General Poetry posted March 12, 2024


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The Effra is one of London's lost rivers.

The Effra

by Barry Penfold

It started life on a hill
In Norwood's steep terrain
Possibly from a bubbling spring
And fed by frequent rain.

How sweetly flowed the Effra
Meandering at its will
Through meadow land and farmyard place
Past wind and water mill.

Trickling, tumbling ever downward
To the lowlands far below
Through to Dulwich, then to Brixton
To meet a stronger flow.

How sweetly flowed the Effra
Those centuries before
What caused it's disappearance?
Why does it flow no more?

For buried lies that wanderer
And forever will remain
As it meets the Thames at Battersea
Un-noticed through a drain.




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The Effra is one of London's lost rivers. There are some eleven of them and all have succumbed to the effects and necessities of civilization. Basically utilized as drainage systems for sewerage. What a sad ending.
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© Copyright 2024. Barry Penfold All rights reserved.
Barry Penfold has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.