different type of duco or another varied form
Better still, a newer model elevated from the norm

For although a keen transporter, it would seem to be in need
To keep up with newer status, newer threats to supercede
A less than brilliant flagship of a rising admiral
Who requires a worthy vessel to appear as honorable

So a new machine is purchased for another term of toil
And the old becomes a relic to be offered to the soil
Or passed on to one less worthy to derive of it a use
Maybe joy or maybe sorrow, maybe treasure or abuse

Whatever be the outcome favoured toys will lose their edge
And appear as worthless objects 'spite the promise or the pledge
To preserve immortal value for forever or until
Something new or greater interest takes their place upon our will
 
 

Ian Kerridge Nov 1995               back to Poetry Index