Exceptional The Effra is one of London's lost rivers. The Effra by Barry Penfold Artwork by helvi2 at FanArtReview.com

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. Recognized Author Notes 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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