MANCHESTER MOURNING

The very heart of England Has suddenly missed a beat As the lifeblood of Manchester Spills onto the street. Youngsters at a concert Enjoying being young Came from around the country To have a little fun. But fun turned to horror, And horror turned to grief, And grief turned to utter shock — Shock, beyond belief. But in amid the turmoil — That gentle stranger’s hand, The anonymous unsung hero That we find throughout our land. With tears of utter sadness And flags at half-mast We all stand shoulder to shoulder As we have done in the past. And we must think of the future With solidarity Of a nation drawing together In our diversity. Sheila Webb, Chesham, Bucks.