The Fire Station
Loot
2020

Dante told me of the fires that burn.
The enveloping flame, the truth I will learn.
Circles of underworld, hotter each time.
No means to quench, well there’s a pint in mine!
Outside table service and ash tray too.
I’m thinking, now that’s a strange thing to do.
Maybe it’s ceremonial, if I spark up, do I get bells?
I wonder briefly, did they get water from Artesian wells?
The bottles keep coming, I think that’s nine.
And now we are back to Dante, but I’m feeling fine.
So, I’ve reached Lower Hell, through a virtual torrent.
Socially distanced and cashless too, I’ll warrant
Before I leave, a must, to the bog, after the bender.
Forget Artesian wells, I now know what fills the tender.
Makes me think that ...
In July 2020 the Covid 19 lockdown is winding out and people are returning to work places and routines. For many it's been a long time working in the spare room, on the dinning room table or on their lap. A range of activities have been missed, not least socialising at the end of the shift. The Three Kings is the second in a trilogy marking the event.
Narrator:
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Image: The Fire Station: London Road Fire Station Artwork – Home of The Manchester Art Tribute. http://www.visionwithinart.com/project/london-road-fire-station/
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