Angela Wybrow (Salisbury, Wilts, UK)

Watching TV, I really can’t quite believe my eyes.
The country’s losing control, I’m starting to realise.
If I was caught up in the riots, I’d be shaking with fear,
But, to be honest, I wouldn’t even dare venture near.

All that people can see for many miles around,
Are buildings on fire, being razed to the ground.
Some people have literally lost all their possessions,
Which hits them harder in this time of recession.

Faced with rioters with masks to hide their faces,
Riot-trained police are put through their paces.
The authorities seem to be rapidly losing control,
And their lack of strong presence is taking its toll.

In some places, are police dressed in their riot gear.
All around, you can almost smell the sense of fear.
Cars and buildings are being deliberately set on fire.
People are running amok till their heart’s desire.

They’re breaking down people’s front doors,
As well as looting goods from the nearby stores.
Many shops have had their windows smashed;
Their goods carried off to where the loot is stashed.

Petrol bombs and missiles are being thrown at the police,
Who are doing their best to restore relative peace.
The streets are bathed in orange firelight,
As police and rioters continue to fight.

Staff have locked themselves in; to scared to leave work.
Scared of getting caught up in the mobs going berserk.
TV reporters try their very best to keep us up to date,
But, with their own lives at risk, reports have to wait.

Unrest has now spread far and wide.
Law abiding citizens run and hide.
People are being forced to leave their homes.
Through the dark streets, terrified, they roam.

Unrest has been brewing for quite a while.
With cutbacks and job losses, people get riled.
People wonder where will be targeted next.
The whole country, this problem now affects.

I’m concerned for the safety of a dear friend.
I do so wish these awful riots would end.
I really do hope that it’s not long before,
Peace and harmony are restored once more.