Up early. Alarm, quarter to seven
Big day today: Wilmslow at eight o’clock
Took Josie to Altrincham early on
The sun shone as we played in Stamford Park
And I ordered books from a music shop
So she can play piano in summer
We then went to Hale, to another park
And then Macclesfield, to yet another!
We stayed in South Park for maybe three hours
And yet again we both gorged on chicken
Back to my flat for tea, eye on the clock
Tonight’s show was ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’
At M.E.N. Arena - a good one
And now, relaxing after that hard work!
Fri 31 July 2009
Friday 22 April 2011
1060 - Music and musing
I’ve got a sore left eye. Resting tonight
Getting up early tomorrow morning
To look after Josie. Losing the fight
To write tonight, even though I’m feeling
Both bored and guilty. Once again fleeing
Responsibility. Consolation
In the Proms live on TV. This screening
Contains works by Berlioz and Mendelssohn
With such musical treasure, being alone
Is not such a big thing; rather, a flight
Through history, emotion, suffering…
I must mention the weather. Evening sun
After terrible downpours that have quite
Drenched July, and are still continuing
Thur 30 July 2009
Getting up early tomorrow morning
To look after Josie. Losing the fight
To write tonight, even though I’m feeling
Both bored and guilty. Once again fleeing
Responsibility. Consolation
In the Proms live on TV. This screening
Contains works by Berlioz and Mendelssohn
With such musical treasure, being alone
Is not such a big thing; rather, a flight
Through history, emotion, suffering…
I must mention the weather. Evening sun
After terrible downpours that have quite
Drenched July, and are still continuing
Thur 30 July 2009
1059 - Up early
So short of sleep, I went to work today
The guy below was singing, half-seven
Before that I’d been woken up by… Hey!
Wheelie bins being dragged at 7.15?
What gives? Got up and went in. Yes, went in
But not much done, well, unsurprisingly
A works do, with beer and a meal looming
Blokes at one end, the girls all separately
But later, managed to talk to Tracey
While eyeing up the girls in the bar; they
Had legs to die for. Wasted, wasted on
Whoever they were with, temporarily
The rain eased off, the sun came out to play
And in the end it was a nice evening
Wed 29 July 2009
The guy below was singing, half-seven
Before that I’d been woken up by… Hey!
Wheelie bins being dragged at 7.15?
What gives? Got up and went in. Yes, went in
But not much done, well, unsurprisingly
A works do, with beer and a meal looming
Blokes at one end, the girls all separately
But later, managed to talk to Tracey
While eyeing up the girls in the bar; they
Had legs to die for. Wasted, wasted on
Whoever they were with, temporarily
The rain eased off, the sun came out to play
And in the end it was a nice evening
Wed 29 July 2009
1058 - Views on the news
So what’s been in the news recently, then?
Seeing not much is happening with me?
And maybe that’s okay; it’s better when
Peace reigns, not war. I’m sure that you’d agree.
Talking of war, there’s been a lot lately
In the forgotten zone, Afghanistan
A few more British deaths and we soon see
Great interest, replacing lack of concern
Swine flu died a death, then resurrection
To the front page. MPs’ expenses? Gone,
Brushed under Westminster carpet quickly
Flush from their clean sweep in by-elections
The Tories bide their time. The time to spend
Is over for government. Not for me
Tue 28 July 2009
Seeing not much is happening with me?
And maybe that’s okay; it’s better when
Peace reigns, not war. I’m sure that you’d agree.
Talking of war, there’s been a lot lately
In the forgotten zone, Afghanistan
A few more British deaths and we soon see
Great interest, replacing lack of concern
Swine flu died a death, then resurrection
To the front page. MPs’ expenses? Gone,
Brushed under Westminster carpet quickly
Flush from their clean sweep in by-elections
The Tories bide their time. The time to spend
Is over for government. Not for me
Tue 28 July 2009
1057 - Deep sleep
I need to sleep, I need, I need to sleep
I’m knackered, I’m knackered, fuckin’ knackered
Please let me fall so deep, so very deep
And stay down, stay down, through singing of birds
Let traffic noise, traffic noise stay unheard
Let dreams of love, dreams of love, dreams of love
Reverberate, reverberate like words
In this sonnet, this sonnet; let them move
Like bass guitar, bass guitar in a groove
Let evening dark, let evening darkness creep
I’m feelin’ even more fuckin’ knackered
If I had stairs I’d be up there, above
Lying, just lying, lying in a heap
Lying on my bed, lying on my bed
Mon 27 July 2009
I’m knackered, I’m knackered, fuckin’ knackered
Please let me fall so deep, so very deep
And stay down, stay down, through singing of birds
Let traffic noise, traffic noise stay unheard
Let dreams of love, dreams of love, dreams of love
Reverberate, reverberate like words
In this sonnet, this sonnet; let them move
Like bass guitar, bass guitar in a groove
Let evening dark, let evening darkness creep
I’m feelin’ even more fuckin’ knackered
If I had stairs I’d be up there, above
Lying, just lying, lying in a heap
Lying on my bed, lying on my bed
Mon 27 July 2009
1056 - For the young
It’s one-thirty a.m. Most are asleep
Apart from rust, of course, and you and me
Not far to go till rest; I hope I’ll keep
Asleep long enough so I’ve energy
For yet another working week. But we
Who have our jobs and moan, forget those who
Are young and struggling for equality
In today’s marketplace where jobs are few
Even if qualified. Seems there’s a queue
For anything worthwhile, and the scrap heap
Is where our youngsters are condemned quickly
What will this country be like in a few
More years of this relentless profit creep
Once again, the bosses own you and me
Sun 26 July 2009
Apart from rust, of course, and you and me
Not far to go till rest; I hope I’ll keep
Asleep long enough so I’ve energy
For yet another working week. But we
Who have our jobs and moan, forget those who
Are young and struggling for equality
In today’s marketplace where jobs are few
Even if qualified. Seems there’s a queue
For anything worthwhile, and the scrap heap
Is where our youngsters are condemned quickly
What will this country be like in a few
More years of this relentless profit creep
Once again, the bosses own you and me
Sun 26 July 2009
1055 - Sun in summertime
Rare sunny summer’s day. With Josephine
I’m pleased to say we made the most of it
The Aquatic Centre (la grande piscine)
And ‘Mega Mela’ in Platt Fields, the great
Asian fair in the park. Managed to kit
Josie out in a pink Asian costume
Making the local women smile a bit
As we walked by, both eating our ice cream
One mother even took her picture; seems
There’s nothing as nice as digging their scene
For making people of all kinds unite
It’s so easy: so little in between
The different groups. Saw the Asian rap scene
And had some great fairground rides. We loved it!
Sat 25 July 2009
I’m pleased to say we made the most of it
The Aquatic Centre (la grande piscine)
And ‘Mega Mela’ in Platt Fields, the great
Asian fair in the park. Managed to kit
Josie out in a pink Asian costume
Making the local women smile a bit
As we walked by, both eating our ice cream
One mother even took her picture; seems
There’s nothing as nice as digging their scene
For making people of all kinds unite
It’s so easy: so little in between
The different groups. Saw the Asian rap scene
And had some great fairground rides. We loved it!
Sat 25 July 2009
1054 - Siren
An endless siren calls through the night air
An ambulance? A police car? No, neither
It’s someone’s house or car alarm I hear
Maybe they’re on holiday, unaware
That their property’s causing such a stir
How fortunate that I’m not next door. Hey!
It’s stopped, and there is peace on earth once more
It’s just as well, for just about to play
Is Akiko Suwanai, backed by the
Orchestre National de Lyon: they’re
This evening’s Prom… Oh, not again! I hear
An ambulance or police car on its way
To some Salford emergency; despair
Somewhere, but who cares? There’s the orchestra!
Fri 24 July 2009
An ambulance? A police car? No, neither
It’s someone’s house or car alarm I hear
Maybe they’re on holiday, unaware
That their property’s causing such a stir
How fortunate that I’m not next door. Hey!
It’s stopped, and there is peace on earth once more
It’s just as well, for just about to play
Is Akiko Suwanai, backed by the
Orchestre National de Lyon: they’re
This evening’s Prom… Oh, not again! I hear
An ambulance or police car on its way
To some Salford emergency; despair
Somewhere, but who cares? There’s the orchestra!
Fri 24 July 2009
1053 - Extended childhood
My life feels like an extended childhood
That’s now almost a half-century long
Tenacious innocence, belief in good
And that there’ll soon be an end to what’s wrong
A silly sense of humour, love of song
Some things have changed, it’s true; I eat less sweets
I’ve more experience since I’ve moved among
Adults, disguised as one of them; my feats
Have really been quite something, and my treats
The best times, something else, and sometimes rude
My very own musical, and I’ve sung
The lead role (rather badly) all these nights
My acting skills resemble that of wood
And audience reactions often stung
Thur 23 July 2009
That’s now almost a half-century long
Tenacious innocence, belief in good
And that there’ll soon be an end to what’s wrong
A silly sense of humour, love of song
Some things have changed, it’s true; I eat less sweets
I’ve more experience since I’ve moved among
Adults, disguised as one of them; my feats
Have really been quite something, and my treats
The best times, something else, and sometimes rude
My very own musical, and I’ve sung
The lead role (rather badly) all these nights
My acting skills resemble that of wood
And audience reactions often stung
Thur 23 July 2009
1052 - Monsoon gone soon?
The dark monsoon season soon seems endless
The dark mongoose is loose about this house
The dark mongrel smells terrible, noseless
The dark monkey sees nothing; he is wise
The dark shadows grow; groaning phantoms rouse
The dark madhouse lets loose all its MPs
The dark padlock shuts in my sluttish mouse
The dark sad dock, empty but for the breeze
The dark late afternoon and evening freeze
The dark gate swings; blackbird sings my distress
The dark mate, vanished; panic, self-abuse
The dark fate waits for an end to journeys
The dark sonnet, on its fourteen-line verse
The dark swan on its sunless river cruise
Wed 22 July 2009
The dark mongoose is loose about this house
The dark mongrel smells terrible, noseless
The dark monkey sees nothing; he is wise
The dark shadows grow; groaning phantoms rouse
The dark madhouse lets loose all its MPs
The dark padlock shuts in my sluttish mouse
The dark sad dock, empty but for the breeze
The dark late afternoon and evening freeze
The dark gate swings; blackbird sings my distress
The dark mate, vanished; panic, self-abuse
The dark fate waits for an end to journeys
The dark sonnet, on its fourteen-line verse
The dark swan on its sunless river cruise
Wed 22 July 2009
1051 - Summer in Manchester
The summer drags on… The late light’s okay
But every day it rains. In Manchester!!
I sound surprised. I shouldn’t feel that way
Because rain’s ever-present through the year
In Britain, specially in northern areas
Got some things done at work, drafting guidance
And afterwards, a Chinese and some beers
So much meat eaten lately, and a chance
To stuff myself with mushrooms more than once
I’m back home now and it’s too late to play
Music; a pint of Wobbly Bob beer
Has put paid to my muse: she’s gone to France
Or maybe Mars or Venus. The dark grey
Of nightfall approaches, as I sit here
Tue 21 July 2009
But every day it rains. In Manchester!!
I sound surprised. I shouldn’t feel that way
Because rain’s ever-present through the year
In Britain, specially in northern areas
Got some things done at work, drafting guidance
And afterwards, a Chinese and some beers
So much meat eaten lately, and a chance
To stuff myself with mushrooms more than once
I’m back home now and it’s too late to play
Music; a pint of Wobbly Bob beer
Has put paid to my muse: she’s gone to France
Or maybe Mars or Venus. The dark grey
Of nightfall approaches, as I sit here
Tue 21 July 2009
1050 - Stranded
Oh ye of little faith, fear not I’ve gone
I’m merely cut off from the internet
BT won’t take over my landline phone
Till Friday evening; till then I can’t get
My new broadband provider changed from shit
Pipex to O2, who should be better
And, next week, when I do, I shall post yet
More sonnets on my site, and update a
Networking site or two, to have greater
Coverage and include the things I’ve done
In the last month or two, such as a set
Of new songs. It’s quite good that I’ll get a
New email address: less junk mail will come
Yes! I’ll be back soon, so, my friends, don’t fret!
Mon 20 July 2009
I’m merely cut off from the internet
BT won’t take over my landline phone
Till Friday evening; till then I can’t get
My new broadband provider changed from shit
Pipex to O2, who should be better
And, next week, when I do, I shall post yet
More sonnets on my site, and update a
Networking site or two, to have greater
Coverage and include the things I’ve done
In the last month or two, such as a set
Of new songs. It’s quite good that I’ll get a
New email address: less junk mail will come
Yes! I’ll be back soon, so, my friends, don’t fret!
Mon 20 July 2009
1049 - Manchester monsoon
Today I hoped we’d see the Festival
Of Caribbean Culture in Moss Side
But that plan was scuppered as the rain fell
We ate lunch and kept an eye on outside
Torrential downpours, they became our guide
So we went to the pictures (in 3-D!!)
Wearing ‘sunglasses’ in the dark, inside
I’ve not done that since I was height of knee
To a grasshopper. After ‘Ice Age 3’ -
Though too late - the weather then turned out well
Someone said, “Don’t wear those glasses outside!”
Drove down to Wilmslow to drop off Josie
Right now, after those sweets, I still feel full
Might do more music next, if not too tired
Sun 19 July 2009
Of Caribbean Culture in Moss Side
But that plan was scuppered as the rain fell
We ate lunch and kept an eye on outside
Torrential downpours, they became our guide
So we went to the pictures (in 3-D!!)
Wearing ‘sunglasses’ in the dark, inside
I’ve not done that since I was height of knee
To a grasshopper. After ‘Ice Age 3’ -
Though too late - the weather then turned out well
Someone said, “Don’t wear those glasses outside!”
Drove down to Wilmslow to drop off Josie
Right now, after those sweets, I still feel full
Might do more music next, if not too tired
Sun 19 July 2009
1048 - Homework
A busy day at home… What did I do?
It’s all a beer-soaked blur now, finally
Amazingly, I cleaned all my windows
I’ve now got windows through which you can see!
I’ve almost finished a new track, to be
Called ‘Couldn’t Think Of Anything To Say’
It needs remixing, keyboard part, maybe
And after four hours doing that, a play
On the guitar, the first for many days
Watched Monty Python, ‘Elizabeth’ too
Cate Blanchett in love with Walter Raleigh!
Walter, he chased the Armada away
No sign of Francis Drake…But that’s how you
Keep the Yanks interested in history!
Sat 18 July 2009
It’s all a beer-soaked blur now, finally
Amazingly, I cleaned all my windows
I’ve now got windows through which you can see!
I’ve almost finished a new track, to be
Called ‘Couldn’t Think Of Anything To Say’
It needs remixing, keyboard part, maybe
And after four hours doing that, a play
On the guitar, the first for many days
Watched Monty Python, ‘Elizabeth’ too
Cate Blanchett in love with Walter Raleigh!
Walter, he chased the Armada away
No sign of Francis Drake…But that’s how you
Keep the Yanks interested in history!
Sat 18 July 2009
1047 - Blue Boar Blues
I’m sitting in the Blue Boar in Bolton
I’ve read a few short poems, drunk a few
I came by train, don’t worry: drink drivin’
Ain’t my scene. Now I’m free to drink a brew
Or two or three or four. Now what are you
Doin’ this Friday night? The rain’s fallin’
My hair’s flattened, constantly need the loo
And every few seconds, seems I’m smokin’
The piss-stained pavements, not so appealin’
I’m sittin’ here alone… Where are you, hun?
I miss our times together. I miss you
I hate goin’ out by myself, thinkin’
Everyone’s thinking’ ‘This guy’s all alone!’
Well yes, but at least I’m free, unlike you…
Fri 17 July 2009
I’ve read a few short poems, drunk a few
I came by train, don’t worry: drink drivin’
Ain’t my scene. Now I’m free to drink a brew
Or two or three or four. Now what are you
Doin’ this Friday night? The rain’s fallin’
My hair’s flattened, constantly need the loo
And every few seconds, seems I’m smokin’
The piss-stained pavements, not so appealin’
I’m sittin’ here alone… Where are you, hun?
I miss our times together. I miss you
I hate goin’ out by myself, thinkin’
Everyone’s thinking’ ‘This guy’s all alone!’
Well yes, but at least I’m free, unlike you…
Fri 17 July 2009
1046 - Blur
It’s all a blur, you see - I can’t recall
It appears I forgot my diary
This isn’t acceptable, not at all
No - I’ve been writing diaries for three
Years now, and I’ve hardly missed a day. The
Daily Sonnet carries on its sweet way
And nothing must stop it; nothing must be
Allowed to obstruct this construction. They
Might not approve; they might stand in its way
But I don’t care. The sonnets go on, all
Oblivious to my pissedness or to the
Perception that I rely on one they
Think is my only friend. No - I stand tall!
Quality will triumph. Eventually
Thur 16 July 2009
It appears I forgot my diary
This isn’t acceptable, not at all
No - I’ve been writing diaries for three
Years now, and I’ve hardly missed a day. The
Daily Sonnet carries on its sweet way
And nothing must stop it; nothing must be
Allowed to obstruct this construction. They
Might not approve; they might stand in its way
But I don’t care. The sonnets go on, all
Oblivious to my pissedness or to the
Perception that I rely on one they
Think is my only friend. No - I stand tall!
Quality will triumph. Eventually
Thur 16 July 2009
1045 - Work again
Returned to work, but took the morning off
Watched TV, and read a biography
That now and then is proving somewhat tough
It’s about Elizabeth Bathory
Who tortured and killed girls in Hungary
Around the time of Shakespeare, spearing them
Burning and freezing them horrifically
Killing 300 or more in her dens
Her castles, manor houses, noble friends
Protecting her for so long. Then work stuff
Had to be done in Warrington, where we
Discussed tax with a company. I went
In navy suit and purple tie… Enough
Smartness for one year - scruffiness for me!
Wed 15 July 2009
Watched TV, and read a biography
That now and then is proving somewhat tough
It’s about Elizabeth Bathory
Who tortured and killed girls in Hungary
Around the time of Shakespeare, spearing them
Burning and freezing them horrifically
Killing 300 or more in her dens
Her castles, manor houses, noble friends
Protecting her for so long. Then work stuff
Had to be done in Warrington, where we
Discussed tax with a company. I went
In navy suit and purple tie… Enough
Smartness for one year - scruffiness for me!
Wed 15 July 2009
1044 - I woke at noon
I woke at noon - that’s a recent record
I’m still offline, though - have been since late June
That makes you feel cut off, as though the cord
That binds you to the world has not been thrown
To you, drifting in the ocean, alone…
Put up my photos on the computer
Watched video that I’d shot of Irish town
And country; a new musical idea
Came to me, but the track hasn’t appeared
Yet, except in my head; hard to record,
Tricky arrangements, more than just a tune
A blend of classical and rock, a near
Nightmare, but hopefully they won’t be bored…
Gave Andy late lift from airport to home
Tue 14 July 2009
I’m still offline, though - have been since late June
That makes you feel cut off, as though the cord
That binds you to the world has not been thrown
To you, drifting in the ocean, alone…
Put up my photos on the computer
Watched video that I’d shot of Irish town
And country; a new musical idea
Came to me, but the track hasn’t appeared
Yet, except in my head; hard to record,
Tricky arrangements, more than just a tune
A blend of classical and rock, a near
Nightmare, but hopefully they won’t be bored…
Gave Andy late lift from airport to home
Tue 14 July 2009
1043 - In Ireland 5 - Banter near Bantry
Stayed up listening to music and talking
And life plans and whatnot and feeling high
At the way my Irish trip was ending
With my music being liked by Tor and Ky
And invitations to return, to try
Recording my songs with good production
And also, and this could be fun for me
Taking part in group improvisation
Slept on the sofa at DarkWorld.com
Only a short sleep, second night running
Croissant for breakfast; Ky was looking tired
She had some work. Andy and me went down
To Durrus for a pint and sandwich. Things
Have ended up all right, then, finally
Mon 13 July 2009
And life plans and whatnot and feeling high
At the way my Irish trip was ending
With my music being liked by Tor and Ky
And invitations to return, to try
Recording my songs with good production
And also, and this could be fun for me
Taking part in group improvisation
Slept on the sofa at DarkWorld.com
Only a short sleep, second night running
Croissant for breakfast; Ky was looking tired
She had some work. Andy and me went down
To Durrus for a pint and sandwich. Things
Have ended up all right, then, finally
Mon 13 July 2009
1042 - In Ireland 4 - Sheep's Head
I woke up in a red car in Bantry
I walked around the town, around the bay
Around the bend, past the camp of gypsies
The Cork and Kerry Mountains rose and lay
The Pillar of Kilnaruane don’t say
Too much, pointing straight up; no direction
Except the sky. Consulting notes, my way
Led me down Sheep’s Head towards Kilcrohane
Steep green slopes bled into blue sea. Drove down
To a farmhouse called Desmond’s; white, lonely
Where a small, select group had come to play
Tomás spoke verse and Derek actually sang
Drove up and down and around with Andy.
Tor and Ky (musicians) said I could stay
Sunday 12 July 2009
I walked around the town, around the bay
Around the bend, past the camp of gypsies
The Cork and Kerry Mountains rose and lay
The Pillar of Kilnaruane don’t say
Too much, pointing straight up; no direction
Except the sky. Consulting notes, my way
Led me down Sheep’s Head towards Kilcrohane
Steep green slopes bled into blue sea. Drove down
To a farmhouse called Desmond’s; white, lonely
Where a small, select group had come to play
Tomás spoke verse and Derek actually sang
Drove up and down and around with Andy.
Tor and Ky (musicians) said I could stay
Sunday 12 July 2009
1041 - In Ireland 3 - Cork and Kerry mountains
Torrential rain all day, till around six
Drove from Killarney to good old Bantry
Across the Gap of Dunloe, with its tricks
Of tight bends, sheep and rain, incessantly
Caught sixty winks down by the Bantry quay
And then found Bantry Boys’ Club (That was hard!)
Tonight was a good night for poetry
It seemed to go down well, seems to have scored
A local hit: a succession of bards
Some more traditional, some with music
Even some kids and food, additionally
And afterwards… What happened afterwards?
Oh yeah, more drinks and chat with the poets
Who’d come from all Ireland and overseas
Sat 11 July 2009
Drove from Killarney to good old Bantry
Across the Gap of Dunloe, with its tricks
Of tight bends, sheep and rain, incessantly
Caught sixty winks down by the Bantry quay
And then found Bantry Boys’ Club (That was hard!)
Tonight was a good night for poetry
It seemed to go down well, seems to have scored
A local hit: a succession of bards
Some more traditional, some with music
Even some kids and food, additionally
And afterwards… What happened afterwards?
Oh yeah, more drinks and chat with the poets
Who’d come from all Ireland and overseas
Sat 11 July 2009
1040 - In Ireland 2 - Galway, Clare and Kerry
Ireland, day two - things went somewhat smoother
No large losses of money, cock-ups, stress
There is one thing that’s still crap, however
And that was the grand old Irish rain. Yes!
It never lets you down. It fell like piss
So I sat in the car in Ballyvaughan,
North County Clare, with my second breakfast
Of chicken and chips (wedges, as they’re known)
And then did my best to see The Burren
And the Cliffs of Moher in the shit weather
Drowned ratdom gets boring, I must confess
So, drove south: Spanish Point, Ennis, the town
Of Limerick on the wide Shannon River
On through Adare, to Killarney, and rest!
Fri 10 July 2009
No large losses of money, cock-ups, stress
There is one thing that’s still crap, however
And that was the grand old Irish rain. Yes!
It never lets you down. It fell like piss
So I sat in the car in Ballyvaughan,
North County Clare, with my second breakfast
Of chicken and chips (wedges, as they’re known)
And then did my best to see The Burren
And the Cliffs of Moher in the shit weather
Drowned ratdom gets boring, I must confess
So, drove south: Spanish Point, Ennis, the town
Of Limerick on the wide Shannon River
On through Adare, to Killarney, and rest!
Fri 10 July 2009
1039 - In Ireland - Mayo and Galway
Ireland, day one - a day of big mistakes!
First off, I forgot to pack my glasses!
Not good when I’m driving a hired car. Yikes!
And then, at Liverpool Airport, there is
No BMI Baby check-in, because
My flight’s from Manchester, NOT Liverpool!
My taxi zoomed there (Cost: 50 knickers!)
A late take-off to Knock saved this damn fool!
At Knock Airport the car hire cost a full
Hundred euro more to insure ’gainst breaks
Or pay 300 euro for scratches
No time, or eyesight, to go driving all
Round Mayo. Knock-Tuam-Galway in three shakes
Galway’s always busy; it always is
Thur 9 July 2009
First off, I forgot to pack my glasses!
Not good when I’m driving a hired car. Yikes!
And then, at Liverpool Airport, there is
No BMI Baby check-in, because
My flight’s from Manchester, NOT Liverpool!
My taxi zoomed there (Cost: 50 knickers!)
A late take-off to Knock saved this damn fool!
At Knock Airport the car hire cost a full
Hundred euro more to insure ’gainst breaks
Or pay 300 euro for scratches
No time, or eyesight, to go driving all
Round Mayo. Knock-Tuam-Galway in three shakes
Galway’s always busy; it always is
Thur 9 July 2009
1038 - Bags packed - tomorrow
It’s my last day at work before Ireland
Culminating in a Poetica show
In Central Library, and now that’s done
Tomorrow, pack my bags, and then I’ll go
On foot to Manchester, and wait below
The bus-stop, catch the coach to Liverpool
Airport, and fly to Knock, explore Mayo
Pass briefly through Galway. My schedule’s full
For the next five days over there. Meanwhile
I’m relaxing, now everything’s in hand
I’ve made a checklist I’ll check tomorrow
Morning; for now, I haven’t got the will
To pack my bags. My head is in the sand…
Mañana, mañana, mi amigo…
Culminating in a Poetica show
In Central Library, and now that’s done
Tomorrow, pack my bags, and then I’ll go
On foot to Manchester, and wait below
The bus-stop, catch the coach to Liverpool
Airport, and fly to Knock, explore Mayo
Pass briefly through Galway. My schedule’s full
For the next five days over there. Meanwhile
I’m relaxing, now everything’s in hand
I’ve made a checklist I’ll check tomorrow
Morning; for now, I haven’t got the will
To pack my bags. My head is in the sand…
Mañana, mañana, mi amigo…
1037 - Fighting for breath
So here I am, late Tuesday night, fulfilled
I’ve gone to work, come home and played music
A good chat with Andy, with some beers swilled
This must be better than being fast stuck
In domesticity; there’s something sick
When individuality’s suppressed
When dreams are repressed by somebody’s thick
Obedience to society, that pest
That adds to nine to five’s slavery, worst
Of all when it extends its many ills
To our free time; that really takes the mick…
If I am allowed one final request
It’s that, before I croak, my life is filled
With doing what I want. Yes - that’s the trick!
Tue 7 July 2009
I’ve gone to work, come home and played music
A good chat with Andy, with some beers swilled
This must be better than being fast stuck
In domesticity; there’s something sick
When individuality’s suppressed
When dreams are repressed by somebody’s thick
Obedience to society, that pest
That adds to nine to five’s slavery, worst
Of all when it extends its many ills
To our free time; that really takes the mick…
If I am allowed one final request
It’s that, before I croak, my life is filled
With doing what I want. Yes - that’s the trick!
Tue 7 July 2009
1036 - Painful birth of a sound engineer
Been busy re-recording, last two nights
At least now you can hear the words properly
Whereas Sunday it all seemed a delight
Tonight saw problems with Audacity
(Sound recording software): it won’t let me
Use delay when I want, and I had to
Keep re-doing things, until finally
I had to give up. Disappointing, too
Was the new mic, when amplified: much too
Rough and distorted to use, though my flight
‘High Over Liverpool’ used it briefly.
The CD’s improved, however, thanks to
My curiosity on Sunday night
Finding sound effects on Audacity
Mon 6 July 2009
At least now you can hear the words properly
Whereas Sunday it all seemed a delight
Tonight saw problems with Audacity
(Sound recording software): it won’t let me
Use delay when I want, and I had to
Keep re-doing things, until finally
I had to give up. Disappointing, too
Was the new mic, when amplified: much too
Rough and distorted to use, though my flight
‘High Over Liverpool’ used it briefly.
The CD’s improved, however, thanks to
My curiosity on Sunday night
Finding sound effects on Audacity
Mon 6 July 2009
1035 - Tennis sonnet
A quick sonnet, because it’s two-thirty
In the morning, and I’ve since gone to bed
But as I lay there, I thought suddenly,
Hey! I’ve not done a sonnet! Oh my God!
And so, here it is, written at great speed…
Played tennis in the early afternoon
Slowly improving, though I still can’t beat
Louis, who remains determined to ruin
My feeble attempts to compete, but soon
I’ll at least win a set. Then, on TV
I watched Federer beat Roddick, who led
But threw away the second set. Immune
To nerves, the Swiss player made history:
Fifteen Grand Slams! And now, it’s back to bed
Sun 5 July 2009
In the morning, and I’ve since gone to bed
But as I lay there, I thought suddenly,
Hey! I’ve not done a sonnet! Oh my God!
And so, here it is, written at great speed…
Played tennis in the early afternoon
Slowly improving, though I still can’t beat
Louis, who remains determined to ruin
My feeble attempts to compete, but soon
I’ll at least win a set. Then, on TV
I watched Federer beat Roddick, who led
But threw away the second set. Immune
To nerves, the Swiss player made history:
Fifteen Grand Slams! And now, it’s back to bed
Sun 5 July 2009
1034 - 23rd anniversary
Just realised: today’s the twenty-third
Anniversary of my first wedding
And to make this realisation weird
Today I went round hers; we sat talking
About our two kids, then spent time looking
At our diets, and how healthy they are
On the Tesco website, and exploring
What could be done on her i-Phone; wonder
Of modern gadgetry. To Kylyra
I re-sent backing tracks, minus the words
Which I’ll deliver when I’m there, gigging.
Briefly saw Josie, then home, where I saw
More Monty Python sketches; the absurd
Aspects of Britishness got a kicking
Sat 4 July 2009
Anniversary of my first wedding
And to make this realisation weird
Today I went round hers; we sat talking
About our two kids, then spent time looking
At our diets, and how healthy they are
On the Tesco website, and exploring
What could be done on her i-Phone; wonder
Of modern gadgetry. To Kylyra
I re-sent backing tracks, minus the words
Which I’ll deliver when I’m there, gigging.
Briefly saw Josie, then home, where I saw
More Monty Python sketches; the absurd
Aspects of Britishness got a kicking
Sat 4 July 2009
1033 - Emerging briefly, then retreating
The rain and heat fell down alternately
But, thank God, in the evening there was sun
For the school barbecue. Josie and me
Walked over to it, and we had great fun
Josie’s face painted, then met the parents
A beer, a catch-up, balloon, pony toy
Games with Kirsty, and going for a run
Staying there till the moon was bright with joy
Back home now, it’s just me, a lonely boy
But in a funny way, that quite suits me
It’s quite nice to chill out, to be just one
No-one annoys me, no-one to annoy
The weekend’s here again: now, how shall we
Spend precious ‘us’ time, now that it’s begun?
Fri 3 July 2009
But, thank God, in the evening there was sun
For the school barbecue. Josie and me
Walked over to it, and we had great fun
Josie’s face painted, then met the parents
A beer, a catch-up, balloon, pony toy
Games with Kirsty, and going for a run
Staying there till the moon was bright with joy
Back home now, it’s just me, a lonely boy
But in a funny way, that quite suits me
It’s quite nice to chill out, to be just one
No-one annoys me, no-one to annoy
The weekend’s here again: now, how shall we
Spend precious ‘us’ time, now that it’s begun?
Fri 3 July 2009
1032 - Gremins and fools' convention
I’m in a long ‘everything’s going wrong’ spell
Technology, ambitions and all that
I know things can’t always go right, but hell!
Here I am, all alone in a hot flat
My internet connection, the one that
Has served me for three years, seems to be dead
I don’t think it’s my equipment. Been sat
All evening on the phone. One of them said
Something for which I wasn’t quite prepared:
“Buy a new micro filter.” I did. Well,
Still the same: no dial tone. They’ll call back Sat
Evening, or so they said. Yes, I’ve been led
A less than merry dance. Still, I can smell
The Irish fields and their green welcome mat
Thur 2 July 2009
Technology, ambitions and all that
I know things can’t always go right, but hell!
Here I am, all alone in a hot flat
My internet connection, the one that
Has served me for three years, seems to be dead
I don’t think it’s my equipment. Been sat
All evening on the phone. One of them said
Something for which I wasn’t quite prepared:
“Buy a new micro filter.” I did. Well,
Still the same: no dial tone. They’ll call back Sat
Evening, or so they said. Yes, I’ve been led
A less than merry dance. Still, I can smell
The Irish fields and their green welcome mat
Thur 2 July 2009
1031 - Summer rain
A hot day, once more with heavy showers
How long till flood reports come flooding in?
Meanwhile my net connection’s lost its power
I can’t post blogs or do my emailing
I put my Irish musical backing
On a CD and took it round Louis’
And emailed the tracks from there: here’s hoping
Ky gets them in the form of MP3s
I sacrificed Hebden to finish these
Out Thursday and Friday, so few free hours
Tomorrow it’s the slam competition
Friday, the school barbie. Eight burgers please!
They say that Walsh will win the slam, so there’s
My prediction… but upsets have been known…
Wed 1 July 2009
How long till flood reports come flooding in?
Meanwhile my net connection’s lost its power
I can’t post blogs or do my emailing
I put my Irish musical backing
On a CD and took it round Louis’
And emailed the tracks from there: here’s hoping
Ky gets them in the form of MP3s
I sacrificed Hebden to finish these
Out Thursday and Friday, so few free hours
Tomorrow it’s the slam competition
Friday, the school barbie. Eight burgers please!
They say that Walsh will win the slam, so there’s
My prediction… but upsets have been known…
Wed 1 July 2009
1030 - 24 hours in Salford and Bolton
Last night Andy came round with Soundforge 5
We picked up Rachel en route to Bolton
The writers’ group met, consisting of five
Sat out the back of the Hen & Chickens
One exercise: to draw inspiration
From one of Gary’s books, brought in a bag
My book was ‘Death’s Eye’ (the explanation
For yesterday’s sonnet). I mustn’t brag
But I worked hard today. It was a drag
How the rain fell. Thought I wouldn’t survive
The walk home; thought I’d end up all sodden
My office wear reduced to soaking rags
But I borrowed an umbrella at five-
Past five, and walked home under its protection
Tue 30 June 2009
We picked up Rachel en route to Bolton
The writers’ group met, consisting of five
Sat out the back of the Hen & Chickens
One exercise: to draw inspiration
From one of Gary’s books, brought in a bag
My book was ‘Death’s Eye’ (the explanation
For yesterday’s sonnet). I mustn’t brag
But I worked hard today. It was a drag
How the rain fell. Thought I wouldn’t survive
The walk home; thought I’d end up all sodden
My office wear reduced to soaking rags
But I borrowed an umbrella at five-
Past five, and walked home under its protection
Tue 30 June 2009
1029 - Death's eye
Death’s eye does not look down on us tonight
For it has lost its visionary gleam
And so, not from death’s eye comes any fright
But only from our own internal scream
The light of death, a dark red laser beam
That penetrates our skin, reaches our heart
And, as we lie in bed, dissolved in dream
Some part of us tells us it’s time to part
Our own executioner, our own dart
Rises from within, reaches a great height
Then turns, descending, too fast to be seen
Not seen, just felt, victim of prisoner’s art
A cold black feeling spreading from one bite
Your hear your organs play your funeral theme
Mon 29 June 2009
For it has lost its visionary gleam
And so, not from death’s eye comes any fright
But only from our own internal scream
The light of death, a dark red laser beam
That penetrates our skin, reaches our heart
And, as we lie in bed, dissolved in dream
Some part of us tells us it’s time to part
Our own executioner, our own dart
Rises from within, reaches a great height
Then turns, descending, too fast to be seen
Not seen, just felt, victim of prisoner’s art
A cold black feeling spreading from one bite
Your hear your organs play your funeral theme
Mon 29 June 2009
1028 - Sunday, Sunday
Sunday’s here again, scruffy attire
Sunny, mainly hot, and quite a lot done
Another poem soundtrack Kylyra
Will hopefully like over in Ireland
Especially when I read out the lyrics
Live in Bantry in July, lent a hand
By local backing vocalists; the sticks
Will rock that night; it should be a great mix
Of people and of styles. Was phoned by a
Piano teacher: Josie’s lunchtime fun
Starts Monday or Tuesday, with Amy picked
As her playing partner. And then, a choir
Of me, Pearl and Louis sang songs till ten.
Sun 24 June 2009
Sunny, mainly hot, and quite a lot done
Another poem soundtrack Kylyra
Will hopefully like over in Ireland
Especially when I read out the lyrics
Live in Bantry in July, lent a hand
By local backing vocalists; the sticks
Will rock that night; it should be a great mix
Of people and of styles. Was phoned by a
Piano teacher: Josie’s lunchtime fun
Starts Monday or Tuesday, with Amy picked
As her playing partner. And then, a choir
Of me, Pearl and Louis sang songs till ten.
Sun 24 June 2009
1027 - The bells, the bells
A lovely day centred in Didsbury
No films worth watching, so we hung around
Fletcher Moss Park, but as we parked, then we
Heard loud bell-ringing, like a wedding sound
The church door open as our ears were drowned
We found a spiral staircase and climbed up
To see the bell-ringers standing around
A hot high-ceilinged room, all reaching up
They smiled and then they invited us up
To sit and watch, and they even let me
Have a go on the rope. Then we popped round
To see Pearl, back from Paris, get dolled up
In new dress and haircut for a party…
And then the heavy rain came pouring down
Sat 27 June 2009
No films worth watching, so we hung around
Fletcher Moss Park, but as we parked, then we
Heard loud bell-ringing, like a wedding sound
The church door open as our ears were drowned
We found a spiral staircase and climbed up
To see the bell-ringers standing around
A hot high-ceilinged room, all reaching up
They smiled and then they invited us up
To sit and watch, and they even let me
Have a go on the rope. Then we popped round
To see Pearl, back from Paris, get dolled up
In new dress and haircut for a party…
And then the heavy rain came pouring down
Sat 27 June 2009
1026 - We're all going
Late June, and talk turns to our holidays
John's off to Sweden to see his brother
Amanda's off to Turkey for a laze
By the pool in the sun, while the other
John's off to far-off California
Annie will no doubt go to France again
I'm off to Ireland soon myself, hell yeah!
And Charles was talking about going to Spain
Of course, we all pay to escape the rain
Here's hoping we get our share of sun's rays
Here's hoping for sunburn (I don't smother
Myself in sunscreen; that sure is a pain)
And so we'll soon all go our separate ways
And do our best to forget each other
Fri 26 June 2009
John's off to Sweden to see his brother
Amanda's off to Turkey for a laze
By the pool in the sun, while the other
John's off to far-off California
Annie will no doubt go to France again
I'm off to Ireland soon myself, hell yeah!
And Charles was talking about going to Spain
Of course, we all pay to escape the rain
Here's hoping we get our share of sun's rays
Here's hoping for sunburn (I don't smother
Myself in sunscreen; that sure is a pain)
And so we'll soon all go our separate ways
And do our best to forget each other
Fri 26 June 2009
1025 - Look at last night
Last night went quite well; I did my three songs
Or rather, a short medley of the three
And then my poem. I didn't have long
Just 5 minutes had been given to me
Not many there,as far as I could see
Apart from performers, such as the band
Who turned up without amps, saved luckily
By Rob Goodier, who had two there on hand!
As usual, things did not quite go as planned
Refreshment-wise, things had turned out all wrong
Drove to buy cakes with Alex hurriedly
Then straight on stage, Rob's guitar in my hand
With which I did quite well, with my three songs
And at half-time, handed out my CD!
Thur 25 June 2009
Or rather, a short medley of the three
And then my poem. I didn't have long
Just 5 minutes had been given to me
Not many there,as far as I could see
Apart from performers, such as the band
Who turned up without amps, saved luckily
By Rob Goodier, who had two there on hand!
As usual, things did not quite go as planned
Refreshment-wise, things had turned out all wrong
Drove to buy cakes with Alex hurriedly
Then straight on stage, Rob's guitar in my hand
With which I did quite well, with my three songs
And at half-time, handed out my CD!
Thur 25 June 2009
1024 - Busy day off
A sunny summer’s day… They do exist!
And I was off work watching Jeremy Kyle
Then Trisha, then I had a shopping list
Then finished reading ‘The Color Purple’
Lent by ex-girlfriend not seen for a while
Had lunch and also watched Monty Python
Still not rehearsed for tonight (that’s my style:
Leave it till last moment…) Watched Wimbledon
But conscious now of the time moving on
I realised the chance was almost missed
To practice for tonight. Decided I’ll
Do a medley of three songs (two are on
My CD) and a poem, one that dissed
Comedians, and contained appropriate bile
Wed 24 June 2009
And I was off work watching Jeremy Kyle
Then Trisha, then I had a shopping list
Then finished reading ‘The Color Purple’
Lent by ex-girlfriend not seen for a while
Had lunch and also watched Monty Python
Still not rehearsed for tonight (that’s my style:
Leave it till last moment…) Watched Wimbledon
But conscious now of the time moving on
I realised the chance was almost missed
To practice for tonight. Decided I’ll
Do a medley of three songs (two are on
My CD) and a poem, one that dissed
Comedians, and contained appropriate bile
Wed 24 June 2009
1023 - Testing - one, two, three
My music’s still not finished, still not right
I’m chucking away the CDs I’ve made
I’m rerecording them for the third night
Till all the bum notes in them are erased
Still, that’s perfectionism. I’ve replaced
My microphone with a better version
Tonight and tomorrow won’t go to waste
I won’t stop working till the CD’s done
And when it is, I’ll start another one!
Also, rehearsing for tomorrow night
Is on the agenda. I’ve not yet made
My mind up what to do when my slot comes
Still, that’s me. Leave it till the last minute
After all, nothing good is done in haste
Tue 23 June 2009
I’m chucking away the CDs I’ve made
I’m rerecording them for the third night
Till all the bum notes in them are erased
Still, that’s perfectionism. I’ve replaced
My microphone with a better version
Tonight and tomorrow won’t go to waste
I won’t stop working till the CD’s done
And when it is, I’ll start another one!
Also, rehearsing for tomorrow night
Is on the agenda. I’ve not yet made
My mind up what to do when my slot comes
Still, that’s me. Leave it till the last minute
After all, nothing good is done in haste
Tue 23 June 2009
1022 - Demonstrating in the street
The summer's here and (yeah) the time is right
For demonstrating in the streets (again)
John Simpson always likes to catch a fight
That's why he's currently down in Tehran
Ah, those fond memories of Tiananmen
And seeing Saddam's statue toppling o'er
He loves his foreign travel, specially when
There's oppressed people dying on the floor
Who cares where it may be, or what it's for?
It's thrilling viewing each and every night
Forget the boring politics, rerun
That cellphone video you showed before
The one where that poor girl was hit and died
And for a while we'll care about Iran
Mon 22 June 2009
For demonstrating in the streets (again)
John Simpson always likes to catch a fight
That's why he's currently down in Tehran
Ah, those fond memories of Tiananmen
And seeing Saddam's statue toppling o'er
He loves his foreign travel, specially when
There's oppressed people dying on the floor
Who cares where it may be, or what it's for?
It's thrilling viewing each and every night
Forget the boring politics, rerun
That cellphone video you showed before
The one where that poor girl was hit and died
And for a while we'll care about Iran
Mon 22 June 2009
1021 - Father Away Day!
It’s Father’s Day! Absent fathers unite!
Though we’re farther away than in the past
We still see families in a good light
Our hearts grown fonder now those bonds are cast
Into Acheron’s waters flowing fast
Into the gates of hell… Oh, er, sorry
Today’s a bit gloomy and overcast
Three cheers for families! One, two and three!
The thing is, you see, it’s not you, it’s me
(And all the other fathers who took flight)
Our wives began to hate us as time passed
We’re dirty and dressed far too casually
I no longer climb her stepladder’s height
To do ‘jobs,’ but with kids still have a blast!
Sun 21 June 2009
Though we’re farther away than in the past
We still see families in a good light
Our hearts grown fonder now those bonds are cast
Into Acheron’s waters flowing fast
Into the gates of hell… Oh, er, sorry
Today’s a bit gloomy and overcast
Three cheers for families! One, two and three!
The thing is, you see, it’s not you, it’s me
(And all the other fathers who took flight)
Our wives began to hate us as time passed
We’re dirty and dressed far too casually
I no longer climb her stepladder’s height
To do ‘jobs,’ but with kids still have a blast!
Sun 21 June 2009
1020 - Flimsy whimsy
We drive along and we try not to crash
Though there are so many others to hit
We hide behind the beard and moustache
Of friendliness, like Santa the Misfit
Into my thoughts you still do sometimes flit
Perhaps I should keep myself busier
But wait, I work all day and work all night
The weekend’s the hardest of all, for sure
Like overpriced footballers, we can’t score
Any more and we don’t enjoy the clash
Of limbs and swords and shields, or losing it
Write poetry, accepting we are poor
Join groups, meet new people, go on a march
To save Iraq, Iran, maybe Tibet
Sat 20 June 2009
Though there are so many others to hit
We hide behind the beard and moustache
Of friendliness, like Santa the Misfit
Into my thoughts you still do sometimes flit
Perhaps I should keep myself busier
But wait, I work all day and work all night
The weekend’s the hardest of all, for sure
Like overpriced footballers, we can’t score
Any more and we don’t enjoy the clash
Of limbs and swords and shields, or losing it
Write poetry, accepting we are poor
Join groups, meet new people, go on a march
To save Iraq, Iran, maybe Tibet
Sat 20 June 2009
1019 - Spiteful Turkish delight
The Turkish woman’s been quiet lately
I used to hear her come most every night
And sometimes in the afternoon, loudly
But lately this loud woman’s been so quiet
Occasionally I hear sounds of a fight
But only using words, and then silence
Her days of fun and sex gone, now polite
As neighbour could be, now all reticence
The benefits for me have been immense
Because, unlike before, I sleep easy
Mind you, I still wake up when it gets light
Noise from the flat below invades my sense
The Turkish woman’s got a friend round, see
Their female laughter may just contain spite
Fri 19 June 2009
I used to hear her come most every night
And sometimes in the afternoon, loudly
But lately this loud woman’s been so quiet
Occasionally I hear sounds of a fight
But only using words, and then silence
Her days of fun and sex gone, now polite
As neighbour could be, now all reticence
The benefits for me have been immense
Because, unlike before, I sleep easy
Mind you, I still wake up when it gets light
Noise from the flat below invades my sense
The Turkish woman’s got a friend round, see
Their female laughter may just contain spite
Fri 19 June 2009
1018 - Trainspotting
Another trip up north to Newcastle
Another chance to see some scenery
Another chance to see girls and ogle
On yet another long slow train journey
But the nice girls they never sit by me
They walk past empty seats and sit elsewhere
Then, after they have passed, immediately
Some guy sees nothing wrong in sitting there
And I think to myself, a wasted fare
No-one to stare or glance at (all subtle,
Out of the corner of my eye, quickly)
Why do girls do this? It seems so unfair
And silly, since it’s so predictable
Some other guy will sit by them, not me
Thur 18 June 2009
Another chance to see some scenery
Another chance to see girls and ogle
On yet another long slow train journey
But the nice girls they never sit by me
They walk past empty seats and sit elsewhere
Then, after they have passed, immediately
Some guy sees nothing wrong in sitting there
And I think to myself, a wasted fare
No-one to stare or glance at (all subtle,
Out of the corner of my eye, quickly)
Why do girls do this? It seems so unfair
And silly, since it’s so predictable
Some other guy will sit by them, not me
Thur 18 June 2009
1017 - Precipitation observation
A perfect grey sky with no chink of blue
Refreshing rain blown sideways by the wind
A lovely walk home to look forward to
Wet clothes are something that I never mind!
To be downhearted about rain is blind
We need it, in the right amount, of course
As we suck the earth dry, the rain's our friend
Restoring, and obeying nature's laws
As we break ours, polluting without pause
Clean gutters, clean my dirty car, won't you
Clean landfill sites, and nuclear waste, and bins
Wash away all we produce without cause
And this time, build no ark to start anew
Or else put better-behaved people in!
Wed 17 June 2009
Refreshing rain blown sideways by the wind
A lovely walk home to look forward to
Wet clothes are something that I never mind!
To be downhearted about rain is blind
We need it, in the right amount, of course
As we suck the earth dry, the rain's our friend
Restoring, and obeying nature's laws
As we break ours, polluting without pause
Clean gutters, clean my dirty car, won't you
Clean landfill sites, and nuclear waste, and bins
Wash away all we produce without cause
And this time, build no ark to start anew
Or else put better-behaved people in!
Wed 17 June 2009
1016 - Just flu in from Mexico
A woman's died from swine flu in Scotland
And a colleague who sits two seats from me
Is going next month to the very land
Where the outbreak began, on holiday
Hey, let's go to Mexico, we all say
The rooms are cheap right now, the plane seats too
If you're fed up of fever caused by hay
Then Mexico's where you should fly for flu
Remember all those colds caught when you flew
On other, shorter flights? Well, when you land
Back in the UK, you'll say 'Excuse me...
I think I'm going to sneeze. A-a-achooooo!
If you don't want the bug, cover your hands
Not your face. Enjoy Mexico City!
Tue 16 June 2009
And a colleague who sits two seats from me
Is going next month to the very land
Where the outbreak began, on holiday
Hey, let's go to Mexico, we all say
The rooms are cheap right now, the plane seats too
If you're fed up of fever caused by hay
Then Mexico's where you should fly for flu
Remember all those colds caught when you flew
On other, shorter flights? Well, when you land
Back in the UK, you'll say 'Excuse me...
I think I'm going to sneeze. A-a-achooooo!
If you don't want the bug, cover your hands
Not your face. Enjoy Mexico City!
Tue 16 June 2009
1015 - Dreams versus reality - round nine
A pleasant enough day at work, then… oh!
The desk melted, the computer flew off
The sun a pea, the moon a petit poi
And I Antonionio Chekhov
This dream of life is real, you can’t shake off
These visions as head falls into basket
You can’t scream or squeal, you can’t even cough
Your lungs are several feet away, dammit!
What a relief! I believe I dreamed it
Yes, welcome back, reality! I’m so
Pleased to meet you again, for dreams are tough
Far better to just sit and eat and shit
To stay low so you can’t ever feel low
Except in life’s dreams that you can’t shake off
Mon 15 June 2009
The desk melted, the computer flew off
The sun a pea, the moon a petit poi
And I Antonionio Chekhov
This dream of life is real, you can’t shake off
These visions as head falls into basket
You can’t scream or squeal, you can’t even cough
Your lungs are several feet away, dammit!
What a relief! I believe I dreamed it
Yes, welcome back, reality! I’m so
Pleased to meet you again, for dreams are tough
Far better to just sit and eat and shit
To stay low so you can’t ever feel low
Except in life’s dreams that you can’t shake off
Mon 15 June 2009
1014 - No time to do nothing
I thought I’d slept okay, had energy
To get through the day, starting with tennis
But I’m wiped out now. Maybe yesterday
And today I’ve been so active that a rest
Is what I need. But time is so precious…
I can’t rest while there’s songs to be arranged,
Recorded and learned. I just can’t dismiss
This dream, that, as I get older, seems strange
This dream that I’ll be at home on a stage
You’d think my recent fitness strategy
Would help me to make music my mistress
Push-ups, sit-ups, stretching, walks, sport…The page
Has turned from lazy ways, permanently
Or as long as motivation persists
Sun 14 June 2009
To get through the day, starting with tennis
But I’m wiped out now. Maybe yesterday
And today I’ve been so active that a rest
Is what I need. But time is so precious…
I can’t rest while there’s songs to be arranged,
Recorded and learned. I just can’t dismiss
This dream, that, as I get older, seems strange
This dream that I’ll be at home on a stage
You’d think my recent fitness strategy
Would help me to make music my mistress
Push-ups, sit-ups, stretching, walks, sport…The page
Has turned from lazy ways, permanently
Or as long as motivation persists
Sun 14 June 2009
1013 - Long day's journey into Salford
Sitting here in the Manchester Museum
While Josie colours in all her pictures
For two weeks now, we’ve come here for a swim
But the big pool was closed down for repairs
Wasting no time, we flew straight out of there
And came here for a curious look round
We saw glass cases full of stuffed creatures
Bats, foxes, rabbits, birds that made no sound…
Then later, walking to United’s ground
Along the Ship Canal side; evening sun
Shone on us and the Lowry while we paused
For refreshment; then past the Quays we wound
Our way back to my flat. The total sum
Of this was we had our best time for years!
Sat 13 June 2009
While Josie colours in all her pictures
For two weeks now, we’ve come here for a swim
But the big pool was closed down for repairs
Wasting no time, we flew straight out of there
And came here for a curious look round
We saw glass cases full of stuffed creatures
Bats, foxes, rabbits, birds that made no sound…
Then later, walking to United’s ground
Along the Ship Canal side; evening sun
Shone on us and the Lowry while we paused
For refreshment; then past the Quays we wound
Our way back to my flat. The total sum
Of this was we had our best time for years!
Sat 13 June 2009
1012 - The weekend starts here (in the office)
The weekend starts here, summery and light
It's the best time of year, makes us cheerful
There's hardly even such a thing as night
Makes the wine glass seem less empty, more full
Like the belly of the guy sitting all
Of five feet away, talking on the phone
My manager's started on the long haul
To Southport by train, eager to get home
And his manager, she wants to get goin'
We're all sick of our wage slavery plight
They want to be sat in their gardens, all
But me, who has no garden of his own
However, I'll make sure my evening's bright
I'll record some new songs, and learn them well
Fri 12 June 2009
It's the best time of year, makes us cheerful
There's hardly even such a thing as night
Makes the wine glass seem less empty, more full
Like the belly of the guy sitting all
Of five feet away, talking on the phone
My manager's started on the long haul
To Southport by train, eager to get home
And his manager, she wants to get goin'
We're all sick of our wage slavery plight
They want to be sat in their gardens, all
But me, who has no garden of his own
However, I'll make sure my evening's bright
I'll record some new songs, and learn them well
Fri 12 June 2009
1011 - Not so fantastic voyage
A night without alcohol's always fine
For getting things done, and saving money
Booze has the same drawbacks as heroin
Drugs slow thought and action, and are costly
So what attracts us to them so strongly
That not taking them takes so much effort?
They trap us physically and mentally
They're hard to justify by rational thought
They are a craving, they’re a dangerous sport
They make the dullest evening seem to shine
And then recede into sleep peacefully
The heart beats faster on its oars till port
Is reached, and the wild waves of tossing brine
Are calmed in deathly dark docks, finally
Thur 11 June 2009
For getting things done, and saving money
Booze has the same drawbacks as heroin
Drugs slow thought and action, and are costly
So what attracts us to them so strongly
That not taking them takes so much effort?
They trap us physically and mentally
They're hard to justify by rational thought
They are a craving, they’re a dangerous sport
They make the dullest evening seem to shine
And then recede into sleep peacefully
The heart beats faster on its oars till port
Is reached, and the wild waves of tossing brine
Are calmed in deathly dark docks, finally
Thur 11 June 2009
1010 - Here we go round the mulberry bush
The women that I’ve known are like the men:
Just people I bumped into; well, that’s true
Of all things in the universe from when
The Big Bang banged to today; chance just threw
Them together for no reason, like two
Neighbouring grains of sand on a big beach
That after a while will move on when you
Or your dog kick them apart, or they’re reached
By the incoming tide. Let nature teach
Its lessons. Go with the flow; maybe then
There’ll be less stress. Drift on into the blue
On this speck, spinning like dust round a torch
Complete each orbit, then go round again
With someone else, for anyone will do
Wed 10 June 2009
Just people I bumped into; well, that’s true
Of all things in the universe from when
The Big Bang banged to today; chance just threw
Them together for no reason, like two
Neighbouring grains of sand on a big beach
That after a while will move on when you
Or your dog kick them apart, or they’re reached
By the incoming tide. Let nature teach
Its lessons. Go with the flow; maybe then
There’ll be less stress. Drift on into the blue
On this speck, spinning like dust round a torch
Complete each orbit, then go round again
With someone else, for anyone will do
Wed 10 June 2009
1009 - Brown nosers
So, Gordon says he will not walk away
That's no surprise, how he loves Number Ten
And cowardly ministers will let him stay
Maybe they don't want to be leader when
Labour gets kicked at the next election
Let Brown take the blame for the bad result
Labour backbenchers wanted something done
Faced with losing their seats, though that insult
Dished out by voters will be to the cult
Of Brown and his cronies, for the UK
Public can't elect or sack its PM.
Following their failure to catapult
Brown into the Thames, Labour must now pray
To the god Mandelson for redemption!
Tue 9 June 2009
That's no surprise, how he loves Number Ten
And cowardly ministers will let him stay
Maybe they don't want to be leader when
Labour gets kicked at the next election
Let Brown take the blame for the bad result
Labour backbenchers wanted something done
Faced with losing their seats, though that insult
Dished out by voters will be to the cult
Of Brown and his cronies, for the UK
Public can't elect or sack its PM.
Following their failure to catapult
Brown into the Thames, Labour must now pray
To the god Mandelson for redemption!
Tue 9 June 2009
1008 - Euro-election disaffection
Last night the European election
Results came up live on TV, and they
Were interesting to me for more than one
Reason. Firstly: Labour had a bad day
As predicted. Can Brown keep plots at bay?
Something Caesar and Thatcher could not do
In his favour, however, is the way
The Party's rules make plotting hard. And two:
The BNP's rise, and of UKIP too
While, Europe-wide, the Greens seem to have won
More seats this time around. People have stayed
Loyal to the centre-right parties, who
They assume, can weather this recession
Better than socialists. (Less tax to pay…?)
Mon 8 June 2009
Results came up live on TV, and they
Were interesting to me for more than one
Reason. Firstly: Labour had a bad day
As predicted. Can Brown keep plots at bay?
Something Caesar and Thatcher could not do
In his favour, however, is the way
The Party's rules make plotting hard. And two:
The BNP's rise, and of UKIP too
While, Europe-wide, the Greens seem to have won
More seats this time around. People have stayed
Loyal to the centre-right parties, who
They assume, can weather this recession
Better than socialists. (Less tax to pay…?)
Mon 8 June 2009
1007 - On the rocks
The big white bear balances awkwardly
On a Glacier Mint, melting, melting
He’ll need to grow fins and webbed feet quickly
So few fish, plenty of room for swimming
No shortage of water, levels rising
I shouldn’t have quit going to the pool
Or bottled out of lessons in surfing
In future, maybe kids will surf to school
But more water, more rain’s usually the rule
So life for them could be wet and windy
Enough of this, it’s far too depressing!
Environmental thinking’s rather cruel
Instead I fancy jetting to the sea
Before it ends, let’s keep on enjoying!
Sun 7 June 2009
On a Glacier Mint, melting, melting
He’ll need to grow fins and webbed feet quickly
So few fish, plenty of room for swimming
No shortage of water, levels rising
I shouldn’t have quit going to the pool
Or bottled out of lessons in surfing
In future, maybe kids will surf to school
But more water, more rain’s usually the rule
So life for them could be wet and windy
Enough of this, it’s far too depressing!
Environmental thinking’s rather cruel
Instead I fancy jetting to the sea
Before it ends, let’s keep on enjoying!
Sun 7 June 2009
1006 - Bad blood
D-Day’s 65th anniversary
Presidents and royalty viewed the graves
Sullied by a little controversy
That led to boos for Brown instead of waves
The Queen was not invited, and that leaves
Questions about France, why it snubbed Britain
And why Brown did nothing, but seems to heave
From one storm to another like the men
Who crossed the Channel, so young and fresh then,
Back in’44. Seems that Sarkozy
Wanted to pose with Obama by waves
Of Omaha Beach once red with fallen
American blood. Unfortunately,
Politicians just can’t seem to behave…
Sat 6 June 2009
Presidents and royalty viewed the graves
Sullied by a little controversy
That led to boos for Brown instead of waves
The Queen was not invited, and that leaves
Questions about France, why it snubbed Britain
And why Brown did nothing, but seems to heave
From one storm to another like the men
Who crossed the Channel, so young and fresh then,
Back in’44. Seems that Sarkozy
Wanted to pose with Obama by waves
Of Omaha Beach once red with fallen
American blood. Unfortunately,
Politicians just can’t seem to behave…
Sat 6 June 2009
1005 - Dark June 2
The sky darkens now that summer is here
This is the season of disappointment
Hopes dashed with each raindrop that splashes clear
Onto the piss and vomit-stained pavement
We cannot say this summer rain's recent
It seems to be the mainstream, quite the norm
Old dreams of lazy hazy days are spent
The plain reality's this thunderstorm
Imprisoning me here; I can't go home
Just yet or my face will be wet with tears
From the heavens above, from where love's sent
Running in dirty streams down drains to form
Subterranean rivers; disappear
To sea with all our dreams, our innocence
Fri 5 June 2009
This is the season of disappointment
Hopes dashed with each raindrop that splashes clear
Onto the piss and vomit-stained pavement
We cannot say this summer rain's recent
It seems to be the mainstream, quite the norm
Old dreams of lazy hazy days are spent
The plain reality's this thunderstorm
Imprisoning me here; I can't go home
Just yet or my face will be wet with tears
From the heavens above, from where love's sent
Running in dirty streams down drains to form
Subterranean rivers; disappear
To sea with all our dreams, our innocence
Fri 5 June 2009
1004 - Find the deep meaning and tell me what it is
The moon in June stays moonly on the spoon
If often coughing, stop and quaff coffee
The English loon, at noon, stays in the sun
Kirsty gets thirsty: her worst day’s Thursday
Rusty’s wife’s busty, he must feel lusty
Computer tutors? Completely useless!
See Stevie G score three: ITV3
Messy-dressed Miss! Confess that you missed Mass!
These mushy peas and mash mustn’t miss my mush
Ron ran on through rain, pain, strain and ruin
Forty naughty Geordies fought but caught fleas
Last night a lass in glasses made a pass
Billy Bailey’s belly’s like a balloon
Silly Hayley said, ‘Well, he’s a loony!’
Thur 4 June 2009
If often coughing, stop and quaff coffee
The English loon, at noon, stays in the sun
Kirsty gets thirsty: her worst day’s Thursday
Rusty’s wife’s busty, he must feel lusty
Computer tutors? Completely useless!
See Stevie G score three: ITV3
Messy-dressed Miss! Confess that you missed Mass!
These mushy peas and mash mustn’t miss my mush
Ron ran on through rain, pain, strain and ruin
Forty naughty Geordies fought but caught fleas
Last night a lass in glasses made a pass
Billy Bailey’s belly’s like a balloon
Silly Hayley said, ‘Well, he’s a loony!’
Thur 4 June 2009
1003 - Late night news summary
It’s nearly half-past one in the morning
I’ve been off work, at home most of the day
Then out in Yorkshire this sunny evening
To Hebden Bridge, to sing a song, and say
A poem; both went well. It’s a long way
To go and balls it up, after all. Saw
Live coverage of the House of Commons. They
Were lining up to slag off Gordon. Poor
Prime Minister (unelected). He swore
To end boom and bust, and to start cleaning,
Just like a broom, the dust of years away
Enacting all sorts of complex new law
He must finally now be regretting
Seizing power, without us getting a say
Wed 3 June 2009
I’ve been off work, at home most of the day
Then out in Yorkshire this sunny evening
To Hebden Bridge, to sing a song, and say
A poem; both went well. It’s a long way
To go and balls it up, after all. Saw
Live coverage of the House of Commons. They
Were lining up to slag off Gordon. Poor
Prime Minister (unelected). He swore
To end boom and bust, and to start cleaning,
Just like a broom, the dust of years away
Enacting all sorts of complex new law
He must finally now be regretting
Seizing power, without us getting a say
Wed 3 June 2009
1002 - Pleased to meet you
Who are the successful? It’s those who see
A gap and force their way in through the door
Who are the successful? It’s those who’ll be
Holding the door open for those in power
Whispering at their shoulder, ‘I adore’
Their tongues like knives, their eyes flashing with hate
Disguised as love, but with undisguised bore…….
Dom with you and I, we who are not great
Enough to be their stepping stone, the weight
Of their soles treading down those seemingly
More fortunate, but actually burdened more
By these parasites with blood on their plate
For the successful aren’t the good, usually
They won’t share; they would rather we stayed poor
Tue 2 June 2009
A gap and force their way in through the door
Who are the successful? It’s those who’ll be
Holding the door open for those in power
Whispering at their shoulder, ‘I adore’
Their tongues like knives, their eyes flashing with hate
Disguised as love, but with undisguised bore…….
Dom with you and I, we who are not great
Enough to be their stepping stone, the weight
Of their soles treading down those seemingly
More fortunate, but actually burdened more
By these parasites with blood on their plate
For the successful aren’t the good, usually
They won’t share; they would rather we stayed poor
Tue 2 June 2009
1001 - Am I dreaming?
Three days of clear blue skies. Is this Britain?
It seems that everything is upside down
And back to front these days. Politicians
Reviled, fraudulent. My face and arms brown
I live within walking distance of town
And go out now and then for a good time
At home the neighbours have all quietened down
And sleep, at last, when I need it, is mine
My mortgage interest’s low, meaning that I’m
Able to afford holidays again
Been to Paris in May, and I’ll have flown
To Ireland, come July; the autumn time
Should see a trip to European lands
It’s mainly good, because my life’s my own
Mon 1 June 2009
It seems that everything is upside down
And back to front these days. Politicians
Reviled, fraudulent. My face and arms brown
I live within walking distance of town
And go out now and then for a good time
At home the neighbours have all quietened down
And sleep, at last, when I need it, is mine
My mortgage interest’s low, meaning that I’m
Able to afford holidays again
Been to Paris in May, and I’ll have flown
To Ireland, come July; the autumn time
Should see a trip to European lands
It’s mainly good, because my life’s my own
Mon 1 June 2009
1000 - Land of a thousand sonnets
This is the land of a thousand sonnets
Okay, some are crap, but nobody knows…
It’s all relative; who’s to say that it’s
Good or bad? Subjective terms fell and rose
So only I decide what comes and goes
Sometimes I rhyme what’s in the news; others
What’s in my life, or out of it; the throes
Of death began suckling mother’s
Bottled milk teats, so these treats of short verse
Are designed to encapsulate the shits
That come my way, and the infrequent rose,
Sweet-smelling, between the cradle and hearse
I’m sounding like a pupil of Beckett’s
Without the claps, but with all the same woes
Sun 31 May 2009
Okay, some are crap, but nobody knows…
It’s all relative; who’s to say that it’s
Good or bad? Subjective terms fell and rose
So only I decide what comes and goes
Sometimes I rhyme what’s in the news; others
What’s in my life, or out of it; the throes
Of death began suckling mother’s
Bottled milk teats, so these treats of short verse
Are designed to encapsulate the shits
That come my way, and the infrequent rose,
Sweet-smelling, between the cradle and hearse
I’m sounding like a pupil of Beckett’s
Without the claps, but with all the same woes
Sun 31 May 2009
999 - Sunshine beats football
Today we had to go down to the sea
And paddle in its waters in the sun
But finding a good beach is not easy
We went to West Kirby, a nearby one
The sea’s too far out, even if you run
Josie and me walked over endless sand
Past countless spirals invisibly spun
On carpets of shells, each one abandoned
To two seemingly far distant islands
One is called Little Eye, and one Hilbre
On the first one, we sat and ate chicken
We walked on, pointing out crab skeletons
Soon after, we visited my Mummy
Who reminded me the Cup Final’s on
Sat 30 May 2009
And paddle in its waters in the sun
But finding a good beach is not easy
We went to West Kirby, a nearby one
The sea’s too far out, even if you run
Josie and me walked over endless sand
Past countless spirals invisibly spun
On carpets of shells, each one abandoned
To two seemingly far distant islands
One is called Little Eye, and one Hilbre
On the first one, we sat and ate chicken
We walked on, pointing out crab skeletons
Soon after, we visited my Mummy
Who reminded me the Cup Final’s on
Sat 30 May 2009
998 - Friday afternoon, late spring
I'm lazing on a sunny afternoon
It's a Friday, and I'm in the office
I'll be making my way home very soon
When there will be no more taking the piss
No, then the real work begins. Mustn't miss
The chance to write some poems, maybe plan
A trip to Ireland, maybe even kiss
Guitar or keyboard with my loving hands
There's a call from the life insurance man
Changing to him could pay me to the tune
Of £100 cashback - very nice!
If there are freebies about, I'm a fan!
Meanwhile, and suddenly, it's almost June
Only half a month now till the solstice
Fri 29 May 2009
It's a Friday, and I'm in the office
I'll be making my way home very soon
When there will be no more taking the piss
No, then the real work begins. Mustn't miss
The chance to write some poems, maybe plan
A trip to Ireland, maybe even kiss
Guitar or keyboard with my loving hands
There's a call from the life insurance man
Changing to him could pay me to the tune
Of £100 cashback - very nice!
If there are freebies about, I'm a fan!
Meanwhile, and suddenly, it's almost June
Only half a month now till the solstice
Fri 29 May 2009
997 - What I've got
I've got a sore throat, it's hurting me so
I thought I'd recovered a week ago
But now it's uncomfortable to swallow
It's a pain in the neck. Why won't it go?
I've got writer's block, poems will not come
I need to attend workshops, so hold some
Give me ideas, for my brain is numb
Help me write something that will raise a thumb
I've got lots of work to do, but that's good
Without work, you can get stuck in the mud
Retirement is a dirty word, you could
Find yourself bored to death, boxed up in wood
I've got to finish now and get on home
That's passed time happily, writing this poem
Thur 27 May 2009
I thought I'd recovered a week ago
But now it's uncomfortable to swallow
It's a pain in the neck. Why won't it go?
I've got writer's block, poems will not come
I need to attend workshops, so hold some
Give me ideas, for my brain is numb
Help me write something that will raise a thumb
I've got lots of work to do, but that's good
Without work, you can get stuck in the mud
Retirement is a dirty word, you could
Find yourself bored to death, boxed up in wood
I've got to finish now and get on home
That's passed time happily, writing this poem
Thur 27 May 2009
996 - Honour Barcelona
Manchester United have lost tonight
To a superior Barcelona
It’s been quite reminiscent of that night
In ’99, when Munich were better
But the Reds won anyway, luckier
Than their opponents. This time luck was short
And the better team won. Poor Manchester!
You were caught short, you were outplayed, out-thought
The ball was glued to Iniesta’s boot
And Lionel Messi and Co have the right
To lift that trophy in the Roman air
Ferguson’s magic has failed; he’s been taught
A lesson by a youngster. Now, the sight
Of Spanish triumph, English dishonour
Wed 27 May 2009
To a superior Barcelona
It’s been quite reminiscent of that night
In ’99, when Munich were better
But the Reds won anyway, luckier
Than their opponents. This time luck was short
And the better team won. Poor Manchester!
You were caught short, you were outplayed, out-thought
The ball was glued to Iniesta’s boot
And Lionel Messi and Co have the right
To lift that trophy in the Roman air
Ferguson’s magic has failed; he’s been taught
A lesson by a youngster. Now, the sight
Of Spanish triumph, English dishonour
Wed 27 May 2009
995 - A little night music
I’m not going to Europe this weekend
But what I am doing is what I love
I’m making music that will never end
Yes, music and me fit like hand in glove
Tonight, for instance, after work, a rough
Idea has been laid down, an artist’s sketch
Which will become a sculpture when enough
Time’s been spent chipping away, careful touch
With ears for eyes and hands, trying to catch
Each divine revelation that is sent
From my feminine angel up above
In time, melody, harmony will hatch
Into a strutting cockerel, loud, unpenned
Waking the lovers, making sounds of love
Tue 26 May 2009
But what I am doing is what I love
I’m making music that will never end
Yes, music and me fit like hand in glove
Tonight, for instance, after work, a rough
Idea has been laid down, an artist’s sketch
Which will become a sculpture when enough
Time’s been spent chipping away, careful touch
With ears for eyes and hands, trying to catch
Each divine revelation that is sent
From my feminine angel up above
In time, melody, harmony will hatch
Into a strutting cockerel, loud, unpenned
Waking the lovers, making sounds of love
Tue 26 May 2009
994 - The death of romance (again)
Weather Report are playing in my flat
And flat is how things look now: sky is grey
What a contrast with the warm sunshine that
Greeted us when we met earlier today
We went to Yorkshire, the Halifax way
Turned back to Hebden Bridge and wandered round
I bought stuff as usual, gave cash away
But nice things for the flat were what I found
Along with freedom. She also cooled down
Like today’s weather, she started off hot
Now we both want to explore separate ways
I’m pleased it ended quietly, no sound
Of arguing in the car, no spits or spats
Romance is dead, but freedom wins the day!
Mon 25 May 2009
And flat is how things look now: sky is grey
What a contrast with the warm sunshine that
Greeted us when we met earlier today
We went to Yorkshire, the Halifax way
Turned back to Hebden Bridge and wandered round
I bought stuff as usual, gave cash away
But nice things for the flat were what I found
Along with freedom. She also cooled down
Like today’s weather, she started off hot
Now we both want to explore separate ways
I’m pleased it ended quietly, no sound
Of arguing in the car, no spits or spats
Romance is dead, but freedom wins the day!
Mon 25 May 2009
993 - Sunny music
A dreaded sunny day, so rare; so what
Should I do with it now that it is here?
I finished my song ‘The World At War’ that
Has tormented me for half of this year
I improved ‘High Over Liverpool,’ mere
Changes to volume levels on guitar
‘Deborah in February’ was my clear
Favourite to begin work on, but the star
In my heaven was near, in Manchester
And so, rather than start that song, I met
Her for a browse round St Anne’s Square. Yorkshire
Is where we’re going tomorrow by car
Hebden Bridge to be precise. But I put
Some tracks down for ‘Deborah’ this evening. Cheers!
Sun 24 May 2009
Should I do with it now that it is here?
I finished my song ‘The World At War’ that
Has tormented me for half of this year
I improved ‘High Over Liverpool,’ mere
Changes to volume levels on guitar
‘Deborah in February’ was my clear
Favourite to begin work on, but the star
In my heaven was near, in Manchester
And so, rather than start that song, I met
Her for a browse round St Anne’s Square. Yorkshire
Is where we’re going tomorrow by car
Hebden Bridge to be precise. But I put
Some tracks down for ‘Deborah’ this evening. Cheers!
Sun 24 May 2009
992 - On the edge
The sun broke through as me and Josie sat
Outside The Wizard at Alderley Edge
Each with an orange squash and crisp packet
We laughed as usual as our snacks were munched
And after we had had our little lunch
Walked up Wizard’s Walk, yet still were not done
Slid down to Hare Hill, woody muddy sludge
Past streams and slopes and dreams and hopes we’d gone
And climbed and climbed as the signs urged us on
Inevitably, her legs tired, so that
Was that. Past cows and buttercups all bunched
Together in fields of rabbit warrens
This wonderland, quite near where was begat
Lewis Carroll, certainly has the edge
Sat 23 May 2009
Outside The Wizard at Alderley Edge
Each with an orange squash and crisp packet
We laughed as usual as our snacks were munched
And after we had had our little lunch
Walked up Wizard’s Walk, yet still were not done
Slid down to Hare Hill, woody muddy sludge
Past streams and slopes and dreams and hopes we’d gone
And climbed and climbed as the signs urged us on
Inevitably, her legs tired, so that
Was that. Past cows and buttercups all bunched
Together in fields of rabbit warrens
This wonderland, quite near where was begat
Lewis Carroll, certainly has the edge
Sat 23 May 2009
991 - Hug a politician!
Stop! All of you stop! Now! It’s gone too far!
Poor politicians, they’re all feeling down
Because of this expenses blah blah blah
One MP, not some comedian or clown
Has warned of suicides! We must calm down
Leave them alone, or give them all a hug
Say diddums, pat their heads, wave them back down
To their second homes with their fancy rugs
And new mattresses… They can’t have bed bugs
Like us, can they? No! Down in Westminster
They deserve bedspreads of best eiderdown
To rest their heads from hours of claiming. Mugs
We are for stressing them out. Yes, we are!
They have more delicate brains than our own!
Fri 22 May 2009
Poor politicians, they’re all feeling down
Because of this expenses blah blah blah
One MP, not some comedian or clown
Has warned of suicides! We must calm down
Leave them alone, or give them all a hug
Say diddums, pat their heads, wave them back down
To their second homes with their fancy rugs
And new mattresses… They can’t have bed bugs
Like us, can they? No! Down in Westminster
They deserve bedspreads of best eiderdown
To rest their heads from hours of claiming. Mugs
We are for stressing them out. Yes, we are!
They have more delicate brains than our own!
Fri 22 May 2009
990 - Quantum sleep
A good night’s sleep, and I feel right as rain
Well, maybe not quite, more like morning dew
At least there’s dampness in the air, my veins
Are slowly flowing once again, thank you
Thank who? The great god of sleep, that is who
Hypnos, by name, from the Greek pantheon
Has helped my health and by stealth let me do
Normal things like going to work again
And though I’m short on energy, I’ve done
Just that. Soon, I’ll drive down to Josephine
Tonight at school, I’ll get her in the queue
For all-important piano tuition
Something I wish I’d had. It’s such a shame
Cos playing with both hands is hard to do
Thur 21 May 2009
Well, maybe not quite, more like morning dew
At least there’s dampness in the air, my veins
Are slowly flowing once again, thank you
Thank who? The great god of sleep, that is who
Hypnos, by name, from the Greek pantheon
Has helped my health and by stealth let me do
Normal things like going to work again
And though I’m short on energy, I’ve done
Just that. Soon, I’ll drive down to Josephine
Tonight at school, I’ll get her in the queue
For all-important piano tuition
Something I wish I’d had. It’s such a shame
Cos playing with both hands is hard to do
Thur 21 May 2009
989 - Dawn of the dead
Dawn of the dead, that’s how today has been
Awoke at 4.30, then stayed awake
Read Kierkegaard, and even that book seemed
To grip me as I read it at daybreak
I thought, ‘Oh well, I’ll be able to take
A nap on the sofa later,’ but no!
I couldn’t! Thinking there was some mistake
I kept closing my eyes, trying to flow
Into that stream of forgetfulness. Go
To sleep…To sleep…To sleep, perchance to dream
At 4pm I staggered, zombie-like
Back to my bed, a quiet radio
Providing background talk on the news themes
I’d been watching all day as my eyes ached
Wed 20 May 2009
Awoke at 4.30, then stayed awake
Read Kierkegaard, and even that book seemed
To grip me as I read it at daybreak
I thought, ‘Oh well, I’ll be able to take
A nap on the sofa later,’ but no!
I couldn’t! Thinking there was some mistake
I kept closing my eyes, trying to flow
Into that stream of forgetfulness. Go
To sleep…To sleep…To sleep, perchance to dream
At 4pm I staggered, zombie-like
Back to my bed, a quiet radio
Providing background talk on the news themes
I’d been watching all day as my eyes ached
Wed 20 May 2009
988 - Everything hurts
Today I drifted semi-consciously
As the flu gripped, and relief was nowhere
As light spread, I slept with difficulty
Even breathing was hard, and it grew clear
I’d be off work again, but also there
Would be no energy even to read
Let alone play music, or leave my lair
I needed stimulation, and indeed
I got it, as the Speaker now agreed
To resign. Watched ‘Picture of Dorian Gray’
Then watched Gordon Brown trying to declare
He was ushering in the end of greed
Yet refusing to sack certain MPs
Right! Now I can slump once more in my chair…
Tue 19 May 2009
As the flu gripped, and relief was nowhere
As light spread, I slept with difficulty
Even breathing was hard, and it grew clear
I’d be off work again, but also there
Would be no energy even to read
Let alone play music, or leave my lair
I needed stimulation, and indeed
I got it, as the Speaker now agreed
To resign. Watched ‘Picture of Dorian Gray’
Then watched Gordon Brown trying to declare
He was ushering in the end of greed
Yet refusing to sack certain MPs
Right! Now I can slump once more in my chair…
Tue 19 May 2009
987 - Man flu, Day 2
Ooh! Aah! Ouch! Eek! And, Oh My God! Still ill!!!
Sore throat, organs aching, unsteady feet
As bad as last night, hot flushes, cold spells
So I stayed at home to recuperate
This afternoon, a visit from Janet
Cheered me up as I was eating dinner
She rang to say she was outside, and wet
She’d bought some treats for me! Surprise! Let her
Up to the flat. She looked so smart in her
Work clothes. To be close again was a thrill
And it was touching that she’d been so sweet
As my clothes dried on the radiator
We could not really kiss in case I filled
Her with these awful germs… On with the fight!
Mon 18 May 2009
Sore throat, organs aching, unsteady feet
As bad as last night, hot flushes, cold spells
So I stayed at home to recuperate
This afternoon, a visit from Janet
Cheered me up as I was eating dinner
She rang to say she was outside, and wet
She’d bought some treats for me! Surprise! Let her
Up to the flat. She looked so smart in her
Work clothes. To be close again was a thrill
And it was touching that she’d been so sweet
As my clothes dried on the radiator
We could not really kiss in case I filled
Her with these awful germs… On with the fight!
Mon 18 May 2009
986 - Man at death's door with a cold
The aches and pains are multiplying….Oh!
I’ve had them for days, even been worried
But just a cold, a sore throat, that is no
Reason for alarm. Panic? There’s no need
So now it just feels like a bug, I’ll heed
My common-sense, and stay in and relax
Not had much rest lately; days seized with greed
Are catching up with me. Work / play to max
And at some point, your body will collapse
Had hoped to watch Andy’s festival show
But I’m ill, Janet’s busy, so the key
Decision’s been made. Rest! Eyes ache, attacks
By little beings on my organs go
On. They shall not pass! Antibodies! Lead!
Sun 17 May 2009
I’ve had them for days, even been worried
But just a cold, a sore throat, that is no
Reason for alarm. Panic? There’s no need
So now it just feels like a bug, I’ll heed
My common-sense, and stay in and relax
Not had much rest lately; days seized with greed
Are catching up with me. Work / play to max
And at some point, your body will collapse
Had hoped to watch Andy’s festival show
But I’m ill, Janet’s busy, so the key
Decision’s been made. Rest! Eyes ache, attacks
By little beings on my organs go
On. They shall not pass! Antibodies! Lead!
Sun 17 May 2009
985 - Alone again, poetry
Been struggling to re-record ‘World At War’
And still I’m not quite satisfied it’s done
As I prepared to sing I heard the roar
From Old Trafford: yes, United have won
The title for the umpteenth time, ho hum
Good news at the foot of the table, though
Newcastle, at home, couldn’t beat Fulham
Hull got a point, and so did Middlesbrough
So the Geordies face relegation woe
Tonight (though without Janet), it’s Blue Boar
What a bore! Yet again I’m on my own!
Some chats with poet friends, hopefully, though
Sadly this time, I’m not taking guitar
Just reading three poems. I’ll miss you, hun!
Sat 16 May 2009
And still I’m not quite satisfied it’s done
As I prepared to sing I heard the roar
From Old Trafford: yes, United have won
The title for the umpteenth time, ho hum
Good news at the foot of the table, though
Newcastle, at home, couldn’t beat Fulham
Hull got a point, and so did Middlesbrough
So the Geordies face relegation woe
Tonight (though without Janet), it’s Blue Boar
What a bore! Yet again I’m on my own!
Some chats with poet friends, hopefully, though
Sadly this time, I’m not taking guitar
Just reading three poems. I’ll miss you, hun!
Sat 16 May 2009
984 - Piggies
Those naughty old MPs, they've been found out
Oink oink, with all their snouts deep in the trough
It makes us feel so smart to scream and shout
It makes us feel superior to scoff
Just like they felt superior enough
To write their own rules, laugh at the taxman
Something I can't permit; tax fraud's a tough
One to accept, Hazel-eyed as I am
One fears that Blears and her ilk's milking scam
By t'good folk of Salford is OK - not!
Dirty old town, Westminster! The ride's rough
From here to the finishing post. They ran
For election as thoroughbreds. Truth's out!
They're all just piggies. Now we'll huff and puff....
Fri 15 May 2009
Oink oink, with all their snouts deep in the trough
It makes us feel so smart to scream and shout
It makes us feel superior to scoff
Just like they felt superior enough
To write their own rules, laugh at the taxman
Something I can't permit; tax fraud's a tough
One to accept, Hazel-eyed as I am
One fears that Blears and her ilk's milking scam
By t'good folk of Salford is OK - not!
Dirty old town, Westminster! The ride's rough
From here to the finishing post. They ran
For election as thoroughbreds. Truth's out!
They're all just piggies. Now we'll huff and puff....
Fri 15 May 2009
983 - Giggin' in Wigan 2
Tonight I shall be giggin' in Wigan
Well, okay, it's just an open-mike night
Before that, hopefully, I'll be eatin'
With Christine and Carole, something quite light
In a Wigan cafe before the flight
To the Tudor House Hotel for the show
Two nights ago, sober, managed to write
A longish new poem I hope will go
Down well like the food. Before all that, though
I must plough through some work that's been pilin'
Up on my desk. With any luck I might
Actually get some of it done, the flow
Of emails usually slowing me, and then
Leave work early for Wigan poetry night
Thur 14 May 2009
Well, okay, it's just an open-mike night
Before that, hopefully, I'll be eatin'
With Christine and Carole, something quite light
In a Wigan cafe before the flight
To the Tudor House Hotel for the show
Two nights ago, sober, managed to write
A longish new poem I hope will go
Down well like the food. Before all that, though
I must plough through some work that's been pilin'
Up on my desk. With any luck I might
Actually get some of it done, the flow
Of emails usually slowing me, and then
Leave work early for Wigan poetry night
Thur 14 May 2009
982 - Weather report
Please do not rain, I have not brought my coat
Please do not rain, I don't want to get soaked
Come back, dear sun, to you we give our vote
Come back, prodigal sun, or have you croaked?
Saw morning sunshine, left my coat at home
Saw morning sunshine, thought summer had come
Unfaithful sun, you always have to roam
Deceitful sun, without you there's no fun
The dark clouds linger, and the trees blow wild
The dark clouds linger, how long since we smiled?
Will summer be like this, gloomy and mild?
Must summer be like this, is our fate sealed?
The English weather keeps us all busy
The English weather keeps us all gloomy
Wed 13 May 2009
Please do not rain, I don't want to get soaked
Come back, dear sun, to you we give our vote
Come back, prodigal sun, or have you croaked?
Saw morning sunshine, left my coat at home
Saw morning sunshine, thought summer had come
Unfaithful sun, you always have to roam
Deceitful sun, without you there's no fun
The dark clouds linger, and the trees blow wild
The dark clouds linger, how long since we smiled?
Will summer be like this, gloomy and mild?
Must summer be like this, is our fate sealed?
The English weather keeps us all busy
The English weather keeps us all gloomy
Wed 13 May 2009
981 - Through the office window
Perfect blue sky, or perfect nothingness
Pretty green trees wave goodbye, short-lived man
A spire points up into the blue: confess
Your sins, or sizzle in the frying-pan!
Happy in the moment, kids whoop and run
Let out of nursery for some fresh air
Happy that adults carry their burden
Of their own future burdens, unaware
Traffic, in ant-like lines, crawls off somewhere
This mortal snapshot, its lifespan far less
Than photos, paintings or images on
The internet, is preserved here with care
Sharing this feature with Shakespeare's sonnets
Outliving the source from where it began
Tue 12 May 2009
Pretty green trees wave goodbye, short-lived man
A spire points up into the blue: confess
Your sins, or sizzle in the frying-pan!
Happy in the moment, kids whoop and run
Let out of nursery for some fresh air
Happy that adults carry their burden
Of their own future burdens, unaware
Traffic, in ant-like lines, crawls off somewhere
This mortal snapshot, its lifespan far less
Than photos, paintings or images on
The internet, is preserved here with care
Sharing this feature with Shakespeare's sonnets
Outliving the source from where it began
Tue 12 May 2009
980 - Monday night in Bolton
The cold, litter-swept streets of Bolton town
Are pierced not only by the freezing wind
But by the shouts of lads playing the clown
The shaven-headed and track-suited kind
The dignified town hall’s clockface aligned
More with the moon than these streets down below
Maintaining high standards, seemingly blind
To economic downturn, social woe
The stained pavements and walls of each long row
Of pubs and bars and clubs streaked grey and brown
We pass a passed-out woman, left behind
For ambulancemen to mop up as they go
Down old and bitter streets, back up and down
In pubs the hard laughter brings pain to mind
Mon 11 May 2009
Are pierced not only by the freezing wind
But by the shouts of lads playing the clown
The shaven-headed and track-suited kind
The dignified town hall’s clockface aligned
More with the moon than these streets down below
Maintaining high standards, seemingly blind
To economic downturn, social woe
The stained pavements and walls of each long row
Of pubs and bars and clubs streaked grey and brown
We pass a passed-out woman, left behind
For ambulancemen to mop up as they go
Down old and bitter streets, back up and down
In pubs the hard laughter brings pain to mind
Mon 11 May 2009
979 - Crazy Sunday
A lovely day, though cloud-covered and wet
Caught up on sleep, radio playing low
Cleaned that big dusty carpet in my flat
Swept floors, then phoned my girl. Now, where to go?
She drove north on the ring road, till below
We saw the hills near Bury, and turned off
Ramsbottom was the destination; though
It rained, we shopped, we had some food, we laughed
She always finds antique shops, likes old stuff
Then J came back to my newly-cleaned flat
It was nice to be together once more
Off she went in her car: bye-bye, my love!
Then visited two friends, two pleasant chats
Now home again, work looms once more. Oh no!
Sun 10 May 2009
Caught up on sleep, radio playing low
Cleaned that big dusty carpet in my flat
Swept floors, then phoned my girl. Now, where to go?
She drove north on the ring road, till below
We saw the hills near Bury, and turned off
Ramsbottom was the destination; though
It rained, we shopped, we had some food, we laughed
She always finds antique shops, likes old stuff
Then J came back to my newly-cleaned flat
It was nice to be together once more
Off she went in her car: bye-bye, my love!
Then visited two friends, two pleasant chats
Now home again, work looms once more. Oh no!
Sun 10 May 2009
978 - I'm feelin it
When bodies touch, minds also do the same
For body is mind, and mind is body
There is no soul, there’s no eternal flame
There is no body/mind duality
Love is the high point, love’s the ecstasy
Not just for body, but also for mind
The mind is nervous system, superbly
Evolved, but still nerve tissue, all combined
Into one network, like roads, railway lines
From toe of Italy to Roman brain
From toe of Cornwall to London City
Inextricably linked and intertwined
Microchip DNA, a sensual chain
Body is mind: hear, touch, smell, taste and see
Sat 9 May 2009
For body is mind, and mind is body
There is no soul, there’s no eternal flame
There is no body/mind duality
Love is the high point, love’s the ecstasy
Not just for body, but also for mind
The mind is nervous system, superbly
Evolved, but still nerve tissue, all combined
Into one network, like roads, railway lines
From toe of Italy to Roman brain
From toe of Cornwall to London City
Inextricably linked and intertwined
Microchip DNA, a sensual chain
Body is mind: hear, touch, smell, taste and see
Sat 9 May 2009
977 - Europa interloper
I’m home, dear. Oh dear, I’m home. Dear, oh dear
I’ve got the travelling bug now. Will you come?
The only problem is it’s all so dear
Meals, hotels and whatnot all cost a sum
Tourism isn’t threatened by the slump
Or is it? Pockets shrink, hold fewer pounds
To the euro. To Europe’s a big jump
Will you go? Walking loses a few pounds
Supermarket snacks too; lose weight around
Your hotel restaurant bills and you’ll be there
Try camping, sleeping on trains, thump thump thump
But hotel rooms keep you awake with sound
Of costly bangs through thin walls… Disappear
With me, let’s go before the month is done!
Fri 8 May 2009
I’ve got the travelling bug now. Will you come?
The only problem is it’s all so dear
Meals, hotels and whatnot all cost a sum
Tourism isn’t threatened by the slump
Or is it? Pockets shrink, hold fewer pounds
To the euro. To Europe’s a big jump
Will you go? Walking loses a few pounds
Supermarket snacks too; lose weight around
Your hotel restaurant bills and you’ll be there
Try camping, sleeping on trains, thump thump thump
But hotel rooms keep you awake with sound
Of costly bangs through thin walls… Disappear
With me, let’s go before the month is done!
Fri 8 May 2009
976 - Kids on a plane
I’m sitting on a crowded aeroplane
A warm evening at Paris Charles de Gaulle
The toddlers are all starting to complain
They don’t understand this waiting at all
Is it going home makes them wail and waul?
Red-faced, a tiny girl, despite cuddles
From Daddy, bellows; then suddenly, cool
Now the girl in the seat behind wriggles
But seconds later, she’s become all smiles
Is it their youth makes waiting such a pain?
The plane taxis, stomachs tighten, the small
Unaware of the sudden speeding wheels
Seconds ahead. The Mummies will explain
We’re flying faster than a cannonball
Thur 7 May 2009
A warm evening at Paris Charles de Gaulle
The toddlers are all starting to complain
They don’t understand this waiting at all
Is it going home makes them wail and waul?
Red-faced, a tiny girl, despite cuddles
From Daddy, bellows; then suddenly, cool
Now the girl in the seat behind wriggles
But seconds later, she’s become all smiles
Is it their youth makes waiting such a pain?
The plane taxis, stomachs tighten, the small
Unaware of the sudden speeding wheels
Seconds ahead. The Mummies will explain
We’re flying faster than a cannonball
Thur 7 May 2009
975 - Drinking and smoking outside Notre Dame
Drinking and smoking outside Notre Dame
And at long last the sun now shows its face
All nationalities come here disarmed
All people relax in this ancient place
Photo-opportunities; cameras race
Accents Spanish and Asian, French, German
Young, middle-aged and old, time can’t erase
These special scenes, sunlit moments of fun
Me, I’m content, beer bottle number one
Almost empty; with number two I’m armed
Bottles of Kronenbourg don’t go to waste
Preparing for the match that’s still to come
(Chelsea/Barcelona) and so the aim
Is to get pissed cheaply in this fine place!
Wed 6 May 2009
And at long last the sun now shows its face
All nationalities come here disarmed
All people relax in this ancient place
Photo-opportunities; cameras race
Accents Spanish and Asian, French, German
Young, middle-aged and old, time can’t erase
These special scenes, sunlit moments of fun
Me, I’m content, beer bottle number one
Almost empty; with number two I’m armed
Bottles of Kronenbourg don’t go to waste
Preparing for the match that’s still to come
(Chelsea/Barcelona) and so the aim
Is to get pissed cheaply in this fine place!
Wed 6 May 2009
974 - Plastered in Paris 2
Un autre jour à Paris: Sainte-Chappelle
A fuckin’ long queue, mais it was worthwhile
Those stained-glass fenêtres: sensationelles!
Un peut de shopping, home for a piss, then we’ll
Go for a falafel, served with a smile
Fed les pigeons; on est allé au Musée
Carnavalet, where luckily twas real
Easy a prendre des photos, regarder
Le lit de Proust. Turned into a good day
Despite the clouds. I was OK, but Pearl
Was fatiguée. Walked over to the Ile
De la Cité, ou Pearl est occupée
Dans son restaurant. I thought, fuckin’ ell
What to do next? Qu’est-ce que c’est difficile
Tue 5 May 2009
A fuckin’ long queue, mais it was worthwhile
Those stained-glass fenêtres: sensationelles!
Un peut de shopping, home for a piss, then we’ll
Go for a falafel, served with a smile
Fed les pigeons; on est allé au Musée
Carnavalet, where luckily twas real
Easy a prendre des photos, regarder
Le lit de Proust. Turned into a good day
Despite the clouds. I was OK, but Pearl
Was fatiguée. Walked over to the Ile
De la Cité, ou Pearl est occupée
Dans son restaurant. I thought, fuckin’ ell
What to do next? Qu’est-ce que c’est difficile
Tue 5 May 2009
973 - Tour-ism
The first place we saw was the Tour St-Jacques
Kids played in the sun there and near Les Halles
On the grass, just in front of St-Eustache
We queued but failed to get in Sainte-Chappelle
On to the Latin Quarter: the next pile
Was St-Sulpice; Jardins du Luxembourg
Café Rostand. Montparnasse: half a mile
Up the tower, Paris laid out like a rug
The long line of the Louvre like a slug
Trail; Tour Eiffel cut a vertical dash
Cimetière Montparnasse cast quite a spell
From such a height, and on the ground, graves dug
For JP Sartre, de Beauvoir and Duras
In the evening, poetry in Belleville
Mon 4 May 2009
Kids played in the sun there and near Les Halles
On the grass, just in front of St-Eustache
We queued but failed to get in Sainte-Chappelle
On to the Latin Quarter: the next pile
Was St-Sulpice; Jardins du Luxembourg
Café Rostand. Montparnasse: half a mile
Up the tower, Paris laid out like a rug
The long line of the Louvre like a slug
Trail; Tour Eiffel cut a vertical dash
Cimetière Montparnasse cast quite a spell
From such a height, and on the ground, graves dug
For JP Sartre, de Beauvoir and Duras
In the evening, poetry in Belleville
Mon 4 May 2009
Sunday 10 April 2011
972 - Plastered in Paris
Je m’asseois a la table extérieure du Bar
Trappiste, à Châtelet, à Paris, France
Ce bar-ci est près de la rivière
Il y a beaucoup de bieres; oui, quelle bon chance!
Ici, je peux fumer, ici je pense
Je peux me reposer aussi; depuis trois
Nuits je suis fatigué; alors, espoir
Que je dormirai bien. Je ne sais pas
Ce que nous feron demain: peut-etre Bois
De Boulogne et Passy; se promener
Au bord de la Seine. D’avoir des bonne vacances
Ne sera pas difficile, mais ce soir
Ma fille est occupé près de Shakespeare
And Co., Ã la Rive Gauche, dans un restaurant
Sun 3 May 2009
Trappiste, à Châtelet, à Paris, France
Ce bar-ci est près de la rivière
Il y a beaucoup de bieres; oui, quelle bon chance!
Ici, je peux fumer, ici je pense
Je peux me reposer aussi; depuis trois
Nuits je suis fatigué; alors, espoir
Que je dormirai bien. Je ne sais pas
Ce que nous feron demain: peut-etre Bois
De Boulogne et Passy; se promener
Au bord de la Seine. D’avoir des bonne vacances
Ne sera pas difficile, mais ce soir
Ma fille est occupé près de Shakespeare
And Co., Ã la Rive Gauche, dans un restaurant
Sun 3 May 2009
971 - Today, Derbyshire, tomorrow, Paris!
It’s late, I need to pack, watching football
Why am I so late getting organised? Well it’s coz
I spent a lovely day out with my girl
But early tomorrow I’ll catch the bus
To John Lennon Airport, off to Paris
To see my daughter, who now works real hard
At a café near Notre Dame. Hope this
Doesn’t tire her too much, not too much poured
Out into other people’s cups. We’ll board
Le Metro to some great spots, join the whirl
Of French life, drink some coffee, take some tours
Have as good a time as we can afford
In the capital of what was once Gaul
Pictures to follow on Facebook, of course!
Sat 2 May 2009
Why am I so late getting organised? Well it’s coz
I spent a lovely day out with my girl
But early tomorrow I’ll catch the bus
To John Lennon Airport, off to Paris
To see my daughter, who now works real hard
At a café near Notre Dame. Hope this
Doesn’t tire her too much, not too much poured
Out into other people’s cups. We’ll board
Le Metro to some great spots, join the whirl
Of French life, drink some coffee, take some tours
Have as good a time as we can afford
In the capital of what was once Gaul
Pictures to follow on Facebook, of course!
Sat 2 May 2009
970 - Hotel bed 2
I’m sorry, my love, not many sweet dreams
Mainly my own fault, also partly theirs
Making me stay up late chatting, the themes
Of work and private life a colleague shares
In pubs, restaurants, through the wee small hours
Got off to sleep okay, but woke at six
Disturbed by sounds from the next room, those showers
Those lightswitches, tap turnings, all those clicks
Those hums, those coughs, doors, voices, real sick tricks
Like ignored wake-up calls… To me it seems
Unthinkable to sleep on unawares
Through three such calls, but next door’s guest, he likes
To wake up slowly, he needs three alarms
So now I’m really knackered, sorry dear
Fri 1 May 2009
Mainly my own fault, also partly theirs
Making me stay up late chatting, the themes
Of work and private life a colleague shares
In pubs, restaurants, through the wee small hours
Got off to sleep okay, but woke at six
Disturbed by sounds from the next room, those showers
Those lightswitches, tap turnings, all those clicks
Those hums, those coughs, doors, voices, real sick tricks
Like ignored wake-up calls… To me it seems
Unthinkable to sleep on unawares
Through three such calls, but next door’s guest, he likes
To wake up slowly, he needs three alarms
So now I’m really knackered, sorry dear
Fri 1 May 2009
969 - Hotel bed
I’m writing this here on my hotel bed
So that I can go out and drink my fill
And, when I get back, can empty my head
And bladder, hop in bed, exit the real
Scenic train ride to York, hill after hill
Until, after Leeds, Yorkshire land turns flat
A pleasant spring walk, Minster’s clanging bell
Celebrating or warning, but of what?
Our meeting, as expected, filled with chat
Big mouths that mustn’t be interrupted
Big and small thoughts, it all made John feel ill
But still, that long agenda has been brought
Close to the end, and that’s what we wanted
Tomorrow’s session all gently downhill
Thur 30 Apr 2009
So that I can go out and drink my fill
And, when I get back, can empty my head
And bladder, hop in bed, exit the real
Scenic train ride to York, hill after hill
Until, after Leeds, Yorkshire land turns flat
A pleasant spring walk, Minster’s clanging bell
Celebrating or warning, but of what?
Our meeting, as expected, filled with chat
Big mouths that mustn’t be interrupted
Big and small thoughts, it all made John feel ill
But still, that long agenda has been brought
Close to the end, and that’s what we wanted
Tomorrow’s session all gently downhill
Thur 30 Apr 2009
968 - Travelogue
Last day in the office for a while - great!
A two-day meeting in a York hotel,
The usual booze-up and meal on our plates
Then, when it’s over, Friday night my girl
And I will reunite, her slim legs curled
Around me, hopefully, like times before
Being close to her’s the best thing in the world
Going on an anatomical tour
Is a thrill when there’s time to kill, to score
Is always my goal; like chess, she’s my mate
And then, on Sunday, I fly off to Pearl
In Paris, where I’ll happily spend four
Days by the Seine, then back home very late
On Friday morning. Hope it all goes well!
Wed 29 Apr 2009
A two-day meeting in a York hotel,
The usual booze-up and meal on our plates
Then, when it’s over, Friday night my girl
And I will reunite, her slim legs curled
Around me, hopefully, like times before
Being close to her’s the best thing in the world
Going on an anatomical tour
Is a thrill when there’s time to kill, to score
Is always my goal; like chess, she’s my mate
And then, on Sunday, I fly off to Pearl
In Paris, where I’ll happily spend four
Days by the Seine, then back home very late
On Friday morning. Hope it all goes well!
Wed 29 Apr 2009
967 - Best-laid plans
This week, next week, busy busy busy
This week, hard work combined with performance
Next week, visiting Paris, where I’ll see
My daughter, Pearl, again. I’ve seen her once
There last November, but this is a chance
To see both her and Paris in the spring
Today I chaired a meeting, seat of pants
Type job, as usual, the talkers talking
And me trying to do the controlling
That’s out of the way now, next one is the
Big two-day meeting in York; first, a chance
To improvise some singing and playing
Tomorrow night in Bolton, at Andy
And Gary’s poetry night…So much for plans
Tue 28 Apr 2008
This week, hard work combined with performance
Next week, visiting Paris, where I’ll see
My daughter, Pearl, again. I’ve seen her once
There last November, but this is a chance
To see both her and Paris in the spring
Today I chaired a meeting, seat of pants
Type job, as usual, the talkers talking
And me trying to do the controlling
That’s out of the way now, next one is the
Big two-day meeting in York; first, a chance
To improvise some singing and playing
Tomorrow night in Bolton, at Andy
And Gary’s poetry night…So much for plans
Tue 28 Apr 2008
966 - What's going on 2
What’s going on? Well, there’s this new swine flu
South of the border, in old Mexico
A swine it is, too - it’s killed quite a few
The papers make out we’re all gonna go
And catch it… They exaggerate, you know
Of course they do. ‘We’re doomed!’ Maybe we’re not
But Gordon Brown is. Gord was snubbed; no-show
By Pakistani president. It’s hot
Over there and at home, where Gord has not
Got his way over expenses: a new
And stronger wave of opposition grows
Tories prepare for power, Labour plot
I can’t see Prime Minister Balls, can you?
Productivity at thirty-year low
Mon 27 Apr 2009
South of the border, in old Mexico
A swine it is, too - it’s killed quite a few
The papers make out we’re all gonna go
And catch it… They exaggerate, you know
Of course they do. ‘We’re doomed!’ Maybe we’re not
But Gordon Brown is. Gord was snubbed; no-show
By Pakistani president. It’s hot
Over there and at home, where Gord has not
Got his way over expenses: a new
And stronger wave of opposition grows
Tories prepare for power, Labour plot
I can’t see Prime Minister Balls, can you?
Productivity at thirty-year low
Mon 27 Apr 2009
965 - Messing about on or near the river
I drifted on the waves of sleep till nine
Or half-past, at half-mast my wakefulness
Landlubber scrubbing floors to make them shine
Removing mould from black-stained walls, real mess
Flat sparkles like a yacht off Shoeburyness
Flat anchored near the banks of the Irwell
Except when earthquakes strike, no seasickness
But when they do strike like storms, who can tell?
Drove out to Lymm later, clanging church bell
Calls drowners to be saved, throws out a line
Canal barges bob gently, free from stress
Crossed and recrossed the Mersey by car, sailed
Through Partington, Carrington, Sale, to wind
Our mast down in the garden’s peacefulness
Sun 26 Apr 2009
Or half-past, at half-mast my wakefulness
Landlubber scrubbing floors to make them shine
Removing mould from black-stained walls, real mess
Flat sparkles like a yacht off Shoeburyness
Flat anchored near the banks of the Irwell
Except when earthquakes strike, no seasickness
But when they do strike like storms, who can tell?
Drove out to Lymm later, clanging church bell
Calls drowners to be saved, throws out a line
Canal barges bob gently, free from stress
Crossed and recrossed the Mersey by car, sailed
Through Partington, Carrington, Sale, to wind
Our mast down in the garden’s peacefulness
Sun 26 Apr 2009
964 - Munch of the day
Awoke with my brown-skinned girl by my side
Breakfast, and then with great skill she helped me
Sort out phone pictures, and then with some pride
Showed me her own pix of her family
And travels over the last year or three
Got cloudy, so I chose to go swimming
With Josie (too cold to go to the sea)
Roads packed with United fans, all driving
To the game against Spurs (seems they’re winning
The title once again, Ferguson’s side…!)
A fun time in Stockport pool with Josie
Followed by a late afternoon’s eating
And joking around. Back home, guitar played
Quick call to my girl, football on TV…
Sat 25 Apr 2009
Breakfast, and then with great skill she helped me
Sort out phone pictures, and then with some pride
Showed me her own pix of her family
And travels over the last year or three
Got cloudy, so I chose to go swimming
With Josie (too cold to go to the sea)
Roads packed with United fans, all driving
To the game against Spurs (seems they’re winning
The title once again, Ferguson’s side…!)
A fun time in Stockport pool with Josie
Followed by a late afternoon’s eating
And joking around. Back home, guitar played
Quick call to my girl, football on TV…
Sat 25 Apr 2009
963 - Still playing the game
963, if you put a 1 in front
Was the year of my birth. Is that so bad?
It’s a long time ago, that’s true, I can’t
Deny it, but I’ve lived all that time, had
A long innings already, bat and pad
I’ve hit the ball a few times, missed others
But to be called up at all makes me glad
Thank you, team captain, oh my captain, yes
Once alive, grown up, sheltered, fed, success
Then becomes our obsession, and the hunt
For love, which alone stops us being sad
And empty, even if we’ve got the rest
963rd sonnet, want
To know if I’ve found the grail, full of blood
Fri 24 Apr 2009
Was the year of my birth. Is that so bad?
It’s a long time ago, that’s true, I can’t
Deny it, but I’ve lived all that time, had
A long innings already, bat and pad
I’ve hit the ball a few times, missed others
But to be called up at all makes me glad
Thank you, team captain, oh my captain, yes
Once alive, grown up, sheltered, fed, success
Then becomes our obsession, and the hunt
For love, which alone stops us being sad
And empty, even if we’ve got the rest
963rd sonnet, want
To know if I’ve found the grail, full of blood
Fri 24 Apr 2009
962 - Obscure poetry and sound
St George’s Day has come and gone again
Been swallowed up by work, heard no mention
Of the old dragon slayer all day, but, well, when
Do the English make a fuss? Forbidden!
I worked hard at the office, forgotten
Was our national day, conferences
To organise, plus my girl, she was on
My mind… By half four, made my excuses
And left, to prepare for activities
Poetic, musical, Old Abbey Inn
Quickly rewrote a poem emailed on
To me by the master of ceremonies
Read it out and I was more than pleased when
It went down well. We must do this again!
Wed 23 Apr 2009
Been swallowed up by work, heard no mention
Of the old dragon slayer all day, but, well, when
Do the English make a fuss? Forbidden!
I worked hard at the office, forgotten
Was our national day, conferences
To organise, plus my girl, she was on
My mind… By half four, made my excuses
And left, to prepare for activities
Poetic, musical, Old Abbey Inn
Quickly rewrote a poem emailed on
To me by the master of ceremonies
Read it out and I was more than pleased when
It went down well. We must do this again!
Wed 23 Apr 2009
961 - Work, poetry and life itself
Back home, like England World Cup Squad ’70
I ponder all the things that are not right
But there are so many, yes, too many
Nevertheless we see life through till night
In Newcastle things seemed to go alright
Potentially fraught meeting went quite well
Keeping control of babblers is the height
Of chairmanship in meetings; how to tell
Them: Stick to the agenda! Need a bell
Or gong to shut them up. But good to see
Difficult subjects dealt with in a light-
Hearted way. But I still have to deal
With life itself, and that is less easy
Than work or poetry. Life is our plight
Wed 22 Apr 2009
I ponder all the things that are not right
But there are so many, yes, too many
Nevertheless we see life through till night
In Newcastle things seemed to go alright
Potentially fraught meeting went quite well
Keeping control of babblers is the height
Of chairmanship in meetings; how to tell
Them: Stick to the agenda! Need a bell
Or gong to shut them up. But good to see
Difficult subjects dealt with in a light-
Hearted way. But I still have to deal
With life itself, and that is less easy
Than work or poetry. Life is our plight
Wed 22 Apr 2009
960 - Meeting in Glasgow
Morning in Glasgow, light rain was falling
No umbrella or hood, so slightly wet
I arrived with John at that large building
In which, at 10 am, we should have met
Mike C and Dave R. Mike’s not there, Dave’s late
But Clare’s there, so is Chris, so talking starts
As the sun shows its face, and soon we get
Through numerous points. Dave turns up and imparts
His wisdom. After lunch we then report
To Tracey’s desk, then Gerry’s, for briefing
Yes, it seems they are in a right old state
But things are getting better, though it hurts
Right now. Like all of us they are learning…
Newcastle next, more colleagues there to meet
Tue 21 Apr 2009
No umbrella or hood, so slightly wet
I arrived with John at that large building
In which, at 10 am, we should have met
Mike C and Dave R. Mike’s not there, Dave’s late
But Clare’s there, so is Chris, so talking starts
As the sun shows its face, and soon we get
Through numerous points. Dave turns up and imparts
His wisdom. After lunch we then report
To Tracey’s desk, then Gerry’s, for briefing
Yes, it seems they are in a right old state
But things are getting better, though it hurts
Right now. Like all of us they are learning…
Newcastle next, more colleagues there to meet
Tue 21 Apr 2009
959 - April sun
A spell of sunny weather and life seems
More beautiful: the land, people, buildings
Driving through London, even though it teems
To absolute excess, becomes thrilling;
Round three and four lane roundabouts, racing
Round Wellington and Marble Arch, Park Lane
Like Italians, sun in our eyes blinding
That was Saturday. Sunday, down the lane
To Mobberley with Josie; pub’s the same
As it used to be: food the stuff of dreams
Josie riding her bike, and I’m jogging
Today, Monday, me and John took the train
Up to Glasgow, where even here it seems
Sultry….Like you, the person I’m missing…
Mon 20 Apr 2009
More beautiful: the land, people, buildings
Driving through London, even though it teems
To absolute excess, becomes thrilling;
Round three and four lane roundabouts, racing
Round Wellington and Marble Arch, Park Lane
Like Italians, sun in our eyes blinding
That was Saturday. Sunday, down the lane
To Mobberley with Josie; pub’s the same
As it used to be: food the stuff of dreams
Josie riding her bike, and I’m jogging
Today, Monday, me and John took the train
Up to Glasgow, where even here it seems
Sultry….Like you, the person I’m missing…
Mon 20 Apr 2009
958 - April jazz
A sunny evening chilling out with jazz
A Sunday evening filled out with football
Someday my evenings will be fulfilled ’coz
Somebody’s thrilled even with me, the wall
Torn down they built to keep me good and small
Storm through it, kill the guards, and make sure you
Form letters from their spilled blood, big and tall
Drawn symbols of my freedom, willed, now true
Forge on through weary piles of residue
George Shearing’s ‘I’ll Remember April’ plays
Resurgent warning words I hear still fall
From sunny morning lips of wine-stained hue
As Sunday morning slips from last night’s haze
Someday my mornings won’t bring trips and falls
Sun 19 Apr 2009
A Sunday evening filled out with football
Someday my evenings will be fulfilled ’coz
Somebody’s thrilled even with me, the wall
Torn down they built to keep me good and small
Storm through it, kill the guards, and make sure you
Form letters from their spilled blood, big and tall
Drawn symbols of my freedom, willed, now true
Forge on through weary piles of residue
George Shearing’s ‘I’ll Remember April’ plays
Resurgent warning words I hear still fall
From sunny morning lips of wine-stained hue
As Sunday morning slips from last night’s haze
Someday my mornings won’t bring trips and falls
Sun 19 Apr 2009
957 - Down and up
Another Saturday in London town
Last week I went with you on Megabus
Well today it’s with Louis I’m back down
Taking him back to continue studies
At Westminster Uni, Harrow Campus
But first, it’s off to see another game
The Rams are visiting Crystal Palace
So come on Derby, it’d be a shame
If our season spluttered out like a flame
On a birthday cake candle when it’s blown
After I’ve dropped him off with little fuss
It’s up the motorway once more; those same
Old sights and red rear lights that have all grown
Familiar over years… Then once more, us
Sat 18 Apr 2009
Last week I went with you on Megabus
Well today it’s with Louis I’m back down
Taking him back to continue studies
At Westminster Uni, Harrow Campus
But first, it’s off to see another game
The Rams are visiting Crystal Palace
So come on Derby, it’d be a shame
If our season spluttered out like a flame
On a birthday cake candle when it’s blown
After I’ve dropped him off with little fuss
It’s up the motorway once more; those same
Old sights and red rear lights that have all grown
Familiar over years… Then once more, us
Sat 18 Apr 2009
956 - Wondering what to do
A blue pink evening sky with plane slug trail
A purple cloud floats by behind the trees
While charging the phone I talk to my girl
The day’s work done, why not do as I please
The sky is darker now, cold evening breeze
From the balcony. How to pass the time
The muse will not allow access, she flees
And I may have to bow out when this rhyme
Is done. The sun has set and I can’t climb
The slopes any more. Let the evening fail
And hope wither, I’ll get up off my knees
Turn on the TV, settle for sublime
Or ridiculous. Watch a film and sail
Away, lose all attachment and unease
Fri 17 Apr 2009
A purple cloud floats by behind the trees
While charging the phone I talk to my girl
The day’s work done, why not do as I please
The sky is darker now, cold evening breeze
From the balcony. How to pass the time
The muse will not allow access, she flees
And I may have to bow out when this rhyme
Is done. The sun has set and I can’t climb
The slopes any more. Let the evening fail
And hope wither, I’ll get up off my knees
Turn on the TV, settle for sublime
Or ridiculous. Watch a film and sail
Away, lose all attachment and unease
Fri 17 Apr 2009
955 - Feline good
I’m getting ready to go out again
With J, after our Easter together
What we’ve got planned is a night in Chorlton
To watch musicians play on the guitar
I don’t expect I’ll take part; not been there
Before, so best maybe if I just watch,
Ask J about my new phone, and prepare
For an early departure…work is such
A busy place this month, with a whole batch
Of meetings coming up, rides on the train
But anyway, I’ll pick up my guitar
Before I go out with my special catch
And practice ‘You Are the Cat’ once again
Well, you see, J is such a cat lover
Thur 16 Apr 2009
With J, after our Easter together
What we’ve got planned is a night in Chorlton
To watch musicians play on the guitar
I don’t expect I’ll take part; not been there
Before, so best maybe if I just watch,
Ask J about my new phone, and prepare
For an early departure…work is such
A busy place this month, with a whole batch
Of meetings coming up, rides on the train
But anyway, I’ll pick up my guitar
Before I go out with my special catch
And practice ‘You Are the Cat’ once again
Well, you see, J is such a cat lover
Thur 16 Apr 2009
954 - Hillsborough, twenty years on
Today the main news was from Liverpool
Today was twenty years from Hillsborough
The Sheffield stadium where fate was cruel
To football fans crushed in that disaster
I saw the pictures on the day after
Sick close-ups of the dying; some enjoyed
Them, but they were just lads from Manchester
Finding some fun in those Scouse lives destroyed
Hardly surprising then that there’s such pride
In Liverpool today for those football
Supporters they remember, year on year
And anger that the cover-up tried to hide
Mistakes by police. Today, Anfield full
Of mourners, the 96 remembered
Wed 15 Apr 2009
Today was twenty years from Hillsborough
The Sheffield stadium where fate was cruel
To football fans crushed in that disaster
I saw the pictures on the day after
Sick close-ups of the dying; some enjoyed
Them, but they were just lads from Manchester
Finding some fun in those Scouse lives destroyed
Hardly surprising then that there’s such pride
In Liverpool today for those football
Supporters they remember, year on year
And anger that the cover-up tried to hide
Mistakes by police. Today, Anfield full
Of mourners, the 96 remembered
Wed 15 Apr 2009
953 - Get the message
Am getting to grips with my new moby
My new moby and me are best of friends
A better camera, video and the
Latest tiny keypad that really strains
The eyes and fingers, and also disdains
To type what I'm trying to say to her
I don't know if I can really complain
Blame technology or blame my finger
For her not getting my message... Easier
Now to send, and what's more, insert smiley
Deciding what to do towards weekend
Might even take off Friday so that Thur
Evening isn't cut short, so we can be
Together longer. Message complete. Send
Tue 14 Apr 2009
My new moby and me are best of friends
A better camera, video and the
Latest tiny keypad that really strains
The eyes and fingers, and also disdains
To type what I'm trying to say to her
I don't know if I can really complain
Blame technology or blame my finger
For her not getting my message... Easier
Now to send, and what's more, insert smiley
Deciding what to do towards weekend
Might even take off Friday so that Thur
Evening isn't cut short, so we can be
Together longer. Message complete. Send
Tue 14 Apr 2009
952 - Spring morning
Easter is over, and now life goes on
The leaves are on the trees, they are a sign
Of marching time, of time starting to run
Of things reaching their peak as nature climbs
And reaches with green fingers for sunshine
As glimpsed through bedroom windows at morning
From gently rustling sheets at breakfast time
The garden birds have been serenading
For hours, their eyes and thoughts now returning
To what may be found down there on the lawn
Breakfast is over, washing’s on the line
Gently swaying, thoughtlessly responding
To nature’s ways with regular rhythm
As the wind plays that old tune one more time
Mon 13 Apr 2009
The leaves are on the trees, they are a sign
Of marching time, of time starting to run
Of things reaching their peak as nature climbs
And reaches with green fingers for sunshine
As glimpsed through bedroom windows at morning
From gently rustling sheets at breakfast time
The garden birds have been serenading
For hours, their eyes and thoughts now returning
To what may be found down there on the lawn
Breakfast is over, washing’s on the line
Gently swaying, thoughtlessly responding
To nature’s ways with regular rhythm
As the wind plays that old tune one more time
Mon 13 Apr 2009
951 - Brainstorm
My brain is disabled, I’ve writer’s block
And even thinker’s block, it’s shock and awe
Up there in my head, just this loud tick tock
That’s blocking out the things that came before
I saw you, a tick tock more like a roar
I’ll sock it to you, I’ll unpick the lock
I’ll peek into the keyhole in your door
I’ll make you jump, eyes wide shut with the shock
I’ll feel for you, I’ll make you reel and rock
Rattle your crockery, open your drawer
Plant seeds in your rockery, write the book
Of love again before the ticking clock
Starts sticking; stocking up my late night store
Of lightning, lighting up your shady nook
Sun 12 Apr 2009
And even thinker’s block, it’s shock and awe
Up there in my head, just this loud tick tock
That’s blocking out the things that came before
I saw you, a tick tock more like a roar
I’ll sock it to you, I’ll unpick the lock
I’ll peek into the keyhole in your door
I’ll make you jump, eyes wide shut with the shock
I’ll feel for you, I’ll make you reel and rock
Rattle your crockery, open your drawer
Plant seeds in your rockery, write the book
Of love again before the ticking clock
Starts sticking; stocking up my late night store
Of lightning, lighting up your shady nook
Sun 12 Apr 2009
950 - London wanderings
An early morning embrace and coffee
A drive to Manchester multi-storey
A walk to the bus-stop, nice and early
As the sky lightened, too early for me
But today was a special holiday
The coach to London was very busy
The driver sped us down the motorway
And in no time we were walking away
From Victoria to Buck Palace… Today
No changing of the guard… well, that’s okay
Then on to Portobello Road: they say
It’s good for browsing, although I did pay
For gifts, clothes… Duke of Wellington for tea
Looked round Tate Modern, then a drink or three
Sat 11 Apr 2009
A drive to Manchester multi-storey
A walk to the bus-stop, nice and early
As the sky lightened, too early for me
But today was a special holiday
The coach to London was very busy
The driver sped us down the motorway
And in no time we were walking away
From Victoria to Buck Palace… Today
No changing of the guard… well, that’s okay
Then on to Portobello Road: they say
It’s good for browsing, although I did pay
For gifts, clothes… Duke of Wellington for tea
Looked round Tate Modern, then a drink or three
Sat 11 Apr 2009
949 - Good Good Friday
It’s been a good Good Friday, yes it has
Stayed over at your place and it was fine
Seriously sleep-deprived I am, because
Of work and play, conversation and wine
It’s been a good Good Friday, despite rain
We even walked in it and didn’t care
We kept on getting wet but didn’t mind
Even inside, there’s plenty to explore
You said that it was important to share
You shared with me your electric fingers
When they weren’t on me, they were on my mind
It’s been a good Good Friday, but compare
It to what’s to come, and we’d better pause
Briefly for rest from loving overtime
Fri 10 Apr 2009
Stayed over at your place and it was fine
Seriously sleep-deprived I am, because
Of work and play, conversation and wine
It’s been a good Good Friday, despite rain
We even walked in it and didn’t care
We kept on getting wet but didn’t mind
Even inside, there’s plenty to explore
You said that it was important to share
You shared with me your electric fingers
When they weren’t on me, they were on my mind
It’s been a good Good Friday, but compare
It to what’s to come, and we’d better pause
Briefly for rest from loving overtime
Fri 10 Apr 2009
948 - Happy days
Been hard at work and play these last few days
Up early today to see my Josie
We went to Uppermill and found some ways
To amuse: stepping stones, a small café
But no cruise on the barge today. Then we
Drove back through the hills, past stone cottages
The Pennines and Manchester, from Mossley,
Both look good, a new sight for Josie’s eyes
We then watched a new family film: it was
A tearjerker about a dog who dies
Worn out from years of being so naughty
We ate these mice sweets full of E numbers
Josie’s front tooth’s out - tooth fairy be praised
A sleep now, then my love I’m off to see
Thur 9 Apr 2009
Up early today to see my Josie
We went to Uppermill and found some ways
To amuse: stepping stones, a small café
But no cruise on the barge today. Then we
Drove back through the hills, past stone cottages
The Pennines and Manchester, from Mossley,
Both look good, a new sight for Josie’s eyes
We then watched a new family film: it was
A tearjerker about a dog who dies
Worn out from years of being so naughty
We ate these mice sweets full of E numbers
Josie’s front tooth’s out - tooth fairy be praised
A sleep now, then my love I’m off to see
Thur 9 Apr 2009
947 - Life in a day
This little man has had a busy day
Was dreaming about cricket on the beach
And I chased the ball in a lazy way
By driving my car after it, but each
Time I need rest someone always must reach
My eardrums with a shout or song, and so
It proved at 3:15 am, some French
Drunkard woke me up! I drifted back slow
Into a doze, then up at six; you know
I had to catch a train and plane today
To Northern Ireland to see Martin; such
A long meeting, then home. I said I’d go
To Hebden Bridge music night; saw Deb play
Her flute, I sang, and spoke in rhyming speech
Wed 8 Apr 2009
Was dreaming about cricket on the beach
And I chased the ball in a lazy way
By driving my car after it, but each
Time I need rest someone always must reach
My eardrums with a shout or song, and so
It proved at 3:15 am, some French
Drunkard woke me up! I drifted back slow
Into a doze, then up at six; you know
I had to catch a train and plane today
To Northern Ireland to see Martin; such
A long meeting, then home. I said I’d go
To Hebden Bridge music night; saw Deb play
Her flute, I sang, and spoke in rhyming speech
Wed 8 Apr 2009
946 - Work, rest and play 2
Early to bed tonight, early to rise
Tomorrow to fly to Belfast Airport
I may not be wealthy, may not be wise
In work and love’s tentacles I am caught
Tie me up, tie me down…I’m watching sport
Man U against Porto, half-time one-all
And after that, Jools Holland, who has brought
The Specials onto his show (Terry Hall?
We’ll see…) I’ve watched a film and now football
And so far the game has been a surprise
Glad no bets placed, or I could have got caught
Once more with my pants down, making fuck all
Up at six tomorrow, up in the skies
A full agenda, given lots of thought
Tue 7 Apr 2009
Tomorrow to fly to Belfast Airport
I may not be wealthy, may not be wise
In work and love’s tentacles I am caught
Tie me up, tie me down…I’m watching sport
Man U against Porto, half-time one-all
And after that, Jools Holland, who has brought
The Specials onto his show (Terry Hall?
We’ll see…) I’ve watched a film and now football
And so far the game has been a surprise
Glad no bets placed, or I could have got caught
Once more with my pants down, making fuck all
Up at six tomorrow, up in the skies
A full agenda, given lots of thought
Tue 7 Apr 2009
945 - Tonight's not the night
Thinking of you and listening to The Who
And shortly now Neil Young will have sung
‘Tonight’s The Night,’ but he’s not right; no, you
And me were last night; tonight I’ll just hang
Around the flat, feeling shattered; I’ll bung
On ‘Gomorrah’ tonight, not tomorrow
When I’ll see ‘Space Odyssey.’ That’ll bring
Me down to earth, grounded before I go
To Belfast again on a plane; no snow
This time unlike that last time when I flew
Tonight there’ll be a flight, but not so strong
Or fast as Belfast or last night….Oh, no
Tonight it’s flights of fantasy, not you
Tomorrow, too, ‘Without You’ to be sung
Mon 6 Apr 2009
And shortly now Neil Young will have sung
‘Tonight’s The Night,’ but he’s not right; no, you
And me were last night; tonight I’ll just hang
Around the flat, feeling shattered; I’ll bung
On ‘Gomorrah’ tonight, not tomorrow
When I’ll see ‘Space Odyssey.’ That’ll bring
Me down to earth, grounded before I go
To Belfast again on a plane; no snow
This time unlike that last time when I flew
Tonight there’ll be a flight, but not so strong
Or fast as Belfast or last night….Oh, no
Tonight it’s flights of fantasy, not you
Tomorrow, too, ‘Without You’ to be sung
Mon 6 Apr 2009
944 - Springtime up in the hills
It’s late again, another night at yours
And not forgetting our little day trip
To Uppermill, all pleasure without pause
Surely we cannot let this great chance slip?
You know how I adore you, want to sip
Each pore of you like red wine, then refill
The glass immediately, savour each drip
Intoxicate you, then turn up each thrill
Until you are a helpless wreck, until
Life is too sweet to bear, then more, because
My mission is to make you flop and flip
And lose your head; I want to be the pill
You need to take in increasing numbers
Now please just pop this in between your lips
Sun 5 Apr 2009
And not forgetting our little day trip
To Uppermill, all pleasure without pause
Surely we cannot let this great chance slip?
You know how I adore you, want to sip
Each pore of you like red wine, then refill
The glass immediately, savour each drip
Intoxicate you, then turn up each thrill
Until you are a helpless wreck, until
Life is too sweet to bear, then more, because
My mission is to make you flop and flip
And lose your head; I want to be the pill
You need to take in increasing numbers
Now please just pop this in between your lips
Sun 5 Apr 2009
943 - Oh my Darlington!
Not much sleep for the drive to Darlington
To see the Quakers play Morecambe - deep joy!
The usual cold north east wind, despite sun
The ticket girl on the phone to her boy
This time I decided I would employ
My Salford Uni student card, saving
Some money. Once inside, no hoi polloi
At all on this new stadium’s seating
Just sitting in the shade, and shivering
The game itself was goalless and humdrum
No surprise there, but Louis was annoyed
By the fans pushing, shouting and shoving
The atmosphere friendly, banging of drums
And calls for Hartlepool to be destroyed!
Sat 4 Apr 2009
To see the Quakers play Morecambe - deep joy!
The usual cold north east wind, despite sun
The ticket girl on the phone to her boy
This time I decided I would employ
My Salford Uni student card, saving
Some money. Once inside, no hoi polloi
At all on this new stadium’s seating
Just sitting in the shade, and shivering
The game itself was goalless and humdrum
No surprise there, but Louis was annoyed
By the fans pushing, shouting and shoving
The atmosphere friendly, banging of drums
And calls for Hartlepool to be destroyed!
Sat 4 Apr 2009
942 - Sweet tongues
This Belgian beer’s good stuff, I sleep real good
Each morning, drifting in and out I go
Finally, out of bed and down the road
I walk, listening to rock, soul and disco
Discussing work, chatting and reading through
Today’s emails, getting quite a lot done
Refreshed in body and mind, the window
Lets in the misty morning breeze, but come
Lunchtime the cool mist is replaced by sun
Blue skies again to sweeten my workload
Made sweeter still by knowing what I know
About you so far, telling everyone
Tonight’s the night we eat our fill, the food
Will be so sweet…Shame that I’ll have to go….
Fri 3 Apr 2009
Each morning, drifting in and out I go
Finally, out of bed and down the road
I walk, listening to rock, soul and disco
Discussing work, chatting and reading through
Today’s emails, getting quite a lot done
Refreshed in body and mind, the window
Lets in the misty morning breeze, but come
Lunchtime the cool mist is replaced by sun
Blue skies again to sweeten my workload
Made sweeter still by knowing what I know
About you so far, telling everyone
Tonight’s the night we eat our fill, the food
Will be so sweet…Shame that I’ll have to go….
Fri 3 Apr 2009
Saturday 9 April 2011
941 - Spring has sprung, but will summer be a bummer?
These lovely spring days, will they ever last
Deep into summer? They so rarely do
Maybe not always would it be for best
If all days were stunners with skies of blue
Perhaps some years we need more rain, that's true
And dull greyness to contrast with brightness
Too much sun, I fear, would simply mean you
And I would gain less, and grass would grow less
Rain brings fertility and wealth, keeps us
Hard at our duty, rarely thinking past
Our jobs for thirty hours, and weekends too
If there is booty to be made. Shameless,
Aren't we, slaves to our greed, never to rest
Until our graves are impressive to view
Thur 2 Apr 2009
Deep into summer? They so rarely do
Maybe not always would it be for best
If all days were stunners with skies of blue
Perhaps some years we need more rain, that's true
And dull greyness to contrast with brightness
Too much sun, I fear, would simply mean you
And I would gain less, and grass would grow less
Rain brings fertility and wealth, keeps us
Hard at our duty, rarely thinking past
Our jobs for thirty hours, and weekends too
If there is booty to be made. Shameless,
Aren't we, slaves to our greed, never to rest
Until our graves are impressive to view
Thur 2 Apr 2009
940 - Lazy ways
I rolled over in bed at half-past eight
And tried to doze off again, but couldn’t
Wednesday mornings are so noisy; I hate
The bin emptying racket that doesn’t
Allow lie-ins. And so I had to hunt
For wakefulness for another half-hour
Till I got up; admittedly, this meant
I was sleepy at work, not at top power
Smokin chicken soup and bread for lunch - wow
Then saw ‘The Damned United’ - celebrate
Derby’s ’72 title that went
To the wire, but we beat Leeds, and how!
Then home to watch England-Ukraine, a late
Chat to my new love, and now the day’s spent
Wed 1 Apr 2009
And tried to doze off again, but couldn’t
Wednesday mornings are so noisy; I hate
The bin emptying racket that doesn’t
Allow lie-ins. And so I had to hunt
For wakefulness for another half-hour
Till I got up; admittedly, this meant
I was sleepy at work, not at top power
Smokin chicken soup and bread for lunch - wow
Then saw ‘The Damned United’ - celebrate
Derby’s ’72 title that went
To the wire, but we beat Leeds, and how!
Then home to watch England-Ukraine, a late
Chat to my new love, and now the day’s spent
Wed 1 Apr 2009
939 - The credit munch
I love the credit munch - that's where you get
Two meals for the price of one all over
The restaurant chains. Today we enjoyed it
Downing the big soup at Wagamama
Plus two cups of tea: under a fiver
There's £10 Favourites at Pizza Express
Two courses and a glass of wine is their
Current offer, but go quickly in case
The offer's gone before you've stuffed your face
Gourmet Burger Kitchen: wrote about that
I've got vouchers for Zizzi and Strada
And also Cafe Rouge, although that place
Can be slow to serve. But try not to get
Food on your white shirt like I did earlier!
Tue 31 Mar 2009
Two meals for the price of one all over
The restaurant chains. Today we enjoyed it
Downing the big soup at Wagamama
Plus two cups of tea: under a fiver
There's £10 Favourites at Pizza Express
Two courses and a glass of wine is their
Current offer, but go quickly in case
The offer's gone before you've stuffed your face
Gourmet Burger Kitchen: wrote about that
I've got vouchers for Zizzi and Strada
And also Cafe Rouge, although that place
Can be slow to serve. But try not to get
Food on your white shirt like I did earlier!
Tue 31 Mar 2009
938 - Tired sonnet
Wanted to watch ‘Il Divo’ after work
I also wish I had watched ‘Gomorra’
These two Italian films show the beserk
Gang violence there. Well maybe tomorrow
I’ll have more energy and I will go
Tonight, however, I’m just staying in
Resting, an early night, slowing the flow
Watching some DVDs and relaxing
Too tired to play music, just beer drinking
Is all I can manage now, after work
I plan nothing, and that plan is thorough
After this, there will be no more writing
At times like this, living alone’s a perk
And household chores - oh, spare me the horror!
Mon 30 Mar 2009
I also wish I had watched ‘Gomorra’
These two Italian films show the beserk
Gang violence there. Well maybe tomorrow
I’ll have more energy and I will go
Tonight, however, I’m just staying in
Resting, an early night, slowing the flow
Watching some DVDs and relaxing
Too tired to play music, just beer drinking
Is all I can manage now, after work
I plan nothing, and that plan is thorough
After this, there will be no more writing
At times like this, living alone’s a perk
And household chores - oh, spare me the horror!
Mon 30 Mar 2009
937 - Late sonnet
Later than 25 or 6 to 4
I write this on my sofa smooth and black
Not long since I came in through my front door
Not long either now till I must go back
Through it again to work, alas, alack!
Here I’ve spent many a sleep-deprived night
But this time, if slumber amounts to jack
I won’t be upset; no, I’ll be all right
I’ll whistle along to the birdsong, might
Even conduct them from my window, for
I’ve just got back from seeing you, a stack
Of memories to which I can cling tight
We need each other, that is nature’s law
And who am I to argue with plain fact?
Sun 29 Mar 2009
I write this on my sofa smooth and black
Not long since I came in through my front door
Not long either now till I must go back
Through it again to work, alas, alack!
Here I’ve spent many a sleep-deprived night
But this time, if slumber amounts to jack
I won’t be upset; no, I’ll be all right
I’ll whistle along to the birdsong, might
Even conduct them from my window, for
I’ve just got back from seeing you, a stack
Of memories to which I can cling tight
We need each other, that is nature’s law
And who am I to argue with plain fact?
Sun 29 Mar 2009
936 - No rest for the wicked
The day began round her house, then taxi
Home for a few hours’ rest, then collect parcel
Of Kubrick DVDs, then, shocked to see
How much brick dust there was, cleared up that hell
Under the rug in the spare bedroom: well,
Louis is sleeping there tonight. Breakfast,
Then off to see Josie, who did real well
On her scooter, and made sure not to waste
My two-for-one voucher, a cheap repast
At Gourmet Burger Kitchen, her and me
No time for catching up on sleep; pressed bell
On Louis’ door in Burnage, and real fast
We got the evening’s food from Sainsburys
Watched The Shining, talked scripts and how they sell
Sat 28 Mar 2009
Home for a few hours’ rest, then collect parcel
Of Kubrick DVDs, then, shocked to see
How much brick dust there was, cleared up that hell
Under the rug in the spare bedroom: well,
Louis is sleeping there tonight. Breakfast,
Then off to see Josie, who did real well
On her scooter, and made sure not to waste
My two-for-one voucher, a cheap repast
At Gourmet Burger Kitchen, her and me
No time for catching up on sleep; pressed bell
On Louis’ door in Burnage, and real fast
We got the evening’s food from Sainsburys
Watched The Shining, talked scripts and how they sell
Sat 28 Mar 2009
935 - You've gone to my head
I'm getting all excited sitting here
At office desk, having taken a call
Not from some civil servant, oh, no fear
But from someone who I fondly recall
There's something in the way she moved, I fall
Into a starry dream in which we play
Lead roles in a love story, her Bacall
To my Bogart: a drink, a smoke; we say
Amusing things, and everything's okay
As war rages on, no sign of all clear
We'll hide in her bunker beneath a pall
Of white smoke signalling surrender, grey
Walls falling, two states unified, pleasure
Intoxicates us. It would sure be cool…
Fri 27 Mar 2009
At office desk, having taken a call
Not from some civil servant, oh, no fear
But from someone who I fondly recall
There's something in the way she moved, I fall
Into a starry dream in which we play
Lead roles in a love story, her Bacall
To my Bogart: a drink, a smoke; we say
Amusing things, and everything's okay
As war rages on, no sign of all clear
We'll hide in her bunker beneath a pall
Of white smoke signalling surrender, grey
Walls falling, two states unified, pleasure
Intoxicates us. It would sure be cool…
Fri 27 Mar 2009
934 - Salford Shopping City
It’s Salford Shopping City in the spring
The wind blows plastic bags round and around
The taxis race round roundabouts. Swearing,
A woman with Tourette’s withdraws her pounds
The bus-stop throbs as people are let down
A man skulks smoking outside Bargain Booze
The Pound Shops, William Hills, Woolworths (closed down)
The Flea Market empty but for refuse
At quarter to five, long Post Office queues
When my turn comes I find myself chatting
To a friendly blonde clerk eager to expound
The new Post Office credit card. Refuse -
How could I? But I did, remembering
How long it’s taken to get my debts down
Thur 26 Mar 2009
The wind blows plastic bags round and around
The taxis race round roundabouts. Swearing,
A woman with Tourette’s withdraws her pounds
The bus-stop throbs as people are let down
A man skulks smoking outside Bargain Booze
The Pound Shops, William Hills, Woolworths (closed down)
The Flea Market empty but for refuse
At quarter to five, long Post Office queues
When my turn comes I find myself chatting
To a friendly blonde clerk eager to expound
The new Post Office credit card. Refuse -
How could I? But I did, remembering
How long it’s taken to get my debts down
Thur 26 Mar 2009
933 - Hole in my shoe
A hole in my shoe's letting in water
But my new shoes cannot be worn because
When I last wore them, I got a blister
And that's why I'm still wearing my old shoes
The weather forecast's given me the blues
More rainfall coming than on plains in Spain
But what is to be done? I cannot choose
Between wet socks or this severe foot pain
Oh cobblers! I can’t hobble on, it's plain
Planning's afoot - already a plaster
Is fixed on my blister, so don't accuse
Me of dragging my feet. My sole complaint
Is I'm sick of wet socks. Oh, reporter
Please bring me sunshine for my soaking toes
Wed 25 Mar 2009
But my new shoes cannot be worn because
When I last wore them, I got a blister
And that's why I'm still wearing my old shoes
The weather forecast's given me the blues
More rainfall coming than on plains in Spain
But what is to be done? I cannot choose
Between wet socks or this severe foot pain
Oh cobblers! I can’t hobble on, it's plain
Planning's afoot - already a plaster
Is fixed on my blister, so don't accuse
Me of dragging my feet. My sole complaint
Is I'm sick of wet socks. Oh, reporter
Please bring me sunshine for my soaking toes
Wed 25 Mar 2009
932 - Computing, not commuting
The joys of living close to work are these:
Taking an hour to wake up, radio
So slowly drifting into consciousness
When outside showers drip, no need to go
Just yet, get wet in my own shower, slow
And warm, spring fragrance from a factory
Brings soaked-in sunshine from head to my toe
Shaving appliance blunt, there’s no worry
Have time to replace blade, and watch TV
Stroll into work, stroll home, still early, keys
And shopping in my hand, it’s grand to know
So much time left, still so much energy
To write and play, still light outside; now seize
The remains of the day. Makes sense, you know!
Tue 24 Mar 2009
Taking an hour to wake up, radio
So slowly drifting into consciousness
When outside showers drip, no need to go
Just yet, get wet in my own shower, slow
And warm, spring fragrance from a factory
Brings soaked-in sunshine from head to my toe
Shaving appliance blunt, there’s no worry
Have time to replace blade, and watch TV
Stroll into work, stroll home, still early, keys
And shopping in my hand, it’s grand to know
So much time left, still so much energy
To write and play, still light outside; now seize
The remains of the day. Makes sense, you know!
Tue 24 Mar 2009
931 - Another week at work
A sunny day, a windy day, and rain
Combined to stun us on our walks outside
A busy day, a meetings day, the strain
Of finding boxfuls of emails to read
Like minefields over which we slowly stride
Defusing each problem and each complaint
Before we can begin then to decide
Which long-delayed project we now attempt
Which one to resurrect, which should be dumped
Back onto the backburner once again
And this same frustration extends inside
To crowded private lives squeezed to the end
Of each day’s tasks, when we’d rather have lain
Inert, or with a new lover, or cried
Mon 23 Mar 2009
Combined to stun us on our walks outside
A busy day, a meetings day, the strain
Of finding boxfuls of emails to read
Like minefields over which we slowly stride
Defusing each problem and each complaint
Before we can begin then to decide
Which long-delayed project we now attempt
Which one to resurrect, which should be dumped
Back onto the backburner once again
And this same frustration extends inside
To crowded private lives squeezed to the end
Of each day’s tasks, when we’d rather have lain
Inert, or with a new lover, or cried
Mon 23 Mar 2009
930 - Flashback to last night
Had you on my mind all through the morning
Had you on my mind in the afternoon
Had you on my mind even this evening
I hope we see each other again soon
One thing’s for sure, you aren’t a big balloon
So fine and slim I know you’ll always be
So light, but teasingly dark, with a tune
That’s not out of tune with the tune in me
But different too, enigma, mystery
Experience too much for the telling
Of people, places, fun in sun and moon
A sunny disposition, a sexy
Position on the sofa, you stretching
Those legs and rubbing them. Too much too soon!
Sun 22 Mar 2009
Had you on my mind in the afternoon
Had you on my mind even this evening
I hope we see each other again soon
One thing’s for sure, you aren’t a big balloon
So fine and slim I know you’ll always be
So light, but teasingly dark, with a tune
That’s not out of tune with the tune in me
But different too, enigma, mystery
Experience too much for the telling
Of people, places, fun in sun and moon
A sunny disposition, a sexy
Position on the sofa, you stretching
Those legs and rubbing them. Too much too soon!
Sun 22 Mar 2009
929 - Let's drink to that
I’m excited, a bit nervous, maybe
Because I’ve got a date an hour from now
Quite soon I’ll quickly get myself ready
Change clothes, brush teeth, check hair, then walk to town
She’s coming by bus, from not too far, down
Didsbury / Chorlton way; must want to drink!
The last one was a tee-totaller (frown)
I don’t mind cutting down a bit, but think
That resentments would arise; it’d sink
The new relationship all too quickly
Smelling my breath, certain things not allowed
Let’s not set the bar too high, let’s just clink
Our glasses once or twice to love, for we
Only need love, that’s all we need (and how)
Sat 21 Mar 2009
Because I’ve got a date an hour from now
Quite soon I’ll quickly get myself ready
Change clothes, brush teeth, check hair, then walk to town
She’s coming by bus, from not too far, down
Didsbury / Chorlton way; must want to drink!
The last one was a tee-totaller (frown)
I don’t mind cutting down a bit, but think
That resentments would arise; it’d sink
The new relationship all too quickly
Smelling my breath, certain things not allowed
Let’s not set the bar too high, let’s just clink
Our glasses once or twice to love, for we
Only need love, that’s all we need (and how)
Sat 21 Mar 2009
928 - Walking to the tax conference
Went to Manchester Conference Centre
For tax-related talks and old faces
Not seen in many a boring old year
Because we all work in different places
This gorgeous sunny day, kind of wasted
By being indoors, but the wind’s still cold
Too chilly for the hilly wild spaces
Even down in the town I had to fold
My coat around me tightly as I rolled
Along Regent Road towards Manchester
Dodging the Trinity Way car races
Past the Town Hall where its great bells have told
The time to many passers-by who hear
That it is late and speed up their paces
Fri 20 Mar 2009
For tax-related talks and old faces
Not seen in many a boring old year
Because we all work in different places
This gorgeous sunny day, kind of wasted
By being indoors, but the wind’s still cold
Too chilly for the hilly wild spaces
Even down in the town I had to fold
My coat around me tightly as I rolled
Along Regent Road towards Manchester
Dodging the Trinity Way car races
Past the Town Hall where its great bells have told
The time to many passers-by who hear
That it is late and speed up their paces
Fri 20 Mar 2009
927 - Below the seat belt
Today I drove to Chorley, Lancashire
To watch the Road Fuel Testing Unit
Dipping tanks of road users in case they’re
Illegally using red diesel (it
Is cheap but can’t be used on the roads), but
None were. A lovely sunny day. Back home,
I cleaned the flat thoroughly, a visit
From a prospective lodger. Didn’t come
Till the time got to five fifteen pm
And then off to town for a bite at the
Duke of Wellington with a mate, then it
Was a short bus ride to Trof for a fun
Verse play, ‘Below The Belt,’ about sex. Yeah,
It had to be done. Pint and cigarette.
Thur 19 Mar 2009
To watch the Road Fuel Testing Unit
Dipping tanks of road users in case they’re
Illegally using red diesel (it
Is cheap but can’t be used on the roads), but
None were. A lovely sunny day. Back home,
I cleaned the flat thoroughly, a visit
From a prospective lodger. Didn’t come
Till the time got to five fifteen pm
And then off to town for a bite at the
Duke of Wellington with a mate, then it
Was a short bus ride to Trof for a fun
Verse play, ‘Below The Belt,’ about sex. Yeah,
It had to be done. Pint and cigarette.
Thur 19 Mar 2009
926 - The science of justice
I’m turning on the news at ten to see
If Josef Fritzl is the main story
Or is it again the economy
What else can compete? Only World War Three
Been at a discussion group (poetry)
To see if they liked my latest poem
And hear others and meet others like me
To see if they think like me, I like them
No, the main story is the conviction
That’s been quashed twenty-seven years on, free
At last. Good for him. Justice is dodgy
When it relies on barristers, those men
Who argue black is white sometimes. Now D
NA is his saviour, belatedly.
Wed 18 Mar 2009
If Josef Fritzl is the main story
Or is it again the economy
What else can compete? Only World War Three
Been at a discussion group (poetry)
To see if they liked my latest poem
And hear others and meet others like me
To see if they think like me, I like them
No, the main story is the conviction
That’s been quashed twenty-seven years on, free
At last. Good for him. Justice is dodgy
When it relies on barristers, those men
Who argue black is white sometimes. Now D
NA is his saviour, belatedly.
Wed 18 Mar 2009
925 - Paddy's Day Paddy
At work dere was a Paddy’s Day ‘paddy’
Somebody trew a hissy fit, he did
Twas a man of good Oirish stock, Roiley
Boi name, and his behaviour wasn’t good
Just loike a payt bog, he is an old sod…
But never moind, let’s focus on Oireland
De land of leprechauns and basic food
Dere’s been some bad stuff in Nordern Oireland
But de way all condemned dat stuff was grand
De Catlic and de Prods unoited, de
Suspects were raywnded up, and dat was it…
De rugby team treatens a Grand Slam, and
De Celtic Toiger feels a bit quaysy
And dat’s yer Paddy’s Day news. Not so bad…
Tue 17 Mar 2009
Somebody trew a hissy fit, he did
Twas a man of good Oirish stock, Roiley
Boi name, and his behaviour wasn’t good
Just loike a payt bog, he is an old sod…
But never moind, let’s focus on Oireland
De land of leprechauns and basic food
Dere’s been some bad stuff in Nordern Oireland
But de way all condemned dat stuff was grand
De Catlic and de Prods unoited, de
Suspects were raywnded up, and dat was it…
De rugby team treatens a Grand Slam, and
De Celtic Toiger feels a bit quaysy
And dat’s yer Paddy’s Day news. Not so bad…
Tue 17 Mar 2009
924 - Blood on the strings
Last night I cleaned the blood off my guitar
From Friday's gig. I'd not dared use my pick
In case I dropped it way down on the floor
From my high stool, making me look a prick
I'd strummed for hours at home, but at the gig
My fingers bled by the third song, maybe
Because the guitar fell down flat, I flicked
The strings too hard, I don't know. It shocked me
After I finished singing, hands gory
And that's when fingers started to feel sore:
Only when I saw blood; that cartoon trick
When the character flew till he saw he
Had gone off a cliff, and then he fell far
Down into the sea, legs, arms, flailing quick
Mon 16 Mar 2009
From Friday's gig. I'd not dared use my pick
In case I dropped it way down on the floor
From my high stool, making me look a prick
I'd strummed for hours at home, but at the gig
My fingers bled by the third song, maybe
Because the guitar fell down flat, I flicked
The strings too hard, I don't know. It shocked me
After I finished singing, hands gory
And that's when fingers started to feel sore:
Only when I saw blood; that cartoon trick
When the character flew till he saw he
Had gone off a cliff, and then he fell far
Down into the sea, legs, arms, flailing quick
Mon 16 Mar 2009
923 - Hug a banker
It’s time to hug a banker, everyone
It’s time to hug a banker, show him love
Cos every banker is some mother’s son
Show mercy like gentle rain from above
It’s easy for us to say not enough
Was done to stop the crash; we’re all too thick
To understand all that financial stuff
Best leave it to him, best not take the mick
It’s just not fair to give him so much stick
You’ve hugged a hoodie like Dave Cameron
There’s someone else for whom life just got tough
Banker’s Relief! Let’s donate one gold brick
Each, paid for by tax rises, to his fund
It’s time to hug a banker, show him love
Sun 15 March 2009
It’s time to hug a banker, show him love
Cos every banker is some mother’s son
Show mercy like gentle rain from above
It’s easy for us to say not enough
Was done to stop the crash; we’re all too thick
To understand all that financial stuff
Best leave it to him, best not take the mick
It’s just not fair to give him so much stick
You’ve hugged a hoodie like Dave Cameron
There’s someone else for whom life just got tough
Banker’s Relief! Let’s donate one gold brick
Each, paid for by tax rises, to his fund
It’s time to hug a banker, show him love
Sun 15 March 2009
Tuesday 5 April 2011
922 - Lady Day
Woke up to see light streaming through the gap
Between curtain and wall, for the spring sun
Was waking me up early with a tap
On the eyelids. Turned the clock radio on
To hear the news just as it turned seven
Went for a leak and a book, having read
Marco Polo (again); Christine de Pizan
Her medieval aristocratic head
Wrapped round the insulting things always said
By men about women. Fifty page trap
‘City of Ladies’ turned into. Now done
With hopes of resumed slumber, out of bed
I clambered, lumbering to the wash tap
Today, those little jobs would all get done…
Sat 14 Mar 2009
Between curtain and wall, for the spring sun
Was waking me up early with a tap
On the eyelids. Turned the clock radio on
To hear the news just as it turned seven
Went for a leak and a book, having read
Marco Polo (again); Christine de Pizan
Her medieval aristocratic head
Wrapped round the insulting things always said
By men about women. Fifty page trap
‘City of Ladies’ turned into. Now done
With hopes of resumed slumber, out of bed
I clambered, lumbering to the wash tap
Today, those little jobs would all get done…
Sat 14 Mar 2009
921 - Blue Boar, Blue Boar, Blue Boar
Unlucky for some, like any old night
Not too bad for me, technical problems
Notwithstanding, not with directional mikes
Myself, turning my head to do my strums
On the correct fret can lead to tantrums:
‘Hey! Where’s me voice gone?’ I was prone to think
As it vanished on all those occasions
My singing, if it was, was on the blink
And even worse, confined to just one drink
Not counting soft ones. Off them due to fright
That I might screw up. Technical problems
Came back to haunt, with echoes ring-ringing
Around the Blue Boar Blue Boar Boar. Oh Christ!
But new folk came, heard and stuck up their thumbs!
Fri 13 Mar 2009
Not too bad for me, technical problems
Notwithstanding, not with directional mikes
Myself, turning my head to do my strums
On the correct fret can lead to tantrums:
‘Hey! Where’s me voice gone?’ I was prone to think
As it vanished on all those occasions
My singing, if it was, was on the blink
And even worse, confined to just one drink
Not counting soft ones. Off them due to fright
That I might screw up. Technical problems
Came back to haunt, with echoes ring-ringing
Around the Blue Boar Blue Boar Boar. Oh Christ!
But new folk came, heard and stuck up their thumbs!
Fri 13 Mar 2009
920 - The night before
A busy day organising meetings
There’s always someone unavailable
The tales they spin always contain some stings
There’s one with bells on here that you can pull
But never mind work, tomorrow is all
My own, taking it off, cleaning my car
Buying shoes at the local Salford mall
And practising my songs on the guitar
Tomorrow night is a big one, by far
The biggest test of my poor voice which sings
So rarely at home, barely capable
Of rising above whispers. I can’t Marr
This chance to play the Smiths and other things
Please please please don’t let me be miserable
Thur 12 Mar 2009
There’s always someone unavailable
The tales they spin always contain some stings
There’s one with bells on here that you can pull
But never mind work, tomorrow is all
My own, taking it off, cleaning my car
Buying shoes at the local Salford mall
And practising my songs on the guitar
Tomorrow night is a big one, by far
The biggest test of my poor voice which sings
So rarely at home, barely capable
Of rising above whispers. I can’t Marr
This chance to play the Smiths and other things
Please please please don’t let me be miserable
Thur 12 Mar 2009
919 - Cutting it fine
I sent off my BBC comedy
Script with five minutes to spare, after an
Absorbing day at work that delayed me
In getting to the Post Office. What fun:
From the first PO I then had to run
To another one cos the first one shut
At 5.30 while the more distant one
Stayed open 15 minutes more. Well, what
A relief! Now, from that stress, I have got
Another source of stress, admittedly
Self-inflicted: Friday’s gig in Bolton
I must now practice some more till I’m hot
At playing a Smiths song, and one by me,
And also a song by Joy Division
Wed 11 Mar 2009
Script with five minutes to spare, after an
Absorbing day at work that delayed me
In getting to the Post Office. What fun:
From the first PO I then had to run
To another one cos the first one shut
At 5.30 while the more distant one
Stayed open 15 minutes more. Well, what
A relief! Now, from that stress, I have got
Another source of stress, admittedly
Self-inflicted: Friday’s gig in Bolton
I must now practice some more till I’m hot
At playing a Smiths song, and one by me,
And also a song by Joy Division
Wed 11 Mar 2009
918 - Just a sonnet at twilight
It’s been a long day’s journey into night
It’s been a hard day’s night, been a long time
Been a long lonely lonely time, all right
Now, baby it’s all right now, because I’m
Not miserable now, heaven knows. Climb
Every mountain, ford every stream, many
Rivers to cross, let it shine, let it shine
Mamma mia, money money money
How you thrill me, aha, honey honey
In letters of gold on a snow-white kite
More than I couldn’t say, cos nothing rhymed
What you do to me’s so funny funny
Light pours out of me on this flight tonight
She looked fine and I nearly lost my mind
Tue 10 Mar 2009
It’s been a hard day’s night, been a long time
Been a long lonely lonely time, all right
Now, baby it’s all right now, because I’m
Not miserable now, heaven knows. Climb
Every mountain, ford every stream, many
Rivers to cross, let it shine, let it shine
Mamma mia, money money money
How you thrill me, aha, honey honey
In letters of gold on a snow-white kite
More than I couldn’t say, cos nothing rhymed
What you do to me’s so funny funny
Light pours out of me on this flight tonight
She looked fine and I nearly lost my mind
Tue 10 Mar 2009
917 - Sage and Tyne
The sky darkens from Darlington to York
The headscarfed woman opposite sleeps on
Head buried in pink, pudgy hands, while talk
Drifts into my left ear. Returning from
Newcastle, recalling my walk along
Four bridges, Grainger and Grey Streets, crossing
Bigg Market to the Monument, the sun
Smiling weakly, the north-east wind breathing
Gently today at ground level, rising
To gusty bluster on Tyne Bridge. I walked
From the Gateshead side; the Millennium
Was my next crossing: slender, white, curving…
Into the Sage Centre, for this was work:
Three Civil Service seminars to come…
Mon 9 Mar 2009
The headscarfed woman opposite sleeps on
Head buried in pink, pudgy hands, while talk
Drifts into my left ear. Returning from
Newcastle, recalling my walk along
Four bridges, Grainger and Grey Streets, crossing
Bigg Market to the Monument, the sun
Smiling weakly, the north-east wind breathing
Gently today at ground level, rising
To gusty bluster on Tyne Bridge. I walked
From the Gateshead side; the Millennium
Was my next crossing: slender, white, curving…
Into the Sage Centre, for this was work:
Three Civil Service seminars to come…
Mon 9 Mar 2009
916 - It's no joke, this comedy
I worked on my comedy for twelve hours
For today was the last day to write it
Been working hard, using all of my powers
But rushing like this only leads to shit
Still, opportunities are rare, admit
It would be nice if the Beeb liked my script
My wrists are aching, my back too, a bit
My eyes are probably red, my brain has flipped
Running on empty now, the last drop’s dripped
After this sonnet, none of my prowess
Will be left; into dreams I need to flit
To recover the brainpower that has dipped
Not packed yet for tomorrow’s trip that steers
Me Newcastle way. I might wear a suit!
Sun 8 Mar 2009
For today was the last day to write it
Been working hard, using all of my powers
But rushing like this only leads to shit
Still, opportunities are rare, admit
It would be nice if the Beeb liked my script
My wrists are aching, my back too, a bit
My eyes are probably red, my brain has flipped
Running on empty now, the last drop’s dripped
After this sonnet, none of my prowess
Will be left; into dreams I need to flit
To recover the brainpower that has dipped
Not packed yet for tomorrow’s trip that steers
Me Newcastle way. I might wear a suit!
Sun 8 Mar 2009
915 - No cider with Josie
Slept well and got up about nine, breakfast
The usual orange juice and pills, cereal
And then a shave, a shower, fresh clothes; aghast
At the state of my hair, slapped on some gel
Looked at The Beeb’s Writers’ Room for intel
About what they go for with sitcom plots
And characters must seem real; show, not tell
And other rules…Obey, or lose your slots
Took Josie to Alderley to take shots
Of her on a tank, but it had got lost
No police car or fire engine either… Well,
We went to Gourmet Burger Kitchen, hot
On the High Street right now; then, shopping. Last
Was the park. Evening at home (musical)
Sat 7 Mar 2009
The usual orange juice and pills, cereal
And then a shave, a shower, fresh clothes; aghast
At the state of my hair, slapped on some gel
Looked at The Beeb’s Writers’ Room for intel
About what they go for with sitcom plots
And characters must seem real; show, not tell
And other rules…Obey, or lose your slots
Took Josie to Alderley to take shots
Of her on a tank, but it had got lost
No police car or fire engine either… Well,
We went to Gourmet Burger Kitchen, hot
On the High Street right now; then, shopping. Last
Was the park. Evening at home (musical)
Sat 7 Mar 2009
914 - A professional will get a professional to approach
A busy time over these next few days
On Tuesday it's a comedy deadline
Must post my script off to the Beeb, delays
Will not be accepted. And not much time
Left to put songs together so that I'm
Able to take part in the 'Not Part Of'
Arts festival in July. It's a shame
To miss these things, but it's also above
The realms of possibility to prove
That you really have anything to say
Or can perform well when you fluff your lines
As I often do, so I'll need enough
Practice to get it right, to reach that blaze
Of happiness that hasn't yet been mine
Fri 6 Mar 2009
On Tuesday it's a comedy deadline
Must post my script off to the Beeb, delays
Will not be accepted. And not much time
Left to put songs together so that I'm
Able to take part in the 'Not Part Of'
Arts festival in July. It's a shame
To miss these things, but it's also above
The realms of possibility to prove
That you really have anything to say
Or can perform well when you fluff your lines
As I often do, so I'll need enough
Practice to get it right, to reach that blaze
Of happiness that hasn't yet been mine
Fri 6 Mar 2009
913 - Knights of the long knives
We sit at our long row of desks and chat
Occasionally working fairly hard
We drink tea and coffee, eat a biscuit
Read Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Word
Remembering when promotion last occurred
It seems like it was in the last ice age
‘Career prospects’ sometimes sounds absurd
When reading it on some Intranet page
They’re closing more tax offices, wreckage
Of the expensive public sector that
Must be dismantled, privatised, the cards
Collapsed on purpose, huffing, puffing rage
Of right-wing wolves blowing it down, the fat
Gobbled up by these knights with flashing swords
Thur 5 Mar 2009
Occasionally working fairly hard
We drink tea and coffee, eat a biscuit
Read Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Word
Remembering when promotion last occurred
It seems like it was in the last ice age
‘Career prospects’ sometimes sounds absurd
When reading it on some Intranet page
They’re closing more tax offices, wreckage
Of the expensive public sector that
Must be dismantled, privatised, the cards
Collapsed on purpose, huffing, puffing rage
Of right-wing wolves blowing it down, the fat
Gobbled up by these knights with flashing swords
Thur 5 Mar 2009
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