Memories and Dreams of Soho by Alain English

Memories and dreams of Soho,
London's centre, full of colours.
Once a place of violent protest,
Rioters streaming through the markets,
Now a den of dreamy angels,
Fancy free inventing wonder.

Their illusions make me wonder
At the teaming streets of Soho,
Full of ravers, punks and angels,
Startling me with swinging colours.
Traders line the many markets,
Charming all and none will protest.

Those who do will find such protest
Can't outdo the charm and wonder
Found throughout the streets and markets,
Nightclubs, bars, and shops in Soho.
All religious faiths and colours,
Images of gods and angels,

Movie stars made up like angels,
History of troubled protest,
Riots, racism, violent colours
Dyed in hate all make us wonder
How the people live in Soho,
Walk among it's streets and markets,

Live within it's streets and markets,
Work their lives away like angels,
These inhabitants of Soho,
All aware of recent protest,
Knowing it's a common wonder.
Cultures of so many colours,

Chinese, Jewish, Eastern colours,
Sell their wares across the markets,
Living now in hope and wonder
For their dead ancestral angels,
For a future without protest,
Running through the streets of Soho.

A cacophany of colours, markets, angels,
Protestors, create a sense of wonder in us,
Savouring memories and dreams of Soho.