The Inkwell

A poem dedicated to the Millennium Landmark of the Arts – based right in my home city, by the banks of the Manchester ship canal.

There’s a place by Pier Eight,

at the end of the quay –

where people go looking for things to see.

I’m talking of Art from Present and Past,

and Shows and plays with memories that’ll last

And people they come from near and from far

drinking a coffee from the pre-show bar

as thespians make some last pre-show checks

behind the curtain, like some nervous wrecks

And paintings from famous painters they’ll see

like that one known as simply “Lowry”

and curators look on with a smile as they pass

looking at paintings from artist amassed

So, by day people look at the things on display

by night they take in a show or a play

And each night the performers prepare for the boards

behind the stage curtain – in front of the hoards.

And after the show,

for coffee they go ’bout

agreeing that they’ve had

One grand day out