Photo is by Elvis Hardy.
Explanatory note: Section 12 refers to the Public Order Act 1986 which has been recently amended.
40 or so, in orange high viz,
today got the city turned out in a tiz.
They took to the streets with a message to tell
“No more new drilling – you’re creating hell”
Coppers attended, good humour was high
Someone tweets “Carnage” but that was a lie.
Several cars just had to go slow,
but disruption’s the aim – or didn’t you know?
We have to make headlines or nobody hears
the facts and the science that Rishi so fears.
The government’s policies must be deleted;
That’s why our protesting must be completed.
Our brave crew of marchers took Trinity Way,
their courage undaunted made everyone’s day.
Past the Cathedral (which I hope cried “Amen”
as it witnessed the orange-clad women and men)
Into the Arndale – the aisles were busy
with Saturday shoppers – the sight makes one dizzy -
Unwilling to hear, their heads in the sand,
we must wake them up – they might join our band.
A security guard is blocking the way
“Not on my escalator!” he’s trying to say.
He grabs at a bee in her bright orange vest
but a copper shouts “Move, mate. They’ve a right to protest”
So no Section 12, no violence, no capers
Just good conversations and headlines in papers.
A story worth telling – they all gave their best.
Next time, will you join them, wear a brave hero’s vest?