THE TOWER BLOCK RESCUE

THE TOWER BLOCK RESCUE

Towards the wind swept heights

of the Tower Block

The gathering crowd

looked up with shock

At the forlorn figure

perched way up high

swaying in the breeze

Preparing to die.

Police, Ambulance Men, Traffic Cops

Firemen, Nurses even Bell Hops, 

Push back the crowds 

who continually pour 

from office blocks and surrounding shops.

Drawn by the horror, anticipation, fear

afraid to see, but struggling to be near.

The drama about to unfold.

The Lunatic Fringe, the asses rump 

Scream crazily, go on, jump, jump, jump.

The figure on the parapet, teeters, seemingly set to obey

While little old ladies cry and pray.

A sudden silence the mob are quiet

The high action draws every eye,

To where four figures now converge

crawling like flies on the awful edge

to save this youth in distress.

Suddenly in unison all four act

with hands and arms like a well trained pack 

Screaming and crying they dragged him back

For a second chance of life.

From way below comes the shuddering sigh,

and shouts of relief echo high.

The crowd melt the show is "klaar"

They took him away in a black Police car

Leather Jacket astride his brand new "Iron"

Calls to Takkies Veldtskoen and other swine

"Ag man pity the stopped him die” 

Ja-shame-hey" comes the reply

Revving up he nonchalantly rode away

For "Joeys" it was just another day.

by Hillie Feldman  27th December1998

Rewrite of poem from 1980