ODE TO BATTERSEA POWER STATION

While as a landmark during war, when foreign craft above would soar,
Your station ‘A’ had evermore, two chimneys up to snub their roar,
But now those scenes of service time, while ghostly standing as a shrine,
Are memories of acrid time, with just two chimneys your design…

‘Till ‘B’ was born in harmony, making chimneys four to see,
Inspiring fine photography, while bringing light to Battersea,
As one plus one in oblong soul, your building powered up by coal,
Gave megawatts, four million whole… To serve mankind your only goal.

Thy turbine floors in memory, Still purr as one unendingly,
though you now sleep on silently, oh Battersea’s both ‘A’ and ‘B’.

Photo by my wife Karen.