'Wish you would hear' 

'Wish you would hear' is a poem by Paignton-based student Ramona Middleham. She was inspired by an article in the 'Torbay Weekly' about a group of people in Torquay who are bombarding the Prime Minister with postcards, in a plea for him to halt the closure of Cotswald House. Ramona was first published in a Young Writers' anthology called 'Stranger Sagas', and draws much of her inspiration from her home town. When not writing poetry, she is a keen player of lawn bowls and the piano. 

'Wish you would hear'

Wish you would hear
the waves that hit our half-built seawall,
and the threat they pose to our dear
rows of pink hotels. Call
the lifeboat near.

Wish you were near
the club when it fell to the concrete floor.
That you would witness the fear
ringing the bell of the DWP* door. 
That you could see the holiday makers jeer.

Wish you would jeer
perceive at all the smell of chips and steam
and watered-down beer.
You would ream
but at least you'd be here.

Wish you were here
You can run from the sea but not hide.
A scary thing to be beside
Please PM, you'll like the pier.

*DWP = Department for Work and Pensions