Romans at the Gate

On Peckham Common she said to me,

I remember how it used to be

When Boudicca, our comely queen,

Took on the Roman war machine.

Although, as everybody knew,

It was a suicidal thing to do.

But Barbarians must make a stand

Against the civilising hand.

The men who march and bind with laws

Drive highways through our common cause.

Concrete pavements, fences, walls
Advance upon our hallowed halls.

Triumphal arches, temples, towers

Spread shadows on our meadow flowers.

Pick up your spears, it's not too late

To rise above the common fate.

Urge on the chariots, we cannot wait,

For there are always Romans at the Gate.