Marlborough Revisited

Dank and wholly unromantic
Stands the house upon the hill—
Residence of after-marriage
Wet weeds growing on the carriage-
Drive from the suburban lane—
Split-pale fence and lignum vitae
Ring-fenced in the hideous flight he
Could not bring himself to gain.

Thirty years, and still the High Street
Not much changed, awaits Mop Fair—
No emotions now awaken:
Happy he, by angst forsaken,
Walks up Sun Lane in the rain.
Flight now made, the burden lightened—
But yet still a little frightened,
By a stab of unsought pain.

30 March 1967

NOTES

• MS on 'Castle and Ball Hotel, Marlborough, Wiltshire' headed notepaper