Facets of a Diamond - Blog

A Reflection on John Keats’ Statue* in the Grounds of Guy’s Hospital, London

Keats’ Statue at Guy’s 

A pigeon with one leg
hobbles over to him
– Knowing more than
the medical students.

How can they walk past
– and not Know?

And then two med students
do come
to chat, eat and smoke
– but not to Feel, ignoring.

I ask – and the reply
“He doesn’t have Facebook.”

He gazes out
from his cupola
– but they don’t look,
See or Feel.

I’m sitting here with Keats,
so Alive he feels.
Why doesn’t he turn
to face me?

I mustn’t touch you
– then you’ll be only bronze.

–

*The statue celebrates the fact that Keats trained and worked at Guy’s 1810-15.