Sirhowy Valley

by Peter Finch

North of Rogerstone on the
canal drip of the Sirhowy Valley
the houses backing
this algae flytrap celebrate
outdoor life with permanent
barbies and patios onto
which the drizzle falls at the
Rising Sun with no sun visible because of
anvil head cumuli the path goes
up through the bog leaf mould of
Coed Mawr woods.
Here Dwr Cymru are routing
a main drain gouge the trees
drop the yellow pipe stuff it all
back scar of contractual restitution
for at least a year
all this for faster shit beyond
lies Mynedd Machen
radio mast and bracken thin
man smoking with a greyhound
do this next.