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The Inaugural Manning's Pit

Poetry Competition


Highly Commended

Donald Mackay
Donald Mackay


A Londoner originally, Don moved to Essex on marrying. Here he brought up his family, recently retiring to the Highlands of Scotland from where his father originated. He studied English and American Literature at UEA, and has throughout his life been an extremely prolific reader. Now he has a bit more time to write, hence this poem. He and his family have spent many happy hours visiting Mannings Pit with his sister and family and they were very active in the ‘Egg-rolling and Easter Bonnet Competition’ days. They continue their interest by supporting the Friends of Manning’s Pit.
















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Donald's Poem

people need homes

but

 
just take a look
as you pass by,
it might be the last at this place.
another living green space,
hanging in the balance.

so much lives in such a small expanse
surely we must value this
bend down and look at the grass and beyond,
to worlds as intricate as our own

but people need homes

and the cheapest place to build them
is always green.