I’d never felt loved
until that day
in October 2019
when the people of Reading gave me a hug
and begged me to stay.
Some think it rained
but it was my tears
because I’d never felt loved
until that day.
Empty and alone I wait,
I’m told I am prime real estate,
faceless bureaucrats will decide my fate.
Sell me to the highest bidder, why don’t you.
Make me into luxury apartments, petit and bijou.
But I want to feel your love again
I want to be there for you,
to see your art,
watch your plays,
hear your poetry in celebration
not in despair and condemnation.
Make my bricks of shame into halls of fame.
Fill me with song and laughter
to make up for years of fear and weeping.
I’ve been visited by famous people
although Oscar hated me,
I could feel it and read it,
but he’d love me as a theatre.
Banksy scaled my wall
and left his mark.
The people loved it
and came to see me again.
Alongside your Abbey
I watch over your town
as it changes and grows.
I’d never felt loved
until that day
in October 2019
when the people of Reading gave me a hug
and begged me to stay.
Kathy Tytler 2022
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