Coventry Then And Now

When I came to Coventry many moons ago,
Factories were booming and people were on the go,
There was so much to do and see and folk were kind and true,
Nothing ever got them down, they were never blue.
Though times were hard, life was not bad, and folk found time to care,
Work got done and there was time for play,
And time for fun at the fair.
Walking under star lit skies,
Strolling in the park,
Hand in hand together,
Happy as a lark.
Windows were left open, doors left undone,
And folk walked about without fear,
They smiled and waved and whistled and sang,
As they greeted those far and near.
Folk scrubbed their steps and swept their paths,
Then tidied all about,
There was not a street that was not clean,
Not on any route.

How times have changed, folk have no shame,
As they throw their litter down,
They spit and they swear and simply don’t care,
They really don’t give a damn.
Gardens were lovingly planted to give a grand display,
Of lovely smelling flowers, to fill our every day.
Now the trees are all pulled down and the gardens ripped apart,
What a sight that meets the eye, it’s enough to break ones heart.
Gone is the pride that was the joy of our city,
Gone are the factories we knew,
Instead is despair that’s felt everywhere,
And work for a limited few.
We must be firm as in days of old,
The do-gooders have had their say,
They have spared the rod and spoilt the child,
And now we are ruing the day.
We must reflect on our days of respect,
And put right the wrong that’s been done,
To make our fair city the proud city she was,
And a joy once again for everyone.

Written by: Josephine Oriel Vitols