LADBROKE GROVE

In the middle of the town where the ladies ride I have a house with a garden, and flowers to hide From the sun, in a shady bower, by a tree, That has been a shelter and shade for me, And I sit in the evening, and drink my tea, And think what a lot I could do, if I would, But I don’t do a lot, ‘cause it’s all too good. The other day a girl came by, went back, And said it was lovely, and I wish I could pack My things and come to your house for a day But I can’t, and it’s all so far once away.

• A E Housman