My wife Sandra, (Facebook page Sandra Yates), has for some years been writing poetry as a hobby. She has recently become interested in politics, and has joined the Labour party. During the Labour party conference, the issue of, “pressing the button” arose which generated a great deal of comment in the media and amongst members of the party. It also caused Sandra to recall a poem which she had written some 25 years ago. This is it. “Desolation” The grass is white: In England The cattle graze no more In once luxuriant pastures Enjoyed by them before. The trees are bare: In England The birds no longer rest Within once laden branches So safely in their nest. There is silence now: In England No children's voices bring To once vivacious playgrounds A happy, lively ring. What happened to the grass and trees? What hushed the child at play? What happened to the cows and birds, What made them die away? Well, a finger pressed the button Meant only for ...