The weather now, all over England, is a much bigger story than the one below: since repatriating in 1997, I haven't seen anything like it - snow has covered the ground here in Newcastle upon Tyne for more than 3 weeks.
Poem 129 of 230: TO A DRIVER - AUTUMN 2000
As Lancashire fields Became flood plains, And still-worse storm yields Caused Southern pains, I walked up Bolton roads (A new contract, I'd again changed abodes), Feeling quite whacked.
For, while mini-cabs Passed-by quickly, I received the sharp jabs Of cold, gusty, Snow-filled air in my face; Till a driver, At just outside his place, Asked, "Going far?"
Driving through the snowstorm To my new work (Diverting from your norm, Ending my murk), You were a kind fellow; So, from my flat (The walk home was mellow), More thanks for that.