By John Hughes
This is Reform Street.
Is there one in your city?
Is it similar to this?
Here the upper storeys house
lawyers, dentists and opticians.
There are flats too, but many lie empty.
Has your street changed?
At ground level a gent’s outfitter,
a sexy undies seller, a bookies
and two pubs remain.
Has your street changed little?
Here a heart charity has departed
but two new charities have arrived.
A major shop has gone
and is replaced by another national name.
The Victoria Wine chain has gone
as have several small companies.
Has your street changed much?
Several shops are replaced by cafes,
but many premises are empty
showing “to let” or “For sale” signs.
True in your town too?
Reform Street?