Georgian Squares

Coal holes in resplendent decoration
a reminder of darker times
when sulphurus clouds would hang low
over Georgian squares in colonial lands.

Now they are redundant
as the empirical reign
elegant existence of ornament
tread by unknowing feet.

Under the murky orange glow
plains throw their shadowy forms
on granite edged pavements
cracked and wearing of pedestrian lives.

The dark square rests for the evening
secured by iron, padlock and chain,
illuminated glazing overlooks,
over-priced tenancies in tired gaze.

Splendour of the past time
preserves for our aesthetic,
problems of the present
hidden with Georgian style.

-Ciaran Burke