Staying Power

Damp walls, flaked paint – just goes to prove

That sadly, yes – it’s time to move;

A big decision, yes -  that’s true,

But where to?  Farnham?  Fleet? The Forest (New)?

No!  When nearly all our peers

Stay here, or hereabouts, for years,

We should consider –

What’s the draw,

Or natural law,

That gives this town its “staying power?”

We know of course the ‘norm’ is that

On every street there’s time to chat;

Not just on market day (a joy!),

Time for each other – that’s the ploy!

No large scale outlet domination,

No high street mall abomination;

Choice and diversity prevail,

With shopping on a human scale.

We must accept, as well as this,

That Alton’s vivid history is

What gives the town its soul and heart -

So many players have played their part!

The roll-call really is uncanny -

One thinks, alas, of poor sweet Fanny,

Of Curtis, Allen, Civil War,

The bullet holes in Lawrence’s door....

Too big a legacy to outline here,

Though culture’s at its heart, its clear;

And  Austen’s impact? - You cannot hide

A little prejudice, but lots of pride!

So though you sometimes can’t define

The secret of this town of mine,

It’s trite, but true, to say out loud:

“Its people are what makes it proud!”

So in conclusion, let me say

That in the end, decision day

Was no great hardship – and that was due

To many facets:  a town that’s true

To values dear, a quest for unity,

But above all else, a strong community;

Museums, parks and playing field –

Defended like a human shield,

You can always bet

(When under threat)

On a spirit to fight

For what is right.

A confident future lies ahead,

So this is where we’ll rest our head;

In Alton, with its ‘staying power’.

                                                                     Rod Eckles   - Oct 2010