Ode to the week that was: 26th June

Crikey, that was unexpected, the country’s in shock!
We’ve voted to leave, the world’s been rocked.
It was never meant to happen – remain was so sure
And now no one knows what to think anymore.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has just resigned
Of the European departure his premiership’ll be defined.
Markets are in turmoil, the Pound is crashing
Clouds of chaos and uncertainty are amassing.

Ode to the week that was: 12th June

Football is back – the Euros are here again
Nationalist fervour and lust for the beautiful game.
Yet it doesn’t seem so beautiful – more ugly and despair
As violence and vandalism turn dream to sad nightmare.

It’s nothing new this hooliganism, we’ve seen it all before
Yet it’s rampant now as ever – most people do deplore.
Let’s hope the Gendarmes use full force to quash the feral scum
And celebrate this tournament of skills and goals and fun.

Ode to the week that was: 5th June

A week of infrastructure, of scientists and design
The opening of the world’s longest tunnel, for a smart new railway line.
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is 57 kilometres from end to end
Across and under Switzerland via straights and climbs and bends.

So, too, a poignant time for London’s airport, Heathrow
Which was opened this week seventy years ago.
Heathrow has seen it all: Brinks-Mat, Concorde and the Beatles
It’s a melting pot of global travel, a connection for the people.

The final creation for the week was that of a humble new fiver
It will now be printed on polymer to make it more of a survivor.
It will last much longer, be much stronger and even go through the wash
Though, ironically, forgery will be harder, money laundering will get the cosh.