Thoughts after wandering around the little town we’re visiting.

A tidy little town

A tidy little town, Minlaton,
Main street with shops
Pub and Post Office included 
Even still has a Bank SA.

Though talk of it going soon
Large vacant shopfronts 
Amongst a range of thriving businesses 
Possibly casualties of the pandemic. 

But, most country areas struggle 
Cost of living increasing 
Jobs replaced by machinery
Young people dreaming of the cities. 

Such a Mecca these places would be
For so many people displaced 
Running from war or famine
Seeking a safe place to be. 

More population creating work
Providing destinations for city folk
Jaded by the density of their living
Seeking fresh air and space to breathe it. 

But even with more liberal governance 
The parochialism and fear abide
Treating people with little compassion 
Setting hurdles too high to scale. 

Forgetting that most came here
To escape the shackles of elsewhere 
Creating an enviable lifestyle 
Trampling on those already here. 

Lacking is both memory and vision
The fact the land was wrested from others
The possibilities for more equity ahead 
A future in which all could win. 

But profit seems supreme
Trampling on social capital 
Ignoring synergies that could exist
Depth in developing community bonds. 

The statue of a local hero
Watches over all around 
People shop, drink coffee and mingle
Life goes on and children laugh. 

Skirting all the existential questions 
Highlighting the momentum of living 
Capturing each and everyone 
Propelling us into the future unbidden. 

Brian Matthews 4-3-24