Institutions holding power
Over artists, gentle folk
In their own way would devour
Independent deed and thought
With selective themes and rules
Governing what may be seen
Lending weight to private views
Influencing what we mean
Long before our words are cast
Forged as signature by stealth
They’d imagine questions asked
By our readers. For our health
And that of all who stand about
Nattering with glass in hand
At gala, pub, or simply – out
To cultivate this wasted land
There must be structure, must be form
It should be clear all views espoused
Are those full-sanctioned as ‘the norm’
With passions restful, unaroused
In such a way as this, perhaps
Some newer blood may join the rung
As underling to pleasant chaps
And hear their echoed praises sung
Katherine Shirley 