Stuart Rawlinson #14 - The Lichen Hunt

When I was at school

We were told

Lichen is an indicator

Of pollution 

So the geography teacher

Despatched us 

(with parental signatures)

To spot, count, measure

All the lichens around town

Lichen on stone walls

Lichen on bus stops

Lichen on drain pipes

Each one unique

A universe exploded

In slow motion 

Across the side 

Of the corner shop

Each one green, purple

Furry, hijacking moss

Mustard cracked 

Sulphur thick crust

Pores stretching south

Following the Earth's rotation

As fast as they could