These lines were inspired by my first walk along the Bude Canal since work began there over a year ago. It was once my regular walk. I shall not be going again.

Who killed Cock Robin?

"I", said the council,

"With a stroke of the pencil,

I destroyed his wild home".

Who slew his friends,

the bright blue kingfishers,

Tall irises golden,

Nests hidden by reeds.

"I" said the council,

"With a stroke of the pencil,

I cleared them away.

(Didn't I do well!)

"No more soft greenery,

No longer still waters,

Just swathes of gray asphalt,

And the otters have gone.

"Bude should be grateful,

To hell with the wildlife!

Cash is what matters

Now a tidied-up theme park,

Bude Canal is no more".

Bridgerule