6. The Spa

We heard the noise and realised our quiet was no more
Over the bridge the legions came and we bowed before the roar
Afraid we did our duty and opened up the door
And bade them enter

They brought a few bright things and they promised us a treat
Showed the fine new motor car – ‘no longer will you use your feet’
We were dazzled by convenience and quick was our defeat
And we said ‘Enter’

We held the truth as self-evident
Truthful for so long
But we had no precedent
For one so gleaming so strong
But glamour talks and this time it shouted
And we were shouting too

We didn’t know in all our haste or want to realise
That for our mobile heaven there was bound to be a price
Now we gaze at the tarmac through the mist that stings our eyes
And still say ‘Enter’

Another thing glossed over was the human sacrifice
Another cost we had to bear as we were modernised
And how we’d give up our children before the new sunrise
And still we said ‘Enter’