Newtown

The highroad breasts the hill and climbing higher,

Runs on a level course where houses stand

In a grey terrace facing to the east,

Christened St. Ann’s and built by one McGuire,

Who in his dreaming a new town had planned.

It was a venture odd to say the least !

Oh, what rare vision did his thought inspire?

Did he, as others have done, see a grand

City uprising ere his labours ceased?

We can but wonder at his strange desire,

And think, as we pass by, how man will toil,

Giving his life for that which profits not,

For no reward except to be forgot,

Or else reviled for beauty he did spoil !

 

Mona’s Herald  19.5.61