I look at the bold shapes and smooth curves
In all the glass-fronted modern architecture
And wonder, where all the attention to detail
In the fiddly stone hewn gargoyles has gone?

Shiny pyramids that transfer the designer's dream
Into the metal struts and toughened glass on high.
I look in awe, but all is uniform and regularly shaped,
Without the craft that marked the art some years ago.

Vast wealth and labour poured by men in pursuit
Of monumental splendour fit for their king or God,
Laid the foundation of what we see and think of
As the history of our nation that makes us rich.

I stand with aching neck at the arches and ceilings
Of the houses and such tall cathedrals built in an age
When chipboard and expanding foam did not exist.
Where each panel or door was made by hand on site.

But the buildings we erect today will be lucky to stand
Longer than the maintenance contract they have in place.
Not biodegradable but with short-term goals in sight.
Very cool at the start, but the tarnish comes with speed.

Entranceways of metal and glass that cannot be cleaned.
White painted concrete that streaks from rusting rails.
Glass sided restaurants too cold to eat in past September.
Bridges that sway as the people simply walk across.

One day perhaps we will build with stone again.
The plasterboard and thermablocks will go away.
Stained glass windows might replace the plastic ones.
Perhaps then we'll appreciate the things built to last.