New Year’s Eve is here, but what’s the big deal?
Well, maybe it’s an artificial thing
But something about its effect is real
On the mind, on the conscience; there’s a sting
In the tail of each old year, a nagging
Of inner voices, scolding and austere
As previous plans, so grand, finish folding
And, so convenient, new ones appear
A time for reflection on your failure
For ever more hopeless hopes to reveal
Themselves like some distant mirage in spring
Glimpsed from winter’s cold desert long before
Their close-up emptiness; the shadows steal
Closer, but tonight, there’s celebrating
Thursday 31 December 2009
Wednesday 30 December 2009
1213 - Playful dayful
Off work, hooray, hooray, off work, hooray
Off work today, today, off work today
Got time to play, to play, got time to play
To play all day, all day, to play all day
I’ve put four songs to music, to music
I just had lyrics, I just had lyrics
Well-rested, I played quick, yes I played quick
Lots of new guitar licks, new guitar licks
I’m tired after such hard work, hard play
I’m colder than a used ice pick, ice pick
No fire to sit near, sit near this cold day
Too cold even to buy a drink, I think
The next thing, the next thing’s, to eat, I’d say
I’m hungry, hungry, so I’ll get food, quick
Off work today, today, off work today
Got time to play, to play, got time to play
To play all day, all day, to play all day
I’ve put four songs to music, to music
I just had lyrics, I just had lyrics
Well-rested, I played quick, yes I played quick
Lots of new guitar licks, new guitar licks
I’m tired after such hard work, hard play
I’m colder than a used ice pick, ice pick
No fire to sit near, sit near this cold day
Too cold even to buy a drink, I think
The next thing, the next thing’s, to eat, I’d say
I’m hungry, hungry, so I’ll get food, quick
1212 - Like the Marie-Celeste
So few in work today, I sat alone
Apart from the bleached blonde married woman
Two rows of desks away, and also some
Behind those tall grey cupboards, all hidden
Sparse voices in the office, abandoned
By most floundering in the aftermath
Of one more cold blue Christmas almost done
I’m emailing Ian again; I’ll have
To call him when I’ve done all my work stuff
Well, that didn’t take long. Reach for the phone
And have a long chat with that man Ian
Because to fill this empty day is tough
Without some chat to fill it up; someone
For company, though in a far-off town
Tue 29 December
Apart from the bleached blonde married woman
Two rows of desks away, and also some
Behind those tall grey cupboards, all hidden
Sparse voices in the office, abandoned
By most floundering in the aftermath
Of one more cold blue Christmas almost done
I’m emailing Ian again; I’ll have
To call him when I’ve done all my work stuff
Well, that didn’t take long. Reach for the phone
And have a long chat with that man Ian
Because to fill this empty day is tough
Without some chat to fill it up; someone
For company, though in a far-off town
Tue 29 December
Monday 28 December 2009
1211 - Making it up as we went along
I drove through Ireland’s dark jaw and then out
Once more into the safety of the dock
That was reaching over to pick me out
And deposit me once more on the rock
That’s largest of the British Isles. Take stock
Now of the holiday just gone. Was it
Everything I’d hoped? No, but still it rocked
Now and then with some good moments. I hit
On a good new tune, which the guys helped knit
Together with production values brought
From years of sound recording - mainly rock,
But also dance and noise. They did their bit
To help me, plus five improvs all filled out
With ad lib strums and twiddles, hums and pluck.
Once more into the safety of the dock
That was reaching over to pick me out
And deposit me once more on the rock
That’s largest of the British Isles. Take stock
Now of the holiday just gone. Was it
Everything I’d hoped? No, but still it rocked
Now and then with some good moments. I hit
On a good new tune, which the guys helped knit
Together with production values brought
From years of sound recording - mainly rock,
But also dance and noise. They did their bit
To help me, plus five improvs all filled out
With ad lib strums and twiddles, hums and pluck.
1210 - Thinking about leaving
My last day here at the Irish cottage
Four days of fun, a long music workshop
Shaky Dawg will be rehearsing soonish
I’ll stay for that and then our time will stop
I’ll have to leave West Cork behind and drop
My car into the Irish interior
Where snow and ice have both been deadly dropped
At night, heading ever inland, my car
Occasional spots of light, headlights afar
Appear just as I crest a dark hill road
Disappearing, as down again I drop
Dark red car in the grip of Ireland’s jaw
Emerging as Dublin’s yellow lights flash
Till, by the quayside, the long ride will stop
Sunday 27 December
Four days of fun, a long music workshop
Shaky Dawg will be rehearsing soonish
I’ll stay for that and then our time will stop
I’ll have to leave West Cork behind and drop
My car into the Irish interior
Where snow and ice have both been deadly dropped
At night, heading ever inland, my car
Occasional spots of light, headlights afar
Appear just as I crest a dark hill road
Disappearing, as down again I drop
Dark red car in the grip of Ireland’s jaw
Emerging as Dublin’s yellow lights flash
Till, by the quayside, the long ride will stop
Sunday 27 December
1209 - Bottles in Cork
A rainy day way out here in West Cork
Every day here brings its own sun and rain
And a sudden strong wind can stop the talk
As we push past a wobbling window pane
(As we push past a wobbling window pane)
We go inside with our supplies all bought
From the town down the long and lonely lane
We get inside in time to miss being caught
We want to do things, not just there for sport
We ate some duck, or something, but not pork
Wondering where the name ‘Stroganoff’ came from
With strange reality free to distort
We then came upstairs with a roll and rock
Turned off the clock and went to work again
Sat 26 December
Every day here brings its own sun and rain
And a sudden strong wind can stop the talk
As we push past a wobbling window pane
(As we push past a wobbling window pane)
We go inside with our supplies all bought
From the town down the long and lonely lane
We get inside in time to miss being caught
We want to do things, not just there for sport
We ate some duck, or something, but not pork
Wondering where the name ‘Stroganoff’ came from
With strange reality free to distort
We then came upstairs with a roll and rock
Turned off the clock and went to work again
Sat 26 December
1208 - The decibels of Christmas
December the 25th - Christmas Day
I hardly even know that that’s today
They’re all celebrating it far away
But we’ve all moved ourselves quite far away
And it’s not even snowing here today
It could maybe be, over England way
But more likely it’s dry, usually the way
The least memorable, most memorable
Such day, such a day to remember well
Though like a hazy dream, it’s soluble
In liquid, smoke and food, digested well
In liquid, smoky, tasty sound morsels
Sound you can touch and taste and even smell
The mixing desk pumps out its decibels
Fri 25 December
I hardly even know that that’s today
They’re all celebrating it far away
But we’ve all moved ourselves quite far away
And it’s not even snowing here today
It could maybe be, over England way
But more likely it’s dry, usually the way
The least memorable, most memorable
Such day, such a day to remember well
Though like a hazy dream, it’s soluble
In liquid, smoke and food, digested well
In liquid, smoky, tasty sound morsels
Sound you can touch and taste and even smell
The mixing desk pumps out its decibels
Fri 25 December
1207 - Hard at work (in the music studio)
Twelve hours of sleep, bar trip to the toilet
A long talk at breakfast (in afternoon)
We drive down to the town, for we must get
The fuel our labour is bound to consume
We consumed it after the afternoon
After the afternoon we lit the fuse
After the afternoon we couldn’t lose
After the afternoon we had our fill
After the afternoon we always will
After the afternoon the changes get
Quite stranger us after the afternoon
Get crazier after the afternoon
We’re still not sleeping, I could get upset
But get on with it, and there’ll be sleep soon
Thur 24 December
A long talk at breakfast (in afternoon)
We drive down to the town, for we must get
The fuel our labour is bound to consume
We consumed it after the afternoon
After the afternoon we lit the fuse
After the afternoon we couldn’t lose
After the afternoon we had our fill
After the afternoon we always will
After the afternoon the changes get
Quite stranger us after the afternoon
Get crazier after the afternoon
We’re still not sleeping, I could get upset
But get on with it, and there’ll be sleep soon
Thur 24 December
1206 - Arrival in Ireland
I was right yesterday - no sleep was had
Last night on that noisy crowded ferry
And at 6am, in the dark, I had
To drive out of Dublin. I got very
Lost in the city centre. The Liffey,
Custom House, Henry Street, all dark, empty
Felt like a cab driver plying his trade
But no customers there; far too early
Passed Dun Laoghaire, Bray, Wicklow, Arklow, the
South coast at Waterford (missed out Wexford)
Through Cork City, through Bandon and Bantry
Up Sheep’s Head Peninsula (icy road)
To the white cottage; they’re expecting me…
Got there by two, time enough to record!
Wed 23 December
Last night on that noisy crowded ferry
And at 6am, in the dark, I had
To drive out of Dublin. I got very
Lost in the city centre. The Liffey,
Custom House, Henry Street, all dark, empty
Felt like a cab driver plying his trade
But no customers there; far too early
Passed Dun Laoghaire, Bray, Wicklow, Arklow, the
South coast at Waterford (missed out Wexford)
Through Cork City, through Bandon and Bantry
Up Sheep’s Head Peninsula (icy road)
To the white cottage; they’re expecting me…
Got there by two, time enough to record!
Wed 23 December
1205 - Not yet beyond the sea
It’s ten minutes to two in the morning
I’m on this ship with half an hour to spare
Before it starts its Irish Sea crossing
From Holyhead to Dublin over there
In Ireland. When I drive off, not sure where
I’ll go, perhaps through Carlow, Kilkenny
And Waterford, hearing an Irish air
From Van the Man Morrison, well, maybe
Been on this boat before, just over three
Years ago, when, like now, I was driving
My dark red Fiesta. Some have just chairs
But I’m on the leather sofa, comfy
And looking forward to some relaxing -
If not actual sleeping sur la mer…
Tue 22 December
I’m on this ship with half an hour to spare
Before it starts its Irish Sea crossing
From Holyhead to Dublin over there
In Ireland. When I drive off, not sure where
I’ll go, perhaps through Carlow, Kilkenny
And Waterford, hearing an Irish air
From Van the Man Morrison, well, maybe
Been on this boat before, just over three
Years ago, when, like now, I was driving
My dark red Fiesta. Some have just chairs
But I’m on the leather sofa, comfy
And looking forward to some relaxing -
If not actual sleeping sur la mer…
Tue 22 December
Monday 21 December 2009
1204 - Odyssey by coracle
Sore throat on the eve of my odyssey
To Irish lands of legend, myth and song
Germs bubbling just as Dublin beckons me
It’s odd, you see: I’ve missed, a whole week long,
Wine, whiskey, stout, fags, yes, the whole shebang
So why now is the throat tickling me so?
Oh, thanks! Throw salt over shoulder, its tang
Faultless for gargling; doing that also
Or will be after fourteen lines or so
That’s lines of verse, not coke, by the way, see?
If I don’t choke, I’ll reverse this bug! Strong
I have to be; see my coracle go
Westward, ho, over the cold Irish Sea
Odyssey, oracle: sing, golden tongue!
To Irish lands of legend, myth and song
Germs bubbling just as Dublin beckons me
It’s odd, you see: I’ve missed, a whole week long,
Wine, whiskey, stout, fags, yes, the whole shebang
So why now is the throat tickling me so?
Oh, thanks! Throw salt over shoulder, its tang
Faultless for gargling; doing that also
Or will be after fourteen lines or so
That’s lines of verse, not coke, by the way, see?
If I don’t choke, I’ll reverse this bug! Strong
I have to be; see my coracle go
Westward, ho, over the cold Irish Sea
Odyssey, oracle: sing, golden tongue!
Sunday 20 December 2009
1203 - Time is still running out
I won’t talk about Christmas, not just yet
There must be other things to talk about
This weekend’s been used up, my plans upset
By going backwards, forwards, round about
Buying, collecting, deliv’ring all sorts
Of presents, cards and silly thingamajigs
And now the weekend’s gone, the time’s been bought
And sold, and I’ve still not written lyrics
Or composed a tune; I’ve still not practised
New stuff for Ireland. But there’s still time yet
To do something before the lights go out
But I’ve not eaten, and Andy just keeps
Calling; we’ve been moaning about poets,
And our ideas for next year tumbling out
There must be other things to talk about
This weekend’s been used up, my plans upset
By going backwards, forwards, round about
Buying, collecting, deliv’ring all sorts
Of presents, cards and silly thingamajigs
And now the weekend’s gone, the time’s been bought
And sold, and I’ve still not written lyrics
Or composed a tune; I’ve still not practised
New stuff for Ireland. But there’s still time yet
To do something before the lights go out
But I’ve not eaten, and Andy just keeps
Calling; we’ve been moaning about poets,
And our ideas for next year tumbling out
1202 - Snow rest for the wicked
Rose about nine, read Captain Corelli
But still twenty pages from the end when
Time came to go down to West Didsbury
To collect my mum’s picture in its brown
Frame, then on to Wilmslow, and Josephine
We had brunch at Sainsburys in Salford
Then on to the skating rink in Swinton
Parked and waited, and played as the snow poured
Slipping, sliding, pushing, pulling, then scored
Lines across the ice with our blades, quickly
Picking up how to stay on our feet. Then
Said ‘See you after Christmas!’ Time to head
Back into Manchester to see Pearl; we
Had curry in Rusholme, and home by ten
But still twenty pages from the end when
Time came to go down to West Didsbury
To collect my mum’s picture in its brown
Frame, then on to Wilmslow, and Josephine
We had brunch at Sainsburys in Salford
Then on to the skating rink in Swinton
Parked and waited, and played as the snow poured
Slipping, sliding, pushing, pulling, then scored
Lines across the ice with our blades, quickly
Picking up how to stay on our feet. Then
Said ‘See you after Christmas!’ Time to head
Back into Manchester to see Pearl; we
Had curry in Rusholme, and home by ten
Friday 18 December 2009
1201 - Friday night, just doing stuff
I’ve worked so hard I’ve got a slight headache
Despite coffee and tea drunk frequently
To stem dehydration and liquidate
My once over-alcoholised body
Been wrapping everyone’s Christmas prezzy
A task I loathe, and am bad at, to boot
A hell somewhat ameliorated by
Lots of good music in background; then, chat
On Facebook, mainly, and now, this sonnet
And suddenly, it’s getting late. I’ll wake
Not too early, not too late, Saturday
Morning, and should be both rested and fit
To spend some time with two daughters: to skate
With Jo, and dine with Pearl in the city
Despite coffee and tea drunk frequently
To stem dehydration and liquidate
My once over-alcoholised body
Been wrapping everyone’s Christmas prezzy
A task I loathe, and am bad at, to boot
A hell somewhat ameliorated by
Lots of good music in background; then, chat
On Facebook, mainly, and now, this sonnet
And suddenly, it’s getting late. I’ll wake
Not too early, not too late, Saturday
Morning, and should be both rested and fit
To spend some time with two daughters: to skate
With Jo, and dine with Pearl in the city
Thursday 17 December 2009
1200 - The first snow came today
We’re nearly there, c’mon, we’re nearly there
A few more steps, a few more steps to go
Till we're past the shortest time of the year
At this time of year, time passes so slow
Especially with Christmas making it so….
So… I don’t know… just, you know… miserable
Christmas and New Year, happiness and no
Escape. You must be happy, sociable
And pull something, a cracker at table
Yes, that’s the one, her over there, don’t stare
Looks okay on the surface, but below
As I know, there be dragons, be trouble
Be rabid reindeer, foaming mouth, mad stare
Unsanitary claws draw lines in snow
A few more steps, a few more steps to go
Till we're past the shortest time of the year
At this time of year, time passes so slow
Especially with Christmas making it so….
So… I don’t know… just, you know… miserable
Christmas and New Year, happiness and no
Escape. You must be happy, sociable
And pull something, a cracker at table
Yes, that’s the one, her over there, don’t stare
Looks okay on the surface, but below
As I know, there be dragons, be trouble
Be rabid reindeer, foaming mouth, mad stare
Unsanitary claws draw lines in snow
1199 - Solo so low
Hello, are you receiving me, hello
Are you receiving me, hello, are you
Receiving me, hello, I said hello
Are you, no, it seems not, you’re not, are you
You’re not receiving me, are you, that’s true
Well fly me to the moon and let me swing
From a moon tree, where I would swing so true
Solo in the solar wind, I can’t sing
In that vacuum, I assume, assuming
I wanted to, like I do here, although
It’s quite hard here, too, heretofore, to you
It’s quite disheartening, hearing not listening
From you, so low you’re whispering so low
While I’m trying to sing, swing low to you
Are you receiving me, hello, are you
Receiving me, hello, I said hello
Are you, no, it seems not, you’re not, are you
You’re not receiving me, are you, that’s true
Well fly me to the moon and let me swing
From a moon tree, where I would swing so true
Solo in the solar wind, I can’t sing
In that vacuum, I assume, assuming
I wanted to, like I do here, although
It’s quite hard here, too, heretofore, to you
It’s quite disheartening, hearing not listening
From you, so low you’re whispering so low
While I’m trying to sing, swing low to you
Tuesday 15 December 2009
1198 - Deja vu on TV and in reality
Hey hey I’ve retuned my telly okay
Got rid of ITV Wales, S4C
Got Channel 4 back, hopefully to stay
And I’ve got it on just in time to see
‘Hunger’. Northern Ireland, early eighties
Was a shitty time and place, no question
And that’s displayed on the walls of The Maze
In the hunger strike-themed film that’s now on
Since then I’ve visited Northern Ireland
A few times since the truce of Good Friday
The ’98 peace pact that seemed to be
The end of Catholic and Protestant
Enmity. Yet troubles return, they say
To haunt the streets of Armagh and Newry
Got rid of ITV Wales, S4C
Got Channel 4 back, hopefully to stay
And I’ve got it on just in time to see
‘Hunger’. Northern Ireland, early eighties
Was a shitty time and place, no question
And that’s displayed on the walls of The Maze
In the hunger strike-themed film that’s now on
Since then I’ve visited Northern Ireland
A few times since the truce of Good Friday
The ’98 peace pact that seemed to be
The end of Catholic and Protestant
Enmity. Yet troubles return, they say
To haunt the streets of Armagh and Newry
1197 - When you're a stranger
It’s strange how strange people can be, it’s strange
How people can be strange, it’s strange to me
But maybe it’s me who is strange, it’s strange
But unless I change, they’ll be strange to me
They’re even stranger in a strange city
A stranger is in danger, within range
A stray angel, a stranger to pity
Pitted against the city that is strange
Not fitting, flitting, splitting, quitting, change
Of setting, upset, regretting quickly
Getting wet, better get ready to change
Trains again, aim again, a strange city
But people cannot change, I cannot change
City, I have to change the strange in me
How people can be strange, it’s strange to me
But maybe it’s me who is strange, it’s strange
But unless I change, they’ll be strange to me
They’re even stranger in a strange city
A stranger is in danger, within range
A stray angel, a stranger to pity
Pitted against the city that is strange
Not fitting, flitting, splitting, quitting, change
Of setting, upset, regretting quickly
Getting wet, better get ready to change
Trains again, aim again, a strange city
But people cannot change, I cannot change
City, I have to change the strange in me
Sunday 13 December 2009
1196 - Struggling, juggling
This weekend I’ve been writing love poems
I’ve not practised music yet, not at all
It’s strange how inspiration has its whims
Am I a writer, or more musical?
I’m still not sure which is my favourite ball
When juggling them all round before my eyes
But often all I need is approval
To lift my confidence with each of these
Right now I’m not sure where my music lies
Have I dropped that ball? Certainly it spins
Crazily sometimes, and I lose control
Like Wednesday night, when to my sad surprise
I struggled with my very own rhythms
And now they must be caught before they fall
I’ve not practised music yet, not at all
It’s strange how inspiration has its whims
Am I a writer, or more musical?
I’m still not sure which is my favourite ball
When juggling them all round before my eyes
But often all I need is approval
To lift my confidence with each of these
Right now I’m not sure where my music lies
Have I dropped that ball? Certainly it spins
Crazily sometimes, and I lose control
Like Wednesday night, when to my sad surprise
I struggled with my very own rhythms
And now they must be caught before they fall
Saturday 12 December 2009
1195 - From clubhouse to doghouse
Fore! Tiger Tiger, burning bright, in the
Bedrooms of the night, it’s a hole in one
And another and wow, yet another!
He never misses. But his time has come
To pay. His poor missus may demand some
Compensation, a billion or two
For such a public humiliation
He’s in the rough for a change; he’ll have to
Put his club away. Maybe someone new
Might get a chance for once, romantically
Opening up the golf world. Could be fun
The British Open and The Masters too
Fore! Tiger Tiger, burning bright, in the
Spare bedroom of the night, what have you done?
Bedrooms of the night, it’s a hole in one
And another and wow, yet another!
He never misses. But his time has come
To pay. His poor missus may demand some
Compensation, a billion or two
For such a public humiliation
He’s in the rough for a change; he’ll have to
Put his club away. Maybe someone new
Might get a chance for once, romantically
Opening up the golf world. Could be fun
The British Open and The Masters too
Fore! Tiger Tiger, burning bright, in the
Spare bedroom of the night, what have you done?
Friday 11 December 2009
1194 - Friday night thrills and spills
I’ve not one much tonight, except to chat
Online, and listen to some old records
No drinks or fags, so I’m quite pleased with that
Mind you, I’m tempted to eat some seconds
Having had tea a few hours ago. What’s
In the fridge or on the shelf? Not a lot’s
The answer. I don’t buy snacks, on purpose
But I have sardines in tomato juice
And also in olive oil. Soon it’s Ross
On TV; weather’s on now, and there’s frost
No ice skating this weekend - no pink rink
In Swinton, but I can do my shopping
And picking up of parcels from the Post
Office depot. Well, that, for now, is that!
Online, and listen to some old records
No drinks or fags, so I’m quite pleased with that
Mind you, I’m tempted to eat some seconds
Having had tea a few hours ago. What’s
In the fridge or on the shelf? Not a lot’s
The answer. I don’t buy snacks, on purpose
But I have sardines in tomato juice
And also in olive oil. Soon it’s Ross
On TV; weather’s on now, and there’s frost
No ice skating this weekend - no pink rink
In Swinton, but I can do my shopping
And picking up of parcels from the Post
Office depot. Well, that, for now, is that!
Thursday 10 December 2009
1193 - What's your poison?
I’m giving up the drink after tonight
I’m cutting down, no, giving up, quite soon
Or should I carry on till New Year’s Night
And from then become a boring old prune?
2010 a dry year? The moon
Is more likely to be made of blue cheese!
Talking of blue cheese, I had a mushroom
Pepper and blue cheese sandwich. King Willy’s
In Wilmslow does them for a fiver. Please
Check out the Spanish tapas there, there’s quite
A big selección. This afternoon
I saw my daughter’s Christmas play, and she’s
The chief elf! Good elf to you all, in spite
Of alcohol or what else you’ve consumed!
I’m cutting down, no, giving up, quite soon
Or should I carry on till New Year’s Night
And from then become a boring old prune?
2010 a dry year? The moon
Is more likely to be made of blue cheese!
Talking of blue cheese, I had a mushroom
Pepper and blue cheese sandwich. King Willy’s
In Wilmslow does them for a fiver. Please
Check out the Spanish tapas there, there’s quite
A big selección. This afternoon
I saw my daughter’s Christmas play, and she’s
The chief elf! Good elf to you all, in spite
Of alcohol or what else you’ve consumed!
1192 - The big gig - well, the small gig really
Tonight I walked to town with my guitar
Electric pink, snug in its brand new case
Although the venue wasn’t all that far
Was nervous someone might steal it and race
Off into the night. Anyway, I faced
The ordeal of playing live once again
The pub was fairly quiet, lots of space
Some people sang to CDs, some rapped; then
Some strummed acoustic; one guy even lent
My pink guitar for his set. I felt far
From at my best, but it’s good to practice
Whenever opportunity presents
Maybe next time I’ll sit down; easier
To see the frets and play in the right place!
Electric pink, snug in its brand new case
Although the venue wasn’t all that far
Was nervous someone might steal it and race
Off into the night. Anyway, I faced
The ordeal of playing live once again
The pub was fairly quiet, lots of space
Some people sang to CDs, some rapped; then
Some strummed acoustic; one guy even lent
My pink guitar for his set. I felt far
From at my best, but it’s good to practice
Whenever opportunity presents
Maybe next time I’ll sit down; easier
To see the frets and play in the right place!
Tuesday 8 December 2009
1191 - The eyes no longer have it
The eye op means I need reading glasses
I knew it would; they kept on telling me
I went into Boots, looking for glasses
Fortunately, somebody guided me
Their glasses were eighteen quid. She told me
They were only a coupla quid nearby
So I felt my way there quite cautiously
And was directed to the glasses. Eyes
Screwed up, scrutinising, choosing to buy
At £4.99, a pair of glasses
Though I couldn’t see if they suited me
Back at the office, others tried to try
Them on, pondering buying some glasses
Of their own, not even eye-ronically
I knew it would; they kept on telling me
I went into Boots, looking for glasses
Fortunately, somebody guided me
Their glasses were eighteen quid. She told me
They were only a coupla quid nearby
So I felt my way there quite cautiously
And was directed to the glasses. Eyes
Screwed up, scrutinising, choosing to buy
At £4.99, a pair of glasses
Though I couldn’t see if they suited me
Back at the office, others tried to try
Them on, pondering buying some glasses
Of their own, not even eye-ronically
Monday 7 December 2009
1190 - Facing the music
Why did we bail out the banks? Well, what else
Is left, apart from gambling on futures?
The steel mills, the mines, manufacturers
Of motor parts, most anything that smells
Of productive labour has gone abroad
Now there’s just services, public sector
And The City. Poor people must trek to
The Smoke and live in cubby holes. On board
The good ship Lolly, moored in Monaco
Your future’s past with a wave of the hand
And those poor folk who can’t get off the land
It’s not so bad if they can get some blow
And watch the ex-factory hands sing out
Of tune on the X Factor, down the spout
Is left, apart from gambling on futures?
The steel mills, the mines, manufacturers
Of motor parts, most anything that smells
Of productive labour has gone abroad
Now there’s just services, public sector
And The City. Poor people must trek to
The Smoke and live in cubby holes. On board
The good ship Lolly, moored in Monaco
Your future’s past with a wave of the hand
And those poor folk who can’t get off the land
It’s not so bad if they can get some blow
And watch the ex-factory hands sing out
Of tune on the X Factor, down the spout
Sunday 6 December 2009
1189 - Two crusades and a packet of crisps, please
In the year 2525...no,
I mean 1189, Phil Two
Of France and Dick One of England thought, Blow!
These Ay-Rabs gotta go, man! Cos they knew
They was ‘invadin’ the ‘Holy Land.’ Coo -
Sounds pretty much like today, hey? Bushy
And Bliar thought the same way, though Tone knew
It was dumb, but he could get decent fees
Ingratiatin with rednecks. But now he
Ain’t pop’lar with the ‘old Europe’ - oh no -
You know, those pesky varmints who say ‘Screw
You, Pentagon!’ Entangled now, Dave C
Is already suckin up to them. So
Like the Crusades, here comes death aplenty!
I mean 1189, Phil Two
Of France and Dick One of England thought, Blow!
These Ay-Rabs gotta go, man! Cos they knew
They was ‘invadin’ the ‘Holy Land.’ Coo -
Sounds pretty much like today, hey? Bushy
And Bliar thought the same way, though Tone knew
It was dumb, but he could get decent fees
Ingratiatin with rednecks. But now he
Ain’t pop’lar with the ‘old Europe’ - oh no -
You know, those pesky varmints who say ‘Screw
You, Pentagon!’ Entangled now, Dave C
Is already suckin up to them. So
Like the Crusades, here comes death aplenty!
Saturday 5 December 2009
1188 - Bible studies with beer and cigarettes
Love comes and goes around and round and round
On the record player, each scratch and hiss
Symbolically augmenting the sound
But does ‘Revelation’ end with a kiss
And if so, is it bestowed by Judas?
Dylan’s coming up next, appropriately
Best going straight to the track, ‘Outlaw Blues’
And then it will be time to sail the sea
Across to ‘Crucifixion Lane’ with the
Procol Harum crew, fixing to die, bound
To the mast, spinning towards nemesis
Faster into the vortex, each LP
Wise words or druggie nonsense they expound
Conquistadors of time, space and abyss
On the record player, each scratch and hiss
Symbolically augmenting the sound
But does ‘Revelation’ end with a kiss
And if so, is it bestowed by Judas?
Dylan’s coming up next, appropriately
Best going straight to the track, ‘Outlaw Blues’
And then it will be time to sail the sea
Across to ‘Crucifixion Lane’ with the
Procol Harum crew, fixing to die, bound
To the mast, spinning towards nemesis
Faster into the vortex, each LP
Wise words or druggie nonsense they expound
Conquistadors of time, space and abyss
Friday 4 December 2009
1187 - Long day's journey into Blighty
From Paisley to Glasgow Central, the train
Skipped o’er the rails, past local industry
(What’s left of it), and dropped me off again
Caught the connecting train immediately
From Platform 2 to Lancaster; then the
Few minutes’ wait for the train to Wigan
Made bearable by being able to see
The long pins of the gaggles of students
Gabbling and gobbling. Got off at Preston
And sat on a bench, finishing Iain
Banks’ novel, ‘The Bridge’ which forthrightly
Places the Forth Bridge in a location
Deep within the psyche; well-known terrain
Transformed into dreamscape of love and pain
Skipped o’er the rails, past local industry
(What’s left of it), and dropped me off again
Caught the connecting train immediately
From Platform 2 to Lancaster; then the
Few minutes’ wait for the train to Wigan
Made bearable by being able to see
The long pins of the gaggles of students
Gabbling and gobbling. Got off at Preston
And sat on a bench, finishing Iain
Banks’ novel, ‘The Bridge’ which forthrightly
Places the Forth Bridge in a location
Deep within the psyche; well-known terrain
Transformed into dreamscape of love and pain
1186 - Glasgow kiss
I’m beginning to belong to Glasgow
Glasgow’s beginning to belong to me
I’m beginning to know just where to go
In the centre of that well-planned city
On the outskirts the tower blocks stand, like trees
In a spaced-out forest after the bombs
The trains cross the Clyde, bonny and shiny
Where shipbuilding was the thing, slipping once
Upon a time into the setting suns
Of war and peace, the ritual sword blow
Of capitalism’s hara-kiri
Applied with cruel east-west slide motions
Slicing through docks. Still, flocks of tall girls flow
Up and down grid iron streets, ever thirsty
Thursday 3 December
Glasgow’s beginning to belong to me
I’m beginning to know just where to go
In the centre of that well-planned city
On the outskirts the tower blocks stand, like trees
In a spaced-out forest after the bombs
The trains cross the Clyde, bonny and shiny
Where shipbuilding was the thing, slipping once
Upon a time into the setting suns
Of war and peace, the ritual sword blow
Of capitalism’s hara-kiri
Applied with cruel east-west slide motions
Slicing through docks. Still, flocks of tall girls flow
Up and down grid iron streets, ever thirsty
Thursday 3 December
Thursday 3 December 2009
1185 - I can see clearly now blues
I didn’t need my shades today - hooray!
I said I didn’t need my shades - hooray!
No, I didn’t need my shades today - hoo
Ray, I can see clearly now, wow, hooray!
I drove to Leeds along the motorway
I said I drove to Leeds, yes, all the way
Yes, I drove to Leeds along the motor
Way, hey, hooray, hooray, drove there today!
I read my poems ’bout eye surgery
I said I read my poems - urgently
Yes, I read my poems, a surge of urge
Drove me right over the M63
No, the M62 goes to Leeds, fool!
Rhyming, you see, can be a cruel tool!
I said I didn’t need my shades - hooray!
No, I didn’t need my shades today - hoo
Ray, I can see clearly now, wow, hooray!
I drove to Leeds along the motorway
I said I drove to Leeds, yes, all the way
Yes, I drove to Leeds along the motor
Way, hey, hooray, hooray, drove there today!
I read my poems ’bout eye surgery
I said I read my poems - urgently
Yes, I read my poems, a surge of urge
Drove me right over the M63
No, the M62 goes to Leeds, fool!
Rhyming, you see, can be a cruel tool!
Wednesday 2 December 2009
1184 - Dawn of December
December again, welcome the darkness
Before the light, like sleep before the dawn
Like the rejection before the success
Like non-existence before we are born
Like gestating sketches before they’re drawn
Or hunger and thirst as mealtime draws near
Or loneliness until you meet the one
The one that becomes two, then three and four
Before the confidence we go through fear
After the suffering we become blessed
After the sowing of the seed grows corn
After we’ve heard it all we start to hear
From naked beginnings we learn to dress
And the curtains of ignorance are torn
Before the light, like sleep before the dawn
Like the rejection before the success
Like non-existence before we are born
Like gestating sketches before they’re drawn
Or hunger and thirst as mealtime draws near
Or loneliness until you meet the one
The one that becomes two, then three and four
Before the confidence we go through fear
After the suffering we become blessed
After the sowing of the seed grows corn
After we’ve heard it all we start to hear
From naked beginnings we learn to dress
And the curtains of ignorance are torn
Monday 30 November 2009
Orbison Orbs
I’ve got Orbison Orbs
I’ve gotta wear shades
It’s NOT over
Unless they’ve made
A mess of both o’
My Orbison Orbs
I’ve got Orbison Orbs
I’m scared of the light
Like a vampire
I can only see at night
Please don’t light my fire!
Cos I’ve got Orbison Orbs
I’ve got Orbison Orbs
Since the laser op
They made me see red
I wished it would stop
Surgeon said, ‘DON’T MOVE YOUR HEAD!’
Or you’ll always have Orbison Orbs
I’ve got Orbison Orbs
I can’t see clearly now
I hope there’s no rivers to cross
If not, I’ll get there somehow
Straining to read out this dross
With my Orbison Orbs!
I’ve gotta wear shades
It’s NOT over
Unless they’ve made
A mess of both o’
My Orbison Orbs
I’ve got Orbison Orbs
I’m scared of the light
Like a vampire
I can only see at night
Please don’t light my fire!
Cos I’ve got Orbison Orbs
I’ve got Orbison Orbs
Since the laser op
They made me see red
I wished it would stop
Surgeon said, ‘DON’T MOVE YOUR HEAD!’
Or you’ll always have Orbison Orbs
I’ve got Orbison Orbs
I can’t see clearly now
I hope there’s no rivers to cross
If not, I’ll get there somehow
Straining to read out this dross
With my Orbison Orbs!
1183 - Blurry logic
Why is my left eye blurred? If only it
Was as clear as my right, my sight would be
Just as the surgeon promised - near perfect
I’m hoping it’s still recovering. The
Op isn’t one I’d like to repeat. Free
Today - off sick - but I am pondering -
Could I cope, driving the M53?
There’s a gig at the Moreton Arms, reading
Poetry, not music. Risky, straining
My eyes to drive and to read. I promised
A friend I’d make it up there; worried he
Would feel let down if I don’t. So, planning
To call on my Mum first, then to visit
The Moreton Arms - an evening’s poetry
Was as clear as my right, my sight would be
Just as the surgeon promised - near perfect
I’m hoping it’s still recovering. The
Op isn’t one I’d like to repeat. Free
Today - off sick - but I am pondering -
Could I cope, driving the M53?
There’s a gig at the Moreton Arms, reading
Poetry, not music. Risky, straining
My eyes to drive and to read. I promised
A friend I’d make it up there; worried he
Would feel let down if I don’t. So, planning
To call on my Mum first, then to visit
The Moreton Arms - an evening’s poetry
1182 - True gritty eye
My sight’s improved a bit, slowly, today
Spent last night in occasional agony
My eyeballs felt like eggs a fryin’; they
Turned in their sockets and looked back at me
Sorely tempted to scream, ‘Out, vile jelly!’
But couldn’t cause a scene; we can’t be seen
To disturb the flats’ night-time peace, can we?
Got back off, somehow. Happily seein’
My waking time was nearly ELEVEN! -
I rose, my eyelids opened gingerly,
Releasing waterfalls. Daylight, telly
Too BRIGHT, dammit! Curtains drawn; football’s been
On the radio as I dozed… Then, hey!
Felt much better! Picked up guitar and PLAYED!
Sunday 29 November
Spent last night in occasional agony
My eyeballs felt like eggs a fryin’; they
Turned in their sockets and looked back at me
Sorely tempted to scream, ‘Out, vile jelly!’
But couldn’t cause a scene; we can’t be seen
To disturb the flats’ night-time peace, can we?
Got back off, somehow. Happily seein’
My waking time was nearly ELEVEN! -
I rose, my eyelids opened gingerly,
Releasing waterfalls. Daylight, telly
Too BRIGHT, dammit! Curtains drawn; football’s been
On the radio as I dozed… Then, hey!
Felt much better! Picked up guitar and PLAYED!
Sunday 29 November
Saturday 28 November 2009
1181 - In my line of fright
Mine eyes have seen the gory coming of
The laser beams, the smell of burning eye
Balls in their sockets, uncomfortable, rough
As the eye surgeon pressed and rubbed them. I
Don’t see what could be worse, except maybe
Giving birth, excluding bad accidents
And death, of course. Don’t play me at I spy
From next week on, though, oh ladies and gents
For I will whup your ass. You should be tense
When you pass by, for I will see enough
Detail that I may even qualify
For X-ray, X-rated visual sense!
Such nonsense, you say, but I see above
And beyond, for miles. Like The Who, am I…
The laser beams, the smell of burning eye
Balls in their sockets, uncomfortable, rough
As the eye surgeon pressed and rubbed them. I
Don’t see what could be worse, except maybe
Giving birth, excluding bad accidents
And death, of course. Don’t play me at I spy
From next week on, though, oh ladies and gents
For I will whup your ass. You should be tense
When you pass by, for I will see enough
Detail that I may even qualify
For X-ray, X-rated visual sense!
Such nonsense, you say, but I see above
And beyond, for miles. Like The Who, am I…
1180 - Apocalyptical illusion
During a break from ‘Apocalypse Now’
I’m jotting this on a pad, and it’s hard
I can’t see in close-up; with furrowed brow
I’m trying to focus on my own words
They say I’ll need glasses to write and read
No longer short-sighted, now long-sighted
How has it been reading the screen? Untried
Could feel better tomorrow, but frightened
It might get more painful as day lightens
I might be worse; my eyes might hurt, and how
In the afternoon, I was tired and bored
Eye drops every four hours, stay clear-sighted
Not too painful after the eye op now
And so, time for bed; hope I catch some zeds…
Friday 27 November
I’m jotting this on a pad, and it’s hard
I can’t see in close-up; with furrowed brow
I’m trying to focus on my own words
They say I’ll need glasses to write and read
No longer short-sighted, now long-sighted
How has it been reading the screen? Untried
Could feel better tomorrow, but frightened
It might get more painful as day lightens
I might be worse; my eyes might hurt, and how
In the afternoon, I was tired and bored
Eye drops every four hours, stay clear-sighted
Not too painful after the eye op now
And so, time for bed; hope I catch some zeds…
Friday 27 November
Thursday 26 November 2009
1179 - Fee fi fo strum
Last day before the eye op, so I hope
I’ll see clearly and the rain will have gone
Tomorrow I’ll go there, then home I’ll grope
My way, rather like that Sinatra song
Still, four or five days off work won’t be wrong
Even though I’ll miss Friday’s Jez Kyle Show
(My comedy fix) Tonight, did three songs
At a guitar club, and again I’ll go -
With a mike my still, small voice doesn’t show
It boosts my confidence; I interlope
My way to the front, turn into King Kong
And with guerrilla fingers start to mow
My way through the classics, and somehow cope
Expressing myself in the house of fun!
I’ll see clearly and the rain will have gone
Tomorrow I’ll go there, then home I’ll grope
My way, rather like that Sinatra song
Still, four or five days off work won’t be wrong
Even though I’ll miss Friday’s Jez Kyle Show
(My comedy fix) Tonight, did three songs
At a guitar club, and again I’ll go -
With a mike my still, small voice doesn’t show
It boosts my confidence; I interlope
My way to the front, turn into King Kong
And with guerrilla fingers start to mow
My way through the classics, and somehow cope
Expressing myself in the house of fun!
Wednesday 25 November 2009
1178 - The Oxford Street beat
I’m walkin down the street, down Oxford Street
The students in their hordes they pass me by
I’m walkin there to meet, down there to meet
One of them, and her friends, wanna know why?
To catch some music, enthusiastically
Performed by former fans turned performers
Performed by some who were formerly shy
Maybe still are, killing it to sing verse
Chorus verse middle eight, so well-rehearsed
Learned from their spurning, turned around to beat
The bad vibe, on the beat, nothing’s easy
Repeat dose, tap feet, laptop universe
Happy, rapping, tapping guitars; complete
Variety down Oxford Street… Oh, hi!!!
The students in their hordes they pass me by
I’m walkin there to meet, down there to meet
One of them, and her friends, wanna know why?
To catch some music, enthusiastically
Performed by former fans turned performers
Performed by some who were formerly shy
Maybe still are, killing it to sing verse
Chorus verse middle eight, so well-rehearsed
Learned from their spurning, turned around to beat
The bad vibe, on the beat, nothing’s easy
Repeat dose, tap feet, laptop universe
Happy, rapping, tapping guitars; complete
Variety down Oxford Street… Oh, hi!!!
Tuesday 24 November 2009
1177 - Back, back, back to Iraq
Come on, we're going back, we're going back
Keep up, you at the back, keep up, keep up
This time, unlike before, we will not slack
And this time there won't be a cover-up
We'll get down to the bottom, from the top
Of why we went there, what we went to do
Freedom to spread, dictatorship to stop
Or simply doing what they told us to?
Rest assured, we won't rest till what was true
Is surely uncovered, while pools of black
Oily lies will be washed away, each drop
Though a red stain remains, stuck dead like glue
Come on now boys, we're back off to Iraq
For a year or more. Hup two three four, hup!
Keep up, you at the back, keep up, keep up
This time, unlike before, we will not slack
And this time there won't be a cover-up
We'll get down to the bottom, from the top
Of why we went there, what we went to do
Freedom to spread, dictatorship to stop
Or simply doing what they told us to?
Rest assured, we won't rest till what was true
Is surely uncovered, while pools of black
Oily lies will be washed away, each drop
Though a red stain remains, stuck dead like glue
Come on now boys, we're back off to Iraq
For a year or more. Hup two three four, hup!
Monday 23 November 2009
1176 - A hard rain has fallen
Dylan's hard rain has fallen, sure enough
The worst of it's up there in Cumbria
Workington, Keswick, Cockermouth - so tough
To lose it all in the muddy water
Like some blues number. It can't happen here
Well now it can, and does, unhappily
Bridges must be rebuilt; warring nature
Warning us with each new lightning decree
Once again displaying her savagery
After an afternoon rest, with a puff
Then turning away, unconcerned. Cleaner
Than it was, that's how she likes it. Debris
Swept away, and that includes forms of life
This is the dawning of a new era
The worst of it's up there in Cumbria
Workington, Keswick, Cockermouth - so tough
To lose it all in the muddy water
Like some blues number. It can't happen here
Well now it can, and does, unhappily
Bridges must be rebuilt; warring nature
Warning us with each new lightning decree
Once again displaying her savagery
After an afternoon rest, with a puff
Then turning away, unconcerned. Cleaner
Than it was, that's how she likes it. Debris
Swept away, and that includes forms of life
This is the dawning of a new era
Sunday 22 November 2009
1175 - It happened on 22 November
You all know about JFK’s sad end
Oliver Stone replayed it endlessly
Well, it’s also the date O.J. Simpson
Took to the stand and pleaded ‘Not Guilty’
Whereas Rose West was this day found guilty
Maggie Thatcher resigned and shed a tear
(Like the Queen when she lost her yacht). Then the
INXS singer hung onto his door
To some excess - ’97 the year
His heaven turned to hell. Merkel was sent
To rule over the Germans. NYC
Trips by Concorde: enough time for a beer
On board? Juan Carlos, King of Spain, decent
End to the Franco years of misery
Oliver Stone replayed it endlessly
Well, it’s also the date O.J. Simpson
Took to the stand and pleaded ‘Not Guilty’
Whereas Rose West was this day found guilty
Maggie Thatcher resigned and shed a tear
(Like the Queen when she lost her yacht). Then the
INXS singer hung onto his door
To some excess - ’97 the year
His heaven turned to hell. Merkel was sent
To rule over the Germans. NYC
Trips by Concorde: enough time for a beer
On board? Juan Carlos, King of Spain, decent
End to the Franco years of misery
Saturday 21 November 2009
1174 - Three kinds of waiting
Where is my new fridge? Still, they’ve got till 6
To bring it up the stairs (no lift, my friend)
Frozen food once again; I lick my lips
At the shimmering prospect. Tins don’t tend
To fill me up for long. Hungry again…
Up early, down to Optical Express
An op on both eyes agreed with Elaine
Next Friday’s the date for my laser quest
Been re-reading all of Shakespeare’s sonnets
His objects of desire don’t seem to mix
Well with considerate natures; no, they fend
For themselves, treating Will so bad; the test
Of love seeming to be looks and cruel tricks
These will ensure admirers never end
To bring it up the stairs (no lift, my friend)
Frozen food once again; I lick my lips
At the shimmering prospect. Tins don’t tend
To fill me up for long. Hungry again…
Up early, down to Optical Express
An op on both eyes agreed with Elaine
Next Friday’s the date for my laser quest
Been re-reading all of Shakespeare’s sonnets
His objects of desire don’t seem to mix
Well with considerate natures; no, they fend
For themselves, treating Will so bad; the test
Of love seeming to be looks and cruel tricks
These will ensure admirers never end
Friday 20 November 2009
1173 - Throw it out
My optician’s appointment was cancelled -
Elaine is ill. But a new appointment
Tomorrow at nine. If she’s got a cold
She might not be well then, either. I went
Shopping instead, and ordered from Comet
A new fridge, coming tomorrow. I looked
Into the storage spaces in my flat
And dug out lots of old unwanted books
And a few DVDs, and then I took
Them all to Oxfam, where they will be sold
On Oxford Road to young and fresh students
Who, like me years ago will praise their luck
On finding these classics, cheap words of gold
Spellbinding new minds where my own once went
Elaine is ill. But a new appointment
Tomorrow at nine. If she’s got a cold
She might not be well then, either. I went
Shopping instead, and ordered from Comet
A new fridge, coming tomorrow. I looked
Into the storage spaces in my flat
And dug out lots of old unwanted books
And a few DVDs, and then I took
Them all to Oxfam, where they will be sold
On Oxford Road to young and fresh students
Who, like me years ago will praise their luck
On finding these classics, cheap words of gold
Spellbinding new minds where my own once went
Thursday 19 November 2009
1172 - I can't see clearly now
I’m feeling tired but content with the day
Although in one way it’s been a failure
My laser eye op was postponed, for they
Are seeing if monovision’s the cure
But it’s not. Both eyes need their red laser
Kiss deep within. I’ll need reading glasses
And it’ll cost double to fix the pair
But hey, specs are cool! Wandered past pictures
In City Art Gallery, squints and stares
At Vallette and Goya, no need to pay
Listening to my own songs on headphones; poor
Playing or mixing fixed back home. CDs
Arrived; listening to them now. Then the day
Will end with Question Time and books and more
Although in one way it’s been a failure
My laser eye op was postponed, for they
Are seeing if monovision’s the cure
But it’s not. Both eyes need their red laser
Kiss deep within. I’ll need reading glasses
And it’ll cost double to fix the pair
But hey, specs are cool! Wandered past pictures
In City Art Gallery, squints and stares
At Vallette and Goya, no need to pay
Listening to my own songs on headphones; poor
Playing or mixing fixed back home. CDs
Arrived; listening to them now. Then the day
Will end with Question Time and books and more
Wednesday 18 November 2009
1171 - A night at the Bridgewater Hall
I’m sitting in my complimentary seat
The orchestra in place, now warming up
Mobile on silent; coughers all be quiet
Please let me hear the music from the top
Ride, Prokofiev’s Lt. Kijé
Straight away, you are recognisable
Mozart’s 9th Piano Concerto: play,
Young man! Three encores. Then, the interval
We waited for Dvorak’s 5th, warming up
After a fag break in the cold night wind
His lively progressions soar to the top
Then plunge back down, restless as the night wind
A good programme, watched for free, among old
And young alike. Then out into the cold
The orchestra in place, now warming up
Mobile on silent; coughers all be quiet
Please let me hear the music from the top
Ride, Prokofiev’s Lt. Kijé
Straight away, you are recognisable
Mozart’s 9th Piano Concerto: play,
Young man! Three encores. Then, the interval
We waited for Dvorak’s 5th, warming up
After a fag break in the cold night wind
His lively progressions soar to the top
Then plunge back down, restless as the night wind
A good programme, watched for free, among old
And young alike. Then out into the cold
Tuesday 17 November 2009
1170 - Auntie Christmas
We’re racing nicely towards that dread date
Christmas - oh shit, I’ve mentioned it now. Damn!
The sooner it’s gone, the better, I’ll state
Because I’m ‘Auntie Christmas,’ so I am
That’s a track I recorded, ’bout the sham
That is the modern festive time of year
Not everyone will like it, but to them
I say, stuff your stuffing right up your ear
Me, I’ll just have a whisky and a beer
Hopefully this Christmas I’ll celebrate
By recording some top music; I’ll jam
With friends over in Ireland, and we’ll hear
And smoke some truly festive shit. It’s great
To escape Santa’s clutches (dirty man!)
Christmas - oh shit, I’ve mentioned it now. Damn!
The sooner it’s gone, the better, I’ll state
Because I’m ‘Auntie Christmas,’ so I am
That’s a track I recorded, ’bout the sham
That is the modern festive time of year
Not everyone will like it, but to them
I say, stuff your stuffing right up your ear
Me, I’ll just have a whisky and a beer
Hopefully this Christmas I’ll celebrate
By recording some top music; I’ll jam
With friends over in Ireland, and we’ll hear
And smoke some truly festive shit. It’s great
To escape Santa’s clutches (dirty man!)
Monday 16 November 2009
1169 - Death of a fridge
New boss at work today, name of Joanne
Got in late after trying to defrost
My fridge; punctured it with a knife. How can
I find a new one quickly at low cost?
Will have to live out of tins; my milk must
From now on be long-life (tastes terrible)
Just as well that new lodger guy has missed
His appointment to view the flat; was full
Of puddles and defrosting food. But still,
Tonight went to the writing group, Bolton
A new Irish guy was there who seems most
Keen on poetry and music. Now will
I get straight to sleep? It’s Northern Ireland
And a meeting at ten tomorrow. Christ!
Got in late after trying to defrost
My fridge; punctured it with a knife. How can
I find a new one quickly at low cost?
Will have to live out of tins; my milk must
From now on be long-life (tastes terrible)
Just as well that new lodger guy has missed
His appointment to view the flat; was full
Of puddles and defrosting food. But still,
Tonight went to the writing group, Bolton
A new Irish guy was there who seems most
Keen on poetry and music. Now will
I get straight to sleep? It’s Northern Ireland
And a meeting at ten tomorrow. Christ!
Sunday 15 November 2009
1168 - Killing the muse
It’s Sunday, and I’m trying to fight it
The urge to get drink and fags. Last night my
Face burned as I lay in bed. Now I sit
Writing today’s fourteen line diary
And hoping after that to write poetry
Then, after that, ideas for a novel
Ideas that, mainly at work, came to me
In bored moments, or chatting by email
The muse loves chit-chat; yes, she loves it well
As I talk to another, her voice flits
Into my lobes like lizard’s tongue, a fly
That she has caught, but not, this time, to kill
No, what’ll more likely do that’s the spit
From snakes, drunk from a can, smoke sticks nearby
The urge to get drink and fags. Last night my
Face burned as I lay in bed. Now I sit
Writing today’s fourteen line diary
And hoping after that to write poetry
Then, after that, ideas for a novel
Ideas that, mainly at work, came to me
In bored moments, or chatting by email
The muse loves chit-chat; yes, she loves it well
As I talk to another, her voice flits
Into my lobes like lizard’s tongue, a fly
That she has caught, but not, this time, to kill
No, what’ll more likely do that’s the spit
From snakes, drunk from a can, smoke sticks nearby
Saturday 14 November 2009
1167 - Football, fun and food
England lose to Brazil yet again
And goals galore down in the lower leagues
Scotland screw up once more, to Burley’s pain
Not sure what Ireland did; perhaps fatigue
Has set in? It’s time I went to a big
Game down in London, maybe Tottenham
Or Crystal Palace. Today I had big
Hopes of going ice skating; they were damned
By heavy rain that relentlessly slammed
Down on the outdoor ice rink, so we went
Instead to the museum. Several swigs
Of coffee for me. Josie should try some
Mushrooms, but she’s scared of them! Oh, but when
I was a lad, I was the same. Beer, cigs!
And goals galore down in the lower leagues
Scotland screw up once more, to Burley’s pain
Not sure what Ireland did; perhaps fatigue
Has set in? It’s time I went to a big
Game down in London, maybe Tottenham
Or Crystal Palace. Today I had big
Hopes of going ice skating; they were damned
By heavy rain that relentlessly slammed
Down on the outdoor ice rink, so we went
Instead to the museum. Several swigs
Of coffee for me. Josie should try some
Mushrooms, but she’s scared of them! Oh, but when
I was a lad, I was the same. Beer, cigs!
Friday 13 November 2009
1166 - Coronation chuckin'
Friday the thirteenth! Yeah yeah; it’s no worse
Than any other day. We’ve all survived
It, haven’t we? We’re not yet in a hearse
Although, no doubt, some people must have died
Today. Don’t feel like doing much tonight
But I may do some music nonetheless
Just got the telly on for now, and right
Now, Coronation Street is on. Ah, bless!
Familiar faces, although I confess
There are some new ones I don’t know. I curse
Umbrellas! Left mine with a friend. Surprise!
It’s now raining every day! Makes a mess
Of my new bushy hairstyle! Let this verse
Reach God: please let it rain only at night!
Than any other day. We’ve all survived
It, haven’t we? We’re not yet in a hearse
Although, no doubt, some people must have died
Today. Don’t feel like doing much tonight
But I may do some music nonetheless
Just got the telly on for now, and right
Now, Coronation Street is on. Ah, bless!
Familiar faces, although I confess
There are some new ones I don’t know. I curse
Umbrellas! Left mine with a friend. Surprise!
It’s now raining every day! Makes a mess
Of my new bushy hairstyle! Let this verse
Reach God: please let it rain only at night!
Thursday 12 November 2009
1165 - Switched on
I spent half of today feeling merry
At the office, from the night before’s booze
This made the day fly by very nicely
Till 4:30 when we were on the loose
And off the leash, down the pub, where the news
Was discussed about office politics
And who was guilty of office abuse
Of power, the usual tale of sick
Behaviour. After that, we emerged, quick
Fag, sheltering from the downpour, then the
Meeting up in ‘Giraffe’ - but now the ooze
Has begun. Food poisoning? Won’t be quick
To revisit that place! Was quite busy
Because of the lights switched on. Light the fuse!
At the office, from the night before’s booze
This made the day fly by very nicely
Till 4:30 when we were on the loose
And off the leash, down the pub, where the news
Was discussed about office politics
And who was guilty of office abuse
Of power, the usual tale of sick
Behaviour. After that, we emerged, quick
Fag, sheltering from the downpour, then the
Meeting up in ‘Giraffe’ - but now the ooze
Has begun. Food poisoning? Won’t be quick
To revisit that place! Was quite busy
Because of the lights switched on. Light the fuse!
Wednesday 11 November 2009
1164 - Night out, right out there
God knows how much I’ve spent on a few drinks
Tonight, but I’ve not been out for a while
Took part in a poetry gig, I think
I was okay, but the drinks make you smile
And not care, like some of the folks who pile
Into the bar and dare to chat, but hey
That’s par for the course, of course, on the tiles
It’s good that there are places you can say
Whatever you want, no rules to obey
Where there’s a microphone, the shyness slinks
Away, and long may it be so; beguiled
By one man whose offbeat method held sway
Over me, and it’s time right now, methinks
That I was more adventurous in style
Tonight, but I’ve not been out for a while
Took part in a poetry gig, I think
I was okay, but the drinks make you smile
And not care, like some of the folks who pile
Into the bar and dare to chat, but hey
That’s par for the course, of course, on the tiles
It’s good that there are places you can say
Whatever you want, no rules to obey
Where there’s a microphone, the shyness slinks
Away, and long may it be so; beguiled
By one man whose offbeat method held sway
Over me, and it’s time right now, methinks
That I was more adventurous in style
Tuesday 10 November 2009
1163 - War of words
Today we all feel sorry for Gordon
He’s being victimised by a mother
Who lost her son up in Afghanistan
Fighting a war started by Bush and Blair
All the poor guy did was write a letter
Albeit quickly and quite messily
But then Gordon’s a busy man, I swear
Being the PM don’t come easily
Maybe we should all try it, then we’d see
Oh but it’s hard to get that position
To get it you have to be much harder
Than chaps like you and I will ever be
And yet even harder’s a war unwon
And your son dead. Let’s sympathise with her
He’s being victimised by a mother
Who lost her son up in Afghanistan
Fighting a war started by Bush and Blair
All the poor guy did was write a letter
Albeit quickly and quite messily
But then Gordon’s a busy man, I swear
Being the PM don’t come easily
Maybe we should all try it, then we’d see
Oh but it’s hard to get that position
To get it you have to be much harder
Than chaps like you and I will ever be
And yet even harder’s a war unwon
And your son dead. Let’s sympathise with her
Monday 9 November 2009
1162 - Quickie
Am trying to clear the decks so I can pop
Some music out there, and an Xmas track
For Andy’s CD. Seems I never stop
But in fact, that’s not true: I often slack
Off and waste precious time. But thinking back
To last Tuesday, that wasn’t my fault, when
Leah the lodger never turned up. Fuck!
There goes my plan to pay off debts and spend
More time and money going out! Best bend
It to my advantage, and grow a crop
Of new songs, poems, maybe start to make
Plans for a new satire. You can’t defend
The madness of society! Can’t drop
The ball just now. Remain on the attack!
Some music out there, and an Xmas track
For Andy’s CD. Seems I never stop
But in fact, that’s not true: I often slack
Off and waste precious time. But thinking back
To last Tuesday, that wasn’t my fault, when
Leah the lodger never turned up. Fuck!
There goes my plan to pay off debts and spend
More time and money going out! Best bend
It to my advantage, and grow a crop
Of new songs, poems, maybe start to make
Plans for a new satire. You can’t defend
The madness of society! Can’t drop
The ball just now. Remain on the attack!
Sunday 8 November 2009
1161 - And the new heavyweight champion of noise is...
Oh my God! I’ve worked my arse off today!
Even though that twat one floor below me
Played a song on repeat, far too loudly
For two hours from 8 am on Sunday
(He often does this: I’m thinking it may
Be a deliberate wind-up…); yet I still
Got plenty of reading done; then a play
Of my acoustic guitar. Had the will
To start immediately recording till
Almost bedtime… Who gives a fuck what they
Think about it below me, given the
Idiotic, thoughtless way they make noise. I’ll
Remove my bedroom rug quite soon, if they
Carry this on. Then I’ll make noise, early*
*Early on weekdays, of which there are five, as opposed to the 2 weekend mornings they seem to deliberately make noise. 5 against 2. Will that make them see sense? Sense? Them? Incapable of it…
Even though that twat one floor below me
Played a song on repeat, far too loudly
For two hours from 8 am on Sunday
(He often does this: I’m thinking it may
Be a deliberate wind-up…); yet I still
Got plenty of reading done; then a play
Of my acoustic guitar. Had the will
To start immediately recording till
Almost bedtime… Who gives a fuck what they
Think about it below me, given the
Idiotic, thoughtless way they make noise. I’ll
Remove my bedroom rug quite soon, if they
Carry this on. Then I’ll make noise, early*
*Early on weekdays, of which there are five, as opposed to the 2 weekend mornings they seem to deliberately make noise. 5 against 2. Will that make them see sense? Sense? Them? Incapable of it…
Saturday 7 November 2009
1160 - Driving Saturday
Driving car, driving rain, driving Jo mad
But it went efficiently, all good fun
At long last we used the tickets I had
To see the fish at the aquarium
Good value dishes at the restaurant
In between sightings of the sharks and rays
Our favourite part is when you can touch them
The rays, that is, not sharks or piranhas
On a scale of one to ten, Tony says
About eight for a laugh. One fish was bad:
It kept sticking its head out, squirting on
People’s feet from its mouth! Got some pictures
Taken, which are fin… er, fine. Then we had
To go to Greasby for tea at my mum’s
But it went efficiently, all good fun
At long last we used the tickets I had
To see the fish at the aquarium
Good value dishes at the restaurant
In between sightings of the sharks and rays
Our favourite part is when you can touch them
The rays, that is, not sharks or piranhas
On a scale of one to ten, Tony says
About eight for a laugh. One fish was bad:
It kept sticking its head out, squirting on
People’s feet from its mouth! Got some pictures
Taken, which are fin… er, fine. Then we had
To go to Greasby for tea at my mum’s
Friday 6 November 2009
1159 - Divorced from reality
A rainy day in old Manchester town
I’m sure the weather forecast misled me
So typically, left my brolly at home
But I didn’t get too wet, luckily
At lunchtime, nipped out to nearby County
Court, for some divorce info. I was shocked
At the cost - £300...!! Bugger me!
It’s shot up since the last time! Could be locked
In marriage a bit longer, then… I looked
At the view from the 12th floor. Long way down…
Saw my office, so small, and the city
More Salford than Manchester, all rain-dropped
And now, it’s Friday night at eight: the sound
Of my guitar is nigh; can’t wait! Byeeee!
I’m sure the weather forecast misled me
So typically, left my brolly at home
But I didn’t get too wet, luckily
At lunchtime, nipped out to nearby County
Court, for some divorce info. I was shocked
At the cost - £300...!! Bugger me!
It’s shot up since the last time! Could be locked
In marriage a bit longer, then… I looked
At the view from the 12th floor. Long way down…
Saw my office, so small, and the city
More Salford than Manchester, all rain-dropped
And now, it’s Friday night at eight: the sound
Of my guitar is nigh; can’t wait! Byeeee!
1158 - Remembering, Novembering
Remember the 5th? I had forgotten
Till reminded of it in a meeting
About taxation, down there in London
Useful, knowledge-wise, but unexciting
To say the least. Many students walking
To and from the LSE, looking good
Reminding me of all those good-looking
Spanish students in Salamanca. Could
You find more Chinese in Chinatown? But
Even they dressed to thrill, or kill. Fashion
Sense a prerequisite for studying
And getting on here, socially. I should
Sleep on this train back north, but rarely can
Maybe I’ll try some song lyric writing…
Thursday 5 Nov
Till reminded of it in a meeting
About taxation, down there in London
Useful, knowledge-wise, but unexciting
To say the least. Many students walking
To and from the LSE, looking good
Reminding me of all those good-looking
Spanish students in Salamanca. Could
You find more Chinese in Chinatown? But
Even they dressed to thrill, or kill. Fashion
Sense a prerequisite for studying
And getting on here, socially. I should
Sleep on this train back north, but rarely can
Maybe I’ll try some song lyric writing…
Thursday 5 Nov
Thursday 5 November 2009
1157 - Sowing seeds in Leeds
A night out in Leeds really is easy
Takes just over an hour in the car
Despite the frequent roadworks, rain and the
Ubiquitous lorries right up your arse
Met Spencer there, eventually in the bar
After asking various Leeds strangers
Are you Spencer? It’s really not that far
And great to hear the Leeds accent; it cheers
Me up! And though this was my first
Visit to a poetry night there, the
Crowd was a friendly one. Talked to Spencer
Mainly, but others said hello, and words
Of approval and generally welcomed me.
Spence suggested next time bring the guitar…
Takes just over an hour in the car
Despite the frequent roadworks, rain and the
Ubiquitous lorries right up your arse
Met Spencer there, eventually in the bar
After asking various Leeds strangers
Are you Spencer? It’s really not that far
And great to hear the Leeds accent; it cheers
Me up! And though this was my first
Visit to a poetry night there, the
Crowd was a friendly one. Talked to Spencer
Mainly, but others said hello, and words
Of approval and generally welcomed me.
Spence suggested next time bring the guitar…
Tuesday 3 November 2009
1156 - Up early and away
Woke up this morning in a lovely way
To my wonderful mobile alarm tune
Drove up to Teesport on this rainy day
Back home now. Leah should move in quite soon
So just writing this now. Tidied the room
A few items to iron, stuff to sort out
Had no lunch or tea yet; knife, fork and spoon
Must wait, in case she hasn’t either. Out
There it’s dark, cold and wet. It’s now about
Five pm. Not sure, may go out to play
In Leeds tomorrow night, not singing tunes
But reading my new Spanish poems out
(They’re not in Spanish! People would go, ‘Eh?’)
It’s all exciting. Don’t burst my balloon!
To my wonderful mobile alarm tune
Drove up to Teesport on this rainy day
Back home now. Leah should move in quite soon
So just writing this now. Tidied the room
A few items to iron, stuff to sort out
Had no lunch or tea yet; knife, fork and spoon
Must wait, in case she hasn’t either. Out
There it’s dark, cold and wet. It’s now about
Five pm. Not sure, may go out to play
In Leeds tomorrow night, not singing tunes
But reading my new Spanish poems out
(They’re not in Spanish! People would go, ‘Eh?’)
It’s all exciting. Don’t burst my balloon!
1155 - Wake up early tomorrow, Boo
Been to see Jimmy Webb live in concert
The old groaner did a good job, I’d say
So nice he did anecdotes too, cos it
Makes it that bit more worthwhile when you’ve paid
Good money. The support act didn’t say
What their name was. Duh! I must Google them*
Nearly asked him in the bar, later! ‘Hey!
Who exactly are you?’ But I thought, then
It would seem rude. I should know. And so when
I’ve written this, I’ll investigate. It
Shouldn’t be that hard to find out. I may
Be tired tomorrow. Early start. Us men
Are meeting at 10:30 in Teesport
Near Middlesbrough, which is quite a long way…
* It was Martin Carr, ex-Boo Radleys guitarist!
The old groaner did a good job, I’d say
So nice he did anecdotes too, cos it
Makes it that bit more worthwhile when you’ve paid
Good money. The support act didn’t say
What their name was. Duh! I must Google them*
Nearly asked him in the bar, later! ‘Hey!
Who exactly are you?’ But I thought, then
It would seem rude. I should know. And so when
I’ve written this, I’ll investigate. It
Shouldn’t be that hard to find out. I may
Be tired tomorrow. Early start. Us men
Are meeting at 10:30 in Teesport
Near Middlesbrough, which is quite a long way…
* It was Martin Carr, ex-Boo Radleys guitarist!
1154 - Gee whizz, it's November already!
Well here we are again: it’s November
The fireworks crack through the Salford night air
I guess Guy Fawkes, like Xmas, gets earlier
Each year. Stayed in today and got somewhere
With my ‘World War three’ suite of three songs. They’re
About war. The middle one is ‘Nazi’
The last few days I’ve been worried, for there
Is someone thinking that’s what I could be
Had to email him to say, ‘That’s not me’
Crazy! Got two old friends with phone numbers
I should ring, when I get time. Was prepared
To do that tonight, but still not had tea
At quarter to eleven! Neighbours are
Quiet. (Relationship beyond repair?)
The fireworks crack through the Salford night air
I guess Guy Fawkes, like Xmas, gets earlier
Each year. Stayed in today and got somewhere
With my ‘World War three’ suite of three songs. They’re
About war. The middle one is ‘Nazi’
The last few days I’ve been worried, for there
Is someone thinking that’s what I could be
Had to email him to say, ‘That’s not me’
Crazy! Got two old friends with phone numbers
I should ring, when I get time. Was prepared
To do that tonight, but still not had tea
At quarter to eleven! Neighbours are
Quiet. (Relationship beyond repair?)
Saturday 31 October 2009
1153 - Junking my junk
It’s Halloween. Is that why Sainsbury’s
Car park was so darn full, took half an hour
To get out? Daft thing is, can walk with ease
Back home from there, but was burdened with car,
Having taken all the flat’s rubbish far
Away to Pendleton tip, and old clothes
To Oxfam. Cleaned the spare room for Leah
Who was moving in today, now postponed
Till Tuesday, cos I’m out Monday. Got loads
Of my old junk in my bedroom now! She’s
Gotta be impressed with the space for her
Stuff she’ll have in there, though, for all her shoes
And bags and gear. Meantime, I must use these
Next two days to grow musical flowers!
Car park was so darn full, took half an hour
To get out? Daft thing is, can walk with ease
Back home from there, but was burdened with car,
Having taken all the flat’s rubbish far
Away to Pendleton tip, and old clothes
To Oxfam. Cleaned the spare room for Leah
Who was moving in today, now postponed
Till Tuesday, cos I’m out Monday. Got loads
Of my old junk in my bedroom now! She’s
Gotta be impressed with the space for her
Stuff she’ll have in there, though, for all her shoes
And bags and gear. Meantime, I must use these
Next two days to grow musical flowers!
Friday 30 October 2009
1152 - They wanna be elected
The French and Germans don’t want Tony Blair
As the first president of the EU
Maybe we British might think that’s unfair
And it’s a little surprising when you
Remember how he helped the French, renewed
The CAP* subsidy their farmers
Get, while handing back the UK’s. But who
Would trust Blair to look after their affairs?
He let down everybody here for years
Including allies. But who’ll end up there
In the big chair? Next year, will we see blue
Take over the UK map, the Tories
Taking their turn to mismanage? The flair
Has gone from Labour. Dave, over to you…
*Common Agricultural Policy - benefits farmers, many of whom are French, at great cost to the EU's other main contributors, including Britain
As the first president of the EU
Maybe we British might think that’s unfair
And it’s a little surprising when you
Remember how he helped the French, renewed
The CAP* subsidy their farmers
Get, while handing back the UK’s. But who
Would trust Blair to look after their affairs?
He let down everybody here for years
Including allies. But who’ll end up there
In the big chair? Next year, will we see blue
Take over the UK map, the Tories
Taking their turn to mismanage? The flair
Has gone from Labour. Dave, over to you…
*Common Agricultural Policy - benefits farmers, many of whom are French, at great cost to the EU's other main contributors, including Britain
Thursday 29 October 2009
1151 - Misty eyes and runny nose
I went back to work, though still with a cold
Because the boss had made me feel guilty
The morning before, when, again, I called
To say I wasn’t well yet (truthfully)
So, no Jeremy Kyle over coffee
But walking to work, mercifully mild
Conditions prevailing. I had to see
The optician after work. I had dialled
Them asking for a new sight test; I told
Them that my sight had got worse on my hols
But that turned out to be illusory
You just notice it more when you’re embroiled
In strange situations. Eye drops were rolled
Into my orbs; now I can barely see!
Because the boss had made me feel guilty
The morning before, when, again, I called
To say I wasn’t well yet (truthfully)
So, no Jeremy Kyle over coffee
But walking to work, mercifully mild
Conditions prevailing. I had to see
The optician after work. I had dialled
Them asking for a new sight test; I told
Them that my sight had got worse on my hols
But that turned out to be illusory
You just notice it more when you’re embroiled
In strange situations. Eye drops were rolled
Into my orbs; now I can barely see!
Wednesday 28 October 2009
1150 - This flu's a swine
My eyes are aching; think I’ve got the flu
My nose has started running badly too
It feels like there is nothing I can do
Unlike yesterday, when, though ill, got through
A lot of tasks. Today, not so, but flew
Through the last pages of a novel you
May have heard of: ‘The Wasp Factory.’ Grue-
Some in places, in many places! ‘Phew,’
I thought, ‘there are some published writers who
Have sicker minds than me!’ Missing a few
Events tonight, but who cares? I’ve a new
Lodger lined up, called Leah. She seems to
Like the flat, and me, presumably. Cue
More money and fun! Well, these things are due!
My nose has started running badly too
It feels like there is nothing I can do
Unlike yesterday, when, though ill, got through
A lot of tasks. Today, not so, but flew
Through the last pages of a novel you
May have heard of: ‘The Wasp Factory.’ Grue-
Some in places, in many places! ‘Phew,’
I thought, ‘there are some published writers who
Have sicker minds than me!’ Missing a few
Events tonight, but who cares? I’ve a new
Lodger lined up, called Leah. She seems to
Like the flat, and me, presumably. Cue
More money and fun! Well, these things are due!
Tuesday 27 October 2009
1149 - Work done while off sick
I’m getting hungry; made the most of my
Sick day, with a sore throat, not feeling great
Don’t want to infect my colleagues, so I
Phoned in to say I wouldn’t come in late
No, I wouldn’t come in at all! My state
However did enable me to move
Projects on a lot. Managed to create
A full pictorial record of my moves
While on holiday. Managed to remove
My sound recordings, uploaded to my
Computer, in which I mainly narrate
What happened while on holiday. I love
To get things done like this. Also typed my
Song lyrics up. My desk now looks quite neat!
Sick day, with a sore throat, not feeling great
Don’t want to infect my colleagues, so I
Phoned in to say I wouldn’t come in late
No, I wouldn’t come in at all! My state
However did enable me to move
Projects on a lot. Managed to create
A full pictorial record of my moves
While on holiday. Managed to remove
My sound recordings, uploaded to my
Computer, in which I mainly narrate
What happened while on holiday. I love
To get things done like this. Also typed my
Song lyrics up. My desk now looks quite neat!
Monday 26 October 2009
1148 - No show
The first potential lodger's not turned up
For her viewing. My spare room is still free
Therefore, should you be homeless, if your cup
Is filled or overflowing with money
To improve my lifestyle, pay off debts. Be
Kind and turn up, next time. This is the best
Option you'll have, a chance for fun, cheaply
Why'd she change her mind? I could get depressed
At being stood up. She was unimpressed
With my voice on her phone when I rang up
Some people like my voice. Oh well, maybe
I'll have to forget her, and show the rest
Around, but it could've been love... Shut up,
Course not! She sounded a bit rough to me...
For her viewing. My spare room is still free
Therefore, should you be homeless, if your cup
Is filled or overflowing with money
To improve my lifestyle, pay off debts. Be
Kind and turn up, next time. This is the best
Option you'll have, a chance for fun, cheaply
Why'd she change her mind? I could get depressed
At being stood up. She was unimpressed
With my voice on her phone when I rang up
Some people like my voice. Oh well, maybe
I'll have to forget her, and show the rest
Around, but it could've been love... Shut up,
Course not! She sounded a bit rough to me...
Sunday 25 October 2009
Sketches of Spain
1.
Deep, inside Spain
I entered you at Valcarlos
I’ve not yet come out again
I’ve been up, down and all around your Picos
So when will you speak to me, Spain?
2.
Señoras como Dolores
You look out the corner of your eye
as you pass by
No wonder, for I
am outside a monastery
A dead giveaway -
here today and gone tomorrow
That’s true of me
but Dolores
it still causes me
sorrow
that I can’t know you
except as this momentary vision
borrowed at great cost
Maybe it’s for the best
How much more
might I have lost
in your fiery prison
3.
Haiku: Spanish autumn
Evening in the park
Boy kisses his girl loudly
Just before I pass
4.
Alone in Pamplona
No stampede, this time of year
No trampling people underfoot
None of that bullshit
Sampling the goods
Students in floods
Real handful, I bet
I’m tramping along
the streets
of Pamplona
Exploring the historical zone
all alone
But I’m not the only one
No camp-sites
or none known of
Starting to sweat
Damp patches won’t be shown
They’re hid in my armpits
Stamping along
Lost even with a map
Need no more examples
There’s already ample
of my simplicity
Once more I pull
the guidebook from my bag
Just need to find the hostel
before people start smelling me
Indeed, they seem to be telling me
not to ramble too close
unless I’m spending euros
But the symbol of
the Union Jack flows
past on their clothes,
the young scrambling
to let each other know
they’re cool
They’re cool to me too
but sometimes they seem cruel
Mustn’t grumble
I almost stumble on a kerbstone
fumbling with my phone
Nearly took a tumble
that would’ve humbled me even more
That could’ve been a funny story
among the mumbles and the hubbub
of the pub
Freedom to roam
complete freedom
means being alone
I remember I could be home
so I dismember my grumbles
and I amble
up to the cathedral
This was a gamble
for it takes some cojones
to crumble into flakes
the rumble of fakes
phoneys
and moaners
who dissemble
that only an assembly
can take a break
from their own country
for an exploratory
holiday
And what can they
learn anyway
from crumpled napkins
cramped conversation
about humdrum things
for which again they pay
Does it make them feel like someone?
I feel like someone
5.
In Zamora Cathedral
The tapestries in Zamora Cathedral
are remarkable
That’s why they’re there
on show
But what about the people
there to see it all?
They just get in the way
Out of the way, sheep!
Couldn’t you find this place by yourselves?
Instead, you pay to be shepherded
Can’t you go to the toilet by yourselves?
Can’t you even sleep….?
Ah yes, beautiful tapestries
but dead
and therefore dead boring
But there’s no ignoring this guided group
as they stoop under each arch
looking bored
Would they rather be alone and free?
Has the thrill of company gone?
At least they can go for a drink
in their twos and threes
Then they can talk briefly about
what they came here to see
and argue strenuously
about what they’ve bought
Me, I’ve only seconds to interact...
Mmm, nice eyes
looking at me with interest
which I return with interest
The freeze returns
as her guide turns to the frieze
and his drone
echoes up to and all around the dome
We have to stop
weaving around each other
living
invisible
tapestries
6.
La Mancha
Yellow and brown
Spotted with countless clumps of green
An endless tablecloth
The distant hills are its rumples
It sometimes gets you down
But you can’t just slide off
7.
Santiago Cathedral
Why don’t they scrape off the moss?
Yellow growth covering carved stone
slowly becoming a real-life Gaudí
Or could it be
that without the moss
it would be too gaudy?
Poor beggar women
Have they spent years queuing
to own this doorway?
Have they plotted and poisoned
to sit in your way
besotted with their hungry children
but in no rush to earn more pay?
Are there beggar women in Norway
Or would sitting there be too chilling?
Maybe the law would claw them away
and house them humanely under a ceiling
so they can’t spoil your day
You can’t put your arms around a memory
but you can put them around a statue
For this moment, they queue
St James was never buried here, they tell me
but it’s fun to pretend he was
There’s life in the old apostle yet
if they want to postulate this
preposterous though it is
for if there was no gilded protector
here
there’d be another pretender
for there are plenty in the pilgrim sector
Santiago’s numero uno
that’s clear
but I wonder where we could trek to
next year?
8.
In a Basque Country garden
(to the tune of ‘In an English country garden’)
All grab your paint pots, only red and white
For your old Basque Country houses
Space your houses quite far apart
All your old Basque Country houses
If you see a stranger
Keep your eyes open
Question what they’re doing
We’re all the same, anti-Spanish as can be
In our old Basque Country houses
Deep, inside Spain
I entered you at Valcarlos
I’ve not yet come out again
I’ve been up, down and all around your Picos
So when will you speak to me, Spain?
2.
Señoras como Dolores
You look out the corner of your eye
as you pass by
No wonder, for I
am outside a monastery
A dead giveaway -
here today and gone tomorrow
That’s true of me
but Dolores
it still causes me
sorrow
that I can’t know you
except as this momentary vision
borrowed at great cost
Maybe it’s for the best
How much more
might I have lost
in your fiery prison
3.
Haiku: Spanish autumn
Evening in the park
Boy kisses his girl loudly
Just before I pass
4.
Alone in Pamplona
No stampede, this time of year
No trampling people underfoot
None of that bullshit
Sampling the goods
Students in floods
Real handful, I bet
I’m tramping along
the streets
of Pamplona
Exploring the historical zone
all alone
But I’m not the only one
No camp-sites
or none known of
Starting to sweat
Damp patches won’t be shown
They’re hid in my armpits
Stamping along
Lost even with a map
Need no more examples
There’s already ample
of my simplicity
Once more I pull
the guidebook from my bag
Just need to find the hostel
before people start smelling me
Indeed, they seem to be telling me
not to ramble too close
unless I’m spending euros
But the symbol of
the Union Jack flows
past on their clothes,
the young scrambling
to let each other know
they’re cool
They’re cool to me too
but sometimes they seem cruel
Mustn’t grumble
I almost stumble on a kerbstone
fumbling with my phone
Nearly took a tumble
that would’ve humbled me even more
That could’ve been a funny story
among the mumbles and the hubbub
of the pub
Freedom to roam
complete freedom
means being alone
I remember I could be home
so I dismember my grumbles
and I amble
up to the cathedral
This was a gamble
for it takes some cojones
to crumble into flakes
the rumble of fakes
phoneys
and moaners
who dissemble
that only an assembly
can take a break
from their own country
for an exploratory
holiday
And what can they
learn anyway
from crumpled napkins
cramped conversation
about humdrum things
for which again they pay
Does it make them feel like someone?
I feel like someone
5.
In Zamora Cathedral
The tapestries in Zamora Cathedral
are remarkable
That’s why they’re there
on show
But what about the people
there to see it all?
They just get in the way
Out of the way, sheep!
Couldn’t you find this place by yourselves?
Instead, you pay to be shepherded
Can’t you go to the toilet by yourselves?
Can’t you even sleep….?
Ah yes, beautiful tapestries
but dead
and therefore dead boring
But there’s no ignoring this guided group
as they stoop under each arch
looking bored
Would they rather be alone and free?
Has the thrill of company gone?
At least they can go for a drink
in their twos and threes
Then they can talk briefly about
what they came here to see
and argue strenuously
about what they’ve bought
Me, I’ve only seconds to interact...
Mmm, nice eyes
looking at me with interest
which I return with interest
The freeze returns
as her guide turns to the frieze
and his drone
echoes up to and all around the dome
We have to stop
weaving around each other
living
invisible
tapestries
6.
La Mancha
Yellow and brown
Spotted with countless clumps of green
An endless tablecloth
The distant hills are its rumples
It sometimes gets you down
But you can’t just slide off
7.
Santiago Cathedral
Why don’t they scrape off the moss?
Yellow growth covering carved stone
slowly becoming a real-life Gaudí
Or could it be
that without the moss
it would be too gaudy?
Poor beggar women
Have they spent years queuing
to own this doorway?
Have they plotted and poisoned
to sit in your way
besotted with their hungry children
but in no rush to earn more pay?
Are there beggar women in Norway
Or would sitting there be too chilling?
Maybe the law would claw them away
and house them humanely under a ceiling
so they can’t spoil your day
You can’t put your arms around a memory
but you can put them around a statue
For this moment, they queue
St James was never buried here, they tell me
but it’s fun to pretend he was
There’s life in the old apostle yet
if they want to postulate this
preposterous though it is
for if there was no gilded protector
here
there’d be another pretender
for there are plenty in the pilgrim sector
Santiago’s numero uno
that’s clear
but I wonder where we could trek to
next year?
8.
In a Basque Country garden
(to the tune of ‘In an English country garden’)
All grab your paint pots, only red and white
For your old Basque Country houses
Space your houses quite far apart
All your old Basque Country houses
If you see a stranger
Keep your eyes open
Question what they’re doing
We’re all the same, anti-Spanish as can be
In our old Basque Country houses
1147 - Oh oh no no
Didn’t quite make it out tonight, no no
Wanted to go to the Boar’s Head, yes yes
The reason? My writing went too slow slow
Consequently this evening’s a mess mess
But there’s good in all this, nonetheless less
It’s been nice to relax all day long long
Recovering from the holiday stress stress
Writing poems and lyrics for song song
Read quite a bit, too, and that’s not wrong wrong
Can always go to another show show
There’s plenty more next week, so I guess guess
Have advertised the spare room, was stung stung
By the speed of Leah’s reply, so so
Fingers crossed for tomorrow’s success cess
Wanted to go to the Boar’s Head, yes yes
The reason? My writing went too slow slow
Consequently this evening’s a mess mess
But there’s good in all this, nonetheless less
It’s been nice to relax all day long long
Recovering from the holiday stress stress
Writing poems and lyrics for song song
Read quite a bit, too, and that’s not wrong wrong
Can always go to another show show
There’s plenty more next week, so I guess guess
Have advertised the spare room, was stung stung
By the speed of Leah’s reply, so so
Fingers crossed for tomorrow’s success cess
1146 - Manchester culture for the under-sevens
Went to McDonald’s with Jo for lunch, then
Took her to a Manchester Literature
Festival event at the Whitworth, when
Although we chatted, and raised eyebrows, sure,
Nonetheless she’s now seen, first-hand, culture -
Poetry and Irish music, and seen some
People I know from the scene. The reader
Was Sinead Morrissey, whose petite bum
Was on the seat next to us. Time had come
For us to leave, and end the disruption
Of this august event. Outside, kicked the
Leaves, posed with statues, caught bus to the room
In Central Library where echoes spin
Around the dome with slightest move of chair
Sat 24 October
Took her to a Manchester Literature
Festival event at the Whitworth, when
Although we chatted, and raised eyebrows, sure,
Nonetheless she’s now seen, first-hand, culture -
Poetry and Irish music, and seen some
People I know from the scene. The reader
Was Sinead Morrissey, whose petite bum
Was on the seat next to us. Time had come
For us to leave, and end the disruption
Of this august event. Outside, kicked the
Leaves, posed with statues, caught bus to the room
In Central Library where echoes spin
Around the dome with slightest move of chair
Sat 24 October
1145 - Mind, interrupted
A nice relaxing lie-in, radio
Talk gently waking me unhurriedly
A pleasant day, walking to work quite slow
Listening to music on the MP3
At lunchtime the Oils Team stopped, because we
Were heading for the pub to say goodbye
To our team leader; goodbye to Annie
Pint after pint was drunk, yet somehow I
Remained reasonably sober. Now I try
To finish this sonnet. It’s going slow
But I’ve eaten some pasta, drunk coffee
Just seeing out the evening; don’t think I
Can do much more tonight. Am seeing Jo
Tomorrow; first time since my holiday
Fri 23 October
Talk gently waking me unhurriedly
A pleasant day, walking to work quite slow
Listening to music on the MP3
At lunchtime the Oils Team stopped, because we
Were heading for the pub to say goodbye
To our team leader; goodbye to Annie
Pint after pint was drunk, yet somehow I
Remained reasonably sober. Now I try
To finish this sonnet. It’s going slow
But I’ve eaten some pasta, drunk coffee
Just seeing out the evening; don’t think I
Can do much more tonight. Am seeing Jo
Tomorrow; first time since my holiday
Fri 23 October
Thursday 22 October 2009
1144 - Views on the muse and the news
Am patiently uploading old pictures
While listening to old music from Roxy
And typing this new sonnet, though my ears
Interfere with the clear workings of the
Muse, Roxy or otherwise. The poxy
Website has updated itself and lost
My old pictures. I hate it. Worse, there’s the
Ironing to come; what a bummer. And worse
Still, no Iron Maiden or Clash songs. Christ,
How can I work in Joe Strummer? The news
Was about BNP at BBC
But there’s still some Time for a Question first,
Before they show the show, and that is where’s
The honour on there? Where’s the honesty?
While listening to old music from Roxy
And typing this new sonnet, though my ears
Interfere with the clear workings of the
Muse, Roxy or otherwise. The poxy
Website has updated itself and lost
My old pictures. I hate it. Worse, there’s the
Ironing to come; what a bummer. And worse
Still, no Iron Maiden or Clash songs. Christ,
How can I work in Joe Strummer? The news
Was about BNP at BBC
But there’s still some Time for a Question first,
Before they show the show, and that is where’s
The honour on there? Where’s the honesty?
1143 - Sinatra Sonata
It’s late, about 12:45, but still
That’s not too late to write a quick sonnet
After all, that’s what I must do until
I drop dead; write one every day, if it
Kills me! Work again, but lunchtime concert
At the Bridgewater: Sadie Fields, violin
And Simon Lane, piano, and the treat
Was the Franck Sonata… (That’s confusing -
Sounds like Frank Sinatra! How amusing…)
They also played a Mozart one. That filled
The day nicely, a break from trying to get
Up to date with emails. This evening,
Organising photos and sonnets. Well,
I’ve made progress, and had some online chat!
That’s not too late to write a quick sonnet
After all, that’s what I must do until
I drop dead; write one every day, if it
Kills me! Work again, but lunchtime concert
At the Bridgewater: Sadie Fields, violin
And Simon Lane, piano, and the treat
Was the Franck Sonata… (That’s confusing -
Sounds like Frank Sinatra! How amusing…)
They also played a Mozart one. That filled
The day nicely, a break from trying to get
Up to date with emails. This evening,
Organising photos and sonnets. Well,
I’ve made progress, and had some online chat!
1142 - Mi casa es mi casa
Saw Biarritz recede beneath the clouds
The white lighthouse whose twinkle I knew well
From lying on the beach at dawn, tired out
Two weeks before. Since then, followed the shell
Trail to Santiago and Portugal
But back home today, back to cold and rain
I wonder if it's been like this, the while
I've been away? Brit weather... still the same!
But what's causing me far more mental pain
Are my finances. Look at my account?
I just don't dare yet. Still under the spell
Of my holiday, my escape. The main
Thing is, I'm back safe. There is still a cloud
While Alex remains lost. Remembering still...
Tuesday 20 October
The white lighthouse whose twinkle I knew well
From lying on the beach at dawn, tired out
Two weeks before. Since then, followed the shell
Trail to Santiago and Portugal
But back home today, back to cold and rain
I wonder if it's been like this, the while
I've been away? Brit weather... still the same!
But what's causing me far more mental pain
Are my finances. Look at my account?
I just don't dare yet. Still under the spell
Of my holiday, my escape. The main
Thing is, I'm back safe. There is still a cloud
While Alex remains lost. Remembering still...
Tuesday 20 October
1141 - Bizarrely written in Biarritz
A pleasant Sunday night in the hostel
In Bilbao. Posted on the internet
And drank six beers. I got on very well
With Lucy, who works there, and also met
Wei from Taiwan. Gave her a lift to next
Port of call, San Sebastian, also
Called Donostia, in Basque. Started to get
Cooler, more cloudy, but still nice. Been so
Lucky with the weather! Then, time to go
Back into France: St-Jean-de-Luz, s’appelle
The first stop; Ciboure, typically Basque, next
To it. Reached Biarritz by four. I know
This place; it’s like home now! Not sure, to tell
The truth, where I might catch some sleep tonight...
Monday 19 October
In Bilbao. Posted on the internet
And drank six beers. I got on very well
With Lucy, who works there, and also met
Wei from Taiwan. Gave her a lift to next
Port of call, San Sebastian, also
Called Donostia, in Basque. Started to get
Cooler, more cloudy, but still nice. Been so
Lucky with the weather! Then, time to go
Back into France: St-Jean-de-Luz, s’appelle
The first stop; Ciboure, typically Basque, next
To it. Reached Biarritz by four. I know
This place; it’s like home now! Not sure, to tell
The truth, where I might catch some sleep tonight...
Monday 19 October
Sunday 18 October 2009
1140 - They think it´s cold...It is now
A cold night in Villaviciosa
In an industrial estate car park!
Took hours to find even that grim corner
Where sleep could be assured till end of dark
Was glad, therefore, to be up with the lark
And Picos de Europa bound. Saw them
From a distance, but the foothills were stark
Scary enough to drive in... so I went
On to Santander. A magnificent
Breezy, sunny noon visit. The harbour
Buildings, and people, made for a great walk
Not so far to Bilbao. There by two. Spent
Two or three hours exploring. Got beer,
Fags, Internet tonight! Might even talk!!
In an industrial estate car park!
Took hours to find even that grim corner
Where sleep could be assured till end of dark
Was glad, therefore, to be up with the lark
And Picos de Europa bound. Saw them
From a distance, but the foothills were stark
Scary enough to drive in... so I went
On to Santander. A magnificent
Breezy, sunny noon visit. The harbour
Buildings, and people, made for a great walk
Not so far to Bilbao. There by two. Spent
Two or three hours exploring. Got beer,
Fags, Internet tonight! Might even talk!!
1139 - Santiago - a tourist trap too far to go
Yesterday evening in Santiago
I was disappointed with it, in parts
It's all commercialised, but then, well, so
Are most tourist places now. Best just start
And finish with the Cathedral, I thought!
Even in the small old town, I got lost
A few times, even with a map! I caught
Some sounds on dictaphone. I passed
An hour with Monika, even played host
Serving soup and chocolate after our go
On the 'Net, of course. The hostel was sort
Of weird, lights out early, quieter than most...
But that's all for the walking pilgrims.
Slow
drive through north Galicia........ Some nice resorts!
I was disappointed with it, in parts
It's all commercialised, but then, well, so
Are most tourist places now. Best just start
And finish with the Cathedral, I thought!
Even in the small old town, I got lost
A few times, even with a map! I caught
Some sounds on dictaphone. I passed
An hour with Monika, even played host
Serving soup and chocolate after our go
On the 'Net, of course. The hostel was sort
Of weird, lights out early, quieter than most...
But that's all for the walking pilgrims.
Slow
drive through north Galicia........ Some nice resorts!
1138 - No go in Vigo
Things had been going suspiciously well
Well now, happily, things have evened up
I moved the car nearer to the sea swell
And wandered with my camera to the top
Of the port area. Now time to stop
And return to the car, I thought, but when
I got there it was gone! Was it a trip
Or a trick of the mind? Puzzled, I went
Into the panadería*! The gent
Told me the traffic cops had towed it! Tell
A taxi driver, he will take you up
to the Depósito*. I didn't vent
My anger, because this potential hell
Was alleviated by the locals' help!
*panadería = bread and cake shop
* Depósito = the place where they store impounded cars
Fri 16 October
Well now, happily, things have evened up
I moved the car nearer to the sea swell
And wandered with my camera to the top
Of the port area. Now time to stop
And return to the car, I thought, but when
I got there it was gone! Was it a trip
Or a trick of the mind? Puzzled, I went
Into the panadería*! The gent
Told me the traffic cops had towed it! Tell
A taxi driver, he will take you up
to the Depósito*. I didn't vent
My anger, because this potential hell
Was alleviated by the locals' help!
*panadería = bread and cake shop
* Depósito = the place where they store impounded cars
Fri 16 October
Friday 16 October 2009
1137 - Portuguese bakery
Hot as an oven down in Portugal
Like a hot English summer day, no less
Woke up in auto, parked in Porto. Well!
The problems I had driving there. The stress!
But found the centre, in the end, and yes,
It was well worth it! Walked round for two hours.
The next stop, Braga, churches and girl-fest.
More students, oh so many pretty flowers!
Viana do Castelo´s big ships tower
Over the harbour, while fishermen trawl
Great beach at Moledo. But roadworks? Less!
Back into Spain. Clocks go forward an hour.
Destination Vigo. Low on petrol
But made it! Now I feel like getting pissed!
Thur 15 October
Like a hot English summer day, no less
Woke up in auto, parked in Porto. Well!
The problems I had driving there. The stress!
But found the centre, in the end, and yes,
It was well worth it! Walked round for two hours.
The next stop, Braga, churches and girl-fest.
More students, oh so many pretty flowers!
Viana do Castelo´s big ships tower
Over the harbour, while fishermen trawl
Great beach at Moledo. But roadworks? Less!
Back into Spain. Clocks go forward an hour.
Destination Vigo. Low on petrol
But made it! Now I feel like getting pissed!
Thur 15 October
1136 - ¡Que día!
What a day! Left hostel, Salamanca
Drove northwards through the flat dusty country
Lunched, Morales de Vino. Zamora
Was a lovely surprise. Then I could see
Signs for Bragança, Portugal. Valley
Of the Douro, I love you. Marvellous
Towns and endless wooded ridges. Learned the
Portuguese way of driving. Dangerous!
Could not stop at Vila Real, because
Porto was still far-off. Got there for a
Lovely sunset view of the estuary
Of the Douro, where I´ll spend the night, just
By the river. It´s dark now, but for a
String of orange street lights. Good night from me!
Wed 14 October
Drove northwards through the flat dusty country
Lunched, Morales de Vino. Zamora
Was a lovely surprise. Then I could see
Signs for Bragança, Portugal. Valley
Of the Douro, I love you. Marvellous
Towns and endless wooded ridges. Learned the
Portuguese way of driving. Dangerous!
Could not stop at Vila Real, because
Porto was still far-off. Got there for a
Lovely sunset view of the estuary
Of the Douro, where I´ll spend the night, just
By the river. It´s dark now, but for a
String of orange street lights. Good night from me!
Wed 14 October
1135 - Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
On a stone bench in the Plaza Mayor
I'll write some new poems, top up the tan
American voices I can't ignore
Even worse, British ones! It was my plan
That my tour would avoid them. But how can
I deny them what I claim? Right to roam
Wherever we wish; appreciate those lands
Of other language, squares of yellow stone
More than just paddling fattened toes in foam
I'll take a break from taking snaps. I'll home
In on the sounds as I sit here. Waiter
Clinks coffee cups, some students lying down,
Excited chat. At some distance, a drone
Of voices mingling like crickets. Half-four...
No, half-five already. But still, the sun...
I'll write some new poems, top up the tan
American voices I can't ignore
Even worse, British ones! It was my plan
That my tour would avoid them. But how can
I deny them what I claim? Right to roam
Wherever we wish; appreciate those lands
Of other language, squares of yellow stone
More than just paddling fattened toes in foam
I'll take a break from taking snaps. I'll home
In on the sounds as I sit here. Waiter
Clinks coffee cups, some students lying down,
Excited chat. At some distance, a drone
Of voices mingling like crickets. Half-four...
No, half-five already. But still, the sun...
1134 - Sunny Spain indeed
A day ahead of schedule. Slept in car
In a Toledo suburb. Today is
The national day of Spain, and most shops are
Shut. Where to buy food, or just have a piss?
Finished a bread roll, an in-car breakfast
Bought snacks at a nearby filling station
First stop Talavera on the Tagus
Then Sierra de Gredos. It´s great fun
Speeding around the tight bends. The next town
Was Ávila, for Santa Teresa
Renowned. El Escorial next on list...
That San Lorenzo Monastery is some
Sight in the setting sunlight. Could see far-
Off Madrid in the distance. Ate churros.*
*Churros con chocolate - a sort of doughy long winding thing that is often eaten with thick gooey chocolate sauce.
Mon 12 October
In a Toledo suburb. Today is
The national day of Spain, and most shops are
Shut. Where to buy food, or just have a piss?
Finished a bread roll, an in-car breakfast
Bought snacks at a nearby filling station
First stop Talavera on the Tagus
Then Sierra de Gredos. It´s great fun
Speeding around the tight bends. The next town
Was Ávila, for Santa Teresa
Renowned. El Escorial next on list...
That San Lorenzo Monastery is some
Sight in the setting sunlight. Could see far-
Off Madrid in the distance. Ate churros.*
*Churros con chocolate - a sort of doughy long winding thing that is often eaten with thick gooey chocolate sauce.
Mon 12 October
1133 - Madrid and Toledo in one day, oh
This day could be the top day of the trip
In terms of sheer sights seen, I´d make a bet
The first thing that I had to do was slip
Out of the room so as not to upset
The three Spanish ladies sleeping in it!
(Don´t ask!) Then four hours exploring Madrid
A pleasure that I never thought I´d get...
The Spanish girls I have been adoring...
Their womanly shapes leave me imploring
Full-breasted, thin waists, wider at the hip
With lovely light brown skin. Makes me regret
Not meeting any so far whose speaking
Of English beats my Spanish... Chose to nip
Down to Toledo.* Walked till gone sunset.
*By car, of course!
Sun 11 October
In terms of sheer sights seen, I´d make a bet
The first thing that I had to do was slip
Out of the room so as not to upset
The three Spanish ladies sleeping in it!
(Don´t ask!) Then four hours exploring Madrid
A pleasure that I never thought I´d get...
The Spanish girls I have been adoring...
Their womanly shapes leave me imploring
Full-breasted, thin waists, wider at the hip
With lovely light brown skin. Makes me regret
Not meeting any so far whose speaking
Of English beats my Spanish... Chose to nip
Down to Toledo.* Walked till gone sunset.
*By car, of course!
Sun 11 October
Saturday 10 October 2009
1132 - The real Madrid
Woke in the car at 8. Fuentespina -
Thanks for a quiet night!* I had time, so
I detoured to lovely Segovia
On the way to Madrid. That´s not all, though -
Sierra de Guadarrama! To go
There by car was a great experience
Those wooded mountains! Madrileños go
To walk the shaded hillsides. Didn´t sense
Any foreigners but me. For my sins
I now had to drive to the heart of the
Capital, Madrid. Skyscrapers, Prado...
Seen quite a lot already, by car. Pence
And pounds, i.e. parking costs, may mean a
Shorter stay than planned. Shame to have to go...!
*I slept in the car in a quiet side street - something I´ll have to do a few more times yet before this holiday is through. I was going to stay 2 nights in this hostel from where I´m typing this - the Pop Hostel, calle de Spiritu Santo, Malasaña, Madrid´s student quarter, but because it´s costing 28 euros to park for each 24 hour period, I can´t afford to park for two nights. Instead of 15 euros a night for accommodation, it´s more like 43 euros. I think I´ll stay in Madrid till quite late tomorrow, sightseeing, by car if possible, and then I may as well drive to Toledo in the evening, park somewhere and get some sleep. then I can spend all day there on Monday, which is the Spanish National Day. There might be some interesting celebrations to watch!
Thanks for a quiet night!* I had time, so
I detoured to lovely Segovia
On the way to Madrid. That´s not all, though -
Sierra de Guadarrama! To go
There by car was a great experience
Those wooded mountains! Madrileños go
To walk the shaded hillsides. Didn´t sense
Any foreigners but me. For my sins
I now had to drive to the heart of the
Capital, Madrid. Skyscrapers, Prado...
Seen quite a lot already, by car. Pence
And pounds, i.e. parking costs, may mean a
Shorter stay than planned. Shame to have to go...!
*I slept in the car in a quiet side street - something I´ll have to do a few more times yet before this holiday is through. I was going to stay 2 nights in this hostel from where I´m typing this - the Pop Hostel, calle de Spiritu Santo, Malasaña, Madrid´s student quarter, but because it´s costing 28 euros to park for each 24 hour period, I can´t afford to park for two nights. Instead of 15 euros a night for accommodation, it´s more like 43 euros. I think I´ll stay in Madrid till quite late tomorrow, sightseeing, by car if possible, and then I may as well drive to Toledo in the evening, park somewhere and get some sleep. then I can spend all day there on Monday, which is the Spanish National Day. There might be some interesting celebrations to watch!
1131 - Another day on the Spanish highway
Today I followed the old pilgrim trail
From Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Stood on the Roman bridge that told a tale
Of centuries of souls ever after
Part of the world, long as it lasts. Walkers
With rucksacks and sticks I saw there, and on
The road to Burgos - they were everywhere!
I said ´Hola´to some. They sat upon
Their haunches, resting, but I just drove on
To reach Burgos. The old town with its shells
On the calle de San Juan. Admired the
Cathedral, oh so intricate in stone
And El Cid´s statue! Before the light failed
Drove toward Madrid. Stopped, Fuentespina*
Fri 9 October
*Fuentespina - a small, pleasant town just off the N1, shortly after Aranda de Duero.
From Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Stood on the Roman bridge that told a tale
Of centuries of souls ever after
Part of the world, long as it lasts. Walkers
With rucksacks and sticks I saw there, and on
The road to Burgos - they were everywhere!
I said ´Hola´to some. They sat upon
Their haunches, resting, but I just drove on
To reach Burgos. The old town with its shells
On the calle de San Juan. Admired the
Cathedral, oh so intricate in stone
And El Cid´s statue! Before the light failed
Drove toward Madrid. Stopped, Fuentespina*
Fri 9 October
*Fuentespina - a small, pleasant town just off the N1, shortly after Aranda de Duero.
Thursday 8 October 2009
1130 - Tramping alone in Pamplona
At last - a good night´s sleep in the hired car
In the Camping Municipal, St-Jean
Although I didn´t dare to drive too far
Those Pyrenean winding roads were fun
But not for the cyclists or ´pelegrins´*
Of whom I saw a few as I drove by
After Valcarlos, the road just goes on
And on climbing, till Ibañeta, high
As it gets; then Roncesvalles; then my
Breakfast in Burguete; then Pamplona
Lunch from a supermarket, suburban
Peace and quiet. Reached the city; where shall I
Park? Under El Corte Inglés! Walked far
Today. My feet ache! Don´t ask me to run!
* Pelegrins is the French word for pilgrims. You see many of them walking from these parts on the Camino de Santiago, which takes them all the way to Santiago de Compostela, where I will be going later on in this holiday, but by car, of course - and after a number of detours!
In the Camping Municipal, St-Jean
Although I didn´t dare to drive too far
Those Pyrenean winding roads were fun
But not for the cyclists or ´pelegrins´*
Of whom I saw a few as I drove by
After Valcarlos, the road just goes on
And on climbing, till Ibañeta, high
As it gets; then Roncesvalles; then my
Breakfast in Burguete; then Pamplona
Lunch from a supermarket, suburban
Peace and quiet. Reached the city; where shall I
Park? Under El Corte Inglés! Walked far
Today. My feet ache! Don´t ask me to run!
* Pelegrins is the French word for pilgrims. You see many of them walking from these parts on the Camino de Santiago, which takes them all the way to Santiago de Compostela, where I will be going later on in this holiday, but by car, of course - and after a number of detours!
1129 - Sleep deprived but still lovin´it
Last night I drank and smoked, met two French guys
Turned into a late night, surprisingly
I´d had no sleep the night before. Surprise
Can be bad, too. The car park constantly
Played loud classical music. Couldn´t see
A way to get to sleep in that hot car...
Even tried the beach, listening to the sea
As the sky lightened, but didn´t get far
Just one hour´s sleep, just before I left for
St Jean Pied de Port. The Pyrenees -
Green wooded hills, where dotted sparingly
Red and cream farmhouses that proudly share
Their Basque inheritance with passing eyes
All the way to Spain, where I soon will be
Wed 7 October
Turned into a late night, surprisingly
I´d had no sleep the night before. Surprise
Can be bad, too. The car park constantly
Played loud classical music. Couldn´t see
A way to get to sleep in that hot car...
Even tried the beach, listening to the sea
As the sky lightened, but didn´t get far
Just one hour´s sleep, just before I left for
St Jean Pied de Port. The Pyrenees -
Green wooded hills, where dotted sparingly
Red and cream farmhouses that proudly share
Their Basque inheritance with passing eyes
All the way to Spain, where I soon will be
Wed 7 October
Tuesday 6 October 2009
1128 - Basking in the sun on the Côte Basque
Not Paris this time, no, cos this time it's
Much further south: I've seen the Pyrenees
From the plane, and the cliffs of Biarritz
I've even sunbathed on the beach. The sea's
Advancing towards me. 30 degrees
Celsius, or near, this afternoon; my skin
Is getting its share of Vitamin C's...
Hooray! The sun's back out; it was hidden
For a few minutes. All of a sudden
Several bikinis decided to quit,
Covering up, walking away; their striptease
Over for this year, maybe, now we're in
Deepest October. Didn't bring my shorts...
I'd love to have felt those waves crash on me!
Much further south: I've seen the Pyrenees
From the plane, and the cliffs of Biarritz
I've even sunbathed on the beach. The sea's
Advancing towards me. 30 degrees
Celsius, or near, this afternoon; my skin
Is getting its share of Vitamin C's...
Hooray! The sun's back out; it was hidden
For a few minutes. All of a sudden
Several bikinis decided to quit,
Covering up, walking away; their striptease
Over for this year, maybe, now we're in
Deepest October. Didn't bring my shorts...
I'd love to have felt those waves crash on me!
Monday 5 October 2009
Temporary hiatus
Off for a couple of weeks to France, Spain and Portugal. Normal service will be resumed upon return.
1127 - Flightpath to Dreamland
It’s almost here! I’m sitting waiting for
The time to drive to Birmingham Airport
But first I’d really like to sleep, before
My odyssey begins. The sounds were fraught
Last night, below me, as that couple fought
With words and maybe more. Heard many bangs,
And none of amorous kind, though time has taught
That sleep is reduced when I’m feeling pangs
Of excitement or worry about things
Happening next day. A physical law:
Adrenalin kicks in; you can’t transport
Yourself to Dreamland. Feeling like a king
Before the battle that’ll save him or
Dethrone him, I await fate’s random sport
The time to drive to Birmingham Airport
But first I’d really like to sleep, before
My odyssey begins. The sounds were fraught
Last night, below me, as that couple fought
With words and maybe more. Heard many bangs,
And none of amorous kind, though time has taught
That sleep is reduced when I’m feeling pangs
Of excitement or worry about things
Happening next day. A physical law:
Adrenalin kicks in; you can’t transport
Yourself to Dreamland. Feeling like a king
Before the battle that’ll save him or
Dethrone him, I await fate’s random sport
Sunday 4 October 2009
1126 - No kidding
A lovely lie in; then, with no breakfast,
Off out to collect Josie, taking her
To Pizza Hut with Pearl. Today’s the last
Time I’ll see Pearl in the old house. Yes. They’re
Selling it later on this month. That’s where
I bought my first house, but left, three years on
In ’96, leaving wife and kids there
In Burnage; a bedsit in Withington
Was my only lonely destination.
But though our family split, we parents cast
Our differences aside; tried to be fair
To the kids. And then, again, later on,
A split with Josie’s mum. But not downcast:
These kids are great fun to be with, oh yeah!
Off out to collect Josie, taking her
To Pizza Hut with Pearl. Today’s the last
Time I’ll see Pearl in the old house. Yes. They’re
Selling it later on this month. That’s where
I bought my first house, but left, three years on
In ’96, leaving wife and kids there
In Burnage; a bedsit in Withington
Was my only lonely destination.
But though our family split, we parents cast
Our differences aside; tried to be fair
To the kids. And then, again, later on,
A split with Josie’s mum. But not downcast:
These kids are great fun to be with, oh yeah!
Saturday 3 October 2009
1125 - After reading all about northern Spain
It’s getting close, now, to my holiday
This morning I popped out to buy some stuff
A dictaphone: I’ll be able to say
My thoughts, record people and sounds. I’d love
To think up some songs or poems and shove
Them on it, then and there. Santiago,
Here I come, though by car, and from the south,
Down Porto way, and after one day, go
On to Coruña and Oviedo.
But before that, there’ll be a weekend stay
In Madrid. (Nightlife to make me feel rough!)
Then down the road I go to Toledo
Not forgetting Navarre, the Basque Country,
The Pyrenees, Biarritz… Stop! Enough!
This morning I popped out to buy some stuff
A dictaphone: I’ll be able to say
My thoughts, record people and sounds. I’d love
To think up some songs or poems and shove
Them on it, then and there. Santiago,
Here I come, though by car, and from the south,
Down Porto way, and after one day, go
On to Coruña and Oviedo.
But before that, there’ll be a weekend stay
In Madrid. (Nightlife to make me feel rough!)
Then down the road I go to Toledo
Not forgetting Navarre, the Basque Country,
The Pyrenees, Biarritz… Stop! Enough!
Friday 2 October 2009
1124 - Safe European homes?
Hats off to world-famous British justice,
The envy of all benighted nations!
Examples of its recent victories -
Six years for the man who’d abused for months
And then killed his girlfriend’s two-year old son…
He should be out in three. The mother’s free
(She’s suffered enough.) Next, the old woman
Of seventy, done for assault on the
Teenager, part of a gang said to be
Throwing stones at her window. She got pissed
Off, jabbing him in the chest. Well, this sends
A good message out, eh? Society
Must not protect itself! Call the police
(…But don’t bother if the offender’s young)
The envy of all benighted nations!
Examples of its recent victories -
Six years for the man who’d abused for months
And then killed his girlfriend’s two-year old son…
He should be out in three. The mother’s free
(She’s suffered enough.) Next, the old woman
Of seventy, done for assault on the
Teenager, part of a gang said to be
Throwing stones at her window. She got pissed
Off, jabbing him in the chest. Well, this sends
A good message out, eh? Society
Must not protect itself! Call the police
(…But don’t bother if the offender’s young)
Thursday 1 October 2009
1123 - Time for bed, said Zebedee
It’s Thursday evening, watching Question Time
Having begun recording ‘World War Three’
My aim’s to finish this song before I’m
Off on my holiday, late on Monday.
At least I have succeeded, despite the
Best efforts of Ryanair, to print out
My boarding pass. Walked to the library
At lunchtime to hand in some books. About
Parity between pound and euro. Ouch!
Got euros from the Post Office. Now I’m
Nearly ready to travel. On Friday
I need to book a hired car. When out
In Biarritz, I’ll drive it, start to climb
The Pyrenees. But now, bedtime for me!
Having begun recording ‘World War Three’
My aim’s to finish this song before I’m
Off on my holiday, late on Monday.
At least I have succeeded, despite the
Best efforts of Ryanair, to print out
My boarding pass. Walked to the library
At lunchtime to hand in some books. About
Parity between pound and euro. Ouch!
Got euros from the Post Office. Now I’m
Nearly ready to travel. On Friday
I need to book a hired car. When out
In Biarritz, I’ll drive it, start to climb
The Pyrenees. But now, bedtime for me!
1122 - Rain and Ryanair
A ‘rare’ rainy day in Manchester town
Thank God I was at work, watching drizzle
Through the window as the meeting wound down
While window-cleaners washed. Now de-sozzled
On mugs of tea, we worked with less hassle
Sat inside in our warm office. Can’t print
My Ryanair boarding card! A puzzle -
I’d just checked my online Amex statement
Which clearly showed my flight to France payment…
Yet their helpline girl said, with unseen frown,
“We don’t accept Amex.” Quickly guzzled
My sandwich and banana, and then went
To Central Library. Poems read round
And feedback given around the table
Thank God I was at work, watching drizzle
Through the window as the meeting wound down
While window-cleaners washed. Now de-sozzled
On mugs of tea, we worked with less hassle
Sat inside in our warm office. Can’t print
My Ryanair boarding card! A puzzle -
I’d just checked my online Amex statement
Which clearly showed my flight to France payment…
Yet their helpline girl said, with unseen frown,
“We don’t accept Amex.” Quickly guzzled
My sandwich and banana, and then went
To Central Library. Poems read round
And feedback given around the table
Tuesday 29 September 2009
1121 - Not funny money
I got a real shock checking my account
At work today. Just a few quid within
My overdraft limit. ‘You cupid stunt!’
Or words to that effect, echoed round in
My mind. In just a few days I begin
My two week holiday. I’ve still to pay
For two weeks’ hired car. I’ll need spending
Money, and payment for places to stay.
I’ll have to go about things the wrong way
And buy things on credit. To be quite blunt,
I’m skint, thanks to Josie’s piano lessons
And other things she needed, like ballet(!)
And driving Louis to London wouldn’t
Be cheap, I knew that. (I should’ve stayed in!!)
Tue 29 Sept
At work today. Just a few quid within
My overdraft limit. ‘You cupid stunt!’
Or words to that effect, echoed round in
My mind. In just a few days I begin
My two week holiday. I’ve still to pay
For two weeks’ hired car. I’ll need spending
Money, and payment for places to stay.
I’ll have to go about things the wrong way
And buy things on credit. To be quite blunt,
I’m skint, thanks to Josie’s piano lessons
And other things she needed, like ballet(!)
And driving Louis to London wouldn’t
Be cheap, I knew that. (I should’ve stayed in!!)
Tue 29 Sept
1120 - You never miss your water
Set the alarm for the heart of the sun
Aren’t you the gigolo aunt, or are you
The man from uncle, ankles hurt when run
Oh marathon man, are you lonely too
Only the lonely long-distance will do
The long and winding road leads to whose door
Please light my fire, and relight it, Lulu
Lolo and Antoine, can you help me score
Mountain of coke, I’d do it, cos it’s there
Run run run, Lou, and also you, Jo-Jo Gunne
Happiness is a warm gun, Boogaloo
So rack off, Kylie, and Danii, you score
Nothing in the X Factor, and Simon
Cowell, oh well, Peter Green’s right on cue
Mon 28 Sept
Aren’t you the gigolo aunt, or are you
The man from uncle, ankles hurt when run
Oh marathon man, are you lonely too
Only the lonely long-distance will do
The long and winding road leads to whose door
Please light my fire, and relight it, Lulu
Lolo and Antoine, can you help me score
Mountain of coke, I’d do it, cos it’s there
Run run run, Lou, and also you, Jo-Jo Gunne
Happiness is a warm gun, Boogaloo
So rack off, Kylie, and Danii, you score
Nothing in the X Factor, and Simon
Cowell, oh well, Peter Green’s right on cue
Mon 28 Sept
1119 - Driving about in London and Paris
London and Paris, a comparison
So different, yes, and ‘Vive la diffé rence!’
London is many different towns, not one
Paris is more homogeneous, more since
Baron Haussmann tore up the town, convinced
That diseases and revolutions would
Be brought to an end. And then London sensed
It needed a similar boulevard
So creating The Mall. Though The Blitz scarred
The face of London, the money was gone
At war’s end, so no grand redesign, hence
London remains chaotic, rather hard
To drive round, a maze, a chameleon,
While Paris has straight lines and elegance
Sun 27 Sept
So different, yes, and ‘Vive la diffé rence!’
London is many different towns, not one
Paris is more homogeneous, more since
Baron Haussmann tore up the town, convinced
That diseases and revolutions would
Be brought to an end. And then London sensed
It needed a similar boulevard
So creating The Mall. Though The Blitz scarred
The face of London, the money was gone
At war’s end, so no grand redesign, hence
London remains chaotic, rather hard
To drive round, a maze, a chameleon,
While Paris has straight lines and elegance
Sun 27 Sept
1118 - On the Old Kent Road
Oh what a drive! Why is there always stress
When going long distances to a match?
From Manchester to Harrow, the address
Where Louis will be living, a quick snatch
Of his belongings from the car, quick march
Up the stairs with them; then, trying to get
To the M25 (East) while attached
To Saturday lunchtime traffic jams - it
Was not easy; nor was getting to Kent
Over the Dartford Crossing, but impressed
With views of distant London. Made the match -
They’d only just kicked off. It was so hot
For late September, girls scantily dressed…
Epic drive through London on the way back
Sat 26 Aug
When going long distances to a match?
From Manchester to Harrow, the address
Where Louis will be living, a quick snatch
Of his belongings from the car, quick march
Up the stairs with them; then, trying to get
To the M25 (East) while attached
To Saturday lunchtime traffic jams - it
Was not easy; nor was getting to Kent
Over the Dartford Crossing, but impressed
With views of distant London. Made the match -
They’d only just kicked off. It was so hot
For late September, girls scantily dressed…
Epic drive through London on the way back
Sat 26 Aug
1117 - Thoughts as I prepare to leave the office on a sunny Friday afternoon
It's looking nice out there through the window
The sun is shining, but won't be for long
And when I've written this, I'll up and go
Home, via the shops. Would a beer be wrong?
Need to doze off early, for there's a long
Long drive tomorrow, to Harrow and then
To Gillingham in Kent - yes, I'll be stung
For petrol costs, but if not now, then when
Will we visit that club? And I will send
Louis to his rented room in Harrow
Start of his second year, film production
It's really quite naughty of me to spend
When my hols are coming up. His fault, though -
There's buses that the lad could have got on...
Fri 25 Sept
The sun is shining, but won't be for long
And when I've written this, I'll up and go
Home, via the shops. Would a beer be wrong?
Need to doze off early, for there's a long
Long drive tomorrow, to Harrow and then
To Gillingham in Kent - yes, I'll be stung
For petrol costs, but if not now, then when
Will we visit that club? And I will send
Louis to his rented room in Harrow
Start of his second year, film production
It's really quite naughty of me to spend
When my hols are coming up. His fault, though -
There's buses that the lad could have got on...
Fri 25 Sept
1116 - Take me to the Hebden Bridge
I did drive to Hebden last night, despite
Taking a wrong turning. They start so late
It would be hard to miss open mic night
Which starts about 9:15. See? So late
Especially for the likes of me, to wait
Around while folk come and go for a smoke
By the canal, or reach a drunken state
Maybe explains the frequency some folk
Forget their lyrics, like the short fat bloke
Who had to abandon song in mid-flight
Or maybe, mid-fight, as he fought his fate
The words refusing to fly back. So, choked,
He resumed seat and pint, and thought what might
Have been, clear mind able to concentrate
Thur 24 Sept
Taking a wrong turning. They start so late
It would be hard to miss open mic night
Which starts about 9:15. See? So late
Especially for the likes of me, to wait
Around while folk come and go for a smoke
By the canal, or reach a drunken state
Maybe explains the frequency some folk
Forget their lyrics, like the short fat bloke
Who had to abandon song in mid-flight
Or maybe, mid-fight, as he fought his fate
The words refusing to fly back. So, choked,
He resumed seat and pint, and thought what might
Have been, clear mind able to concentrate
Thur 24 Sept
1115 - To go, or not to go
To go to Hebden? Well, I'm in the mood
For a music night, especially since I
Pulled out of 'Twang' last night. Need to improve
And for that, need to practice linking my
Voice to the guitar strokes, and also try
To make my voice stronger, louder. It's got
Noticeably better lately, though I
Have only done a handful of short slots
Sometimes part-poetry, and sometimes not
At various pubs, and often far removed
From public appraisal; but you can't fly
Before you can walk, before you can trot
Then you can run, then take off. First subdued
And terrified, confident by and by
Wed 23 Sept
For a music night, especially since I
Pulled out of 'Twang' last night. Need to improve
And for that, need to practice linking my
Voice to the guitar strokes, and also try
To make my voice stronger, louder. It's got
Noticeably better lately, though I
Have only done a handful of short slots
Sometimes part-poetry, and sometimes not
At various pubs, and often far removed
From public appraisal; but you can't fly
Before you can walk, before you can trot
Then you can run, then take off. First subdued
And terrified, confident by and by
Wed 23 Sept
1114 - Noisy night in
At home this evening, two vocals laid down
'The Day You Went Away' and a new take
Of 'When I Was In Paris.' Now both sound
Quite acceptable (can't hear the mistakes!)
I'm glad it was productive. Had to make
A tough choice - work on these songs or, instead
Go to the music night and try to make
Some new musical contacts. But I dread
Going to such events, for in my head
I think I won't enjoy myself... I've found
However, that I usually do. Mistake
To be too shy. I played along to Led
Zep, Brian Wilson, Velvet Underground
And Yes, drinking beer so I could outflake!
Tue 22 Sept
'The Day You Went Away' and a new take
Of 'When I Was In Paris.' Now both sound
Quite acceptable (can't hear the mistakes!)
I'm glad it was productive. Had to make
A tough choice - work on these songs or, instead
Go to the music night and try to make
Some new musical contacts. But I dread
Going to such events, for in my head
I think I won't enjoy myself... I've found
However, that I usually do. Mistake
To be too shy. I played along to Led
Zep, Brian Wilson, Velvet Underground
And Yes, drinking beer so I could outflake!
Tue 22 Sept
1113 - Painted sky
It’s nice to be at home when I’m this tired
Not having a show to which I must go
And prepare for, or try to be inspired
No, I’ll just relax… Probably won’t, you know!
Maybe I’ll play a game of stone the crow
Or do some ironing, Byronically
Maybe turn on the taps, go with the flow
Or read me some Byron, ironically
Byron? Huh, I don’t think I’ve got any…
Hmm. I wonder if he tried a triad?
The evening sky, all orange purple glow
Darkens minute by minute, rapidly
It’s only 7:15, but retired
Alone here in my flat’s not that bad, no
Mon 21 Sept
Not having a show to which I must go
And prepare for, or try to be inspired
No, I’ll just relax… Probably won’t, you know!
Maybe I’ll play a game of stone the crow
Or do some ironing, Byronically
Maybe turn on the taps, go with the flow
Or read me some Byron, ironically
Byron? Huh, I don’t think I’ve got any…
Hmm. I wonder if he tried a triad?
The evening sky, all orange purple glow
Darkens minute by minute, rapidly
It’s only 7:15, but retired
Alone here in my flat’s not that bad, no
Mon 21 Sept
1112 - Near death experience on stage (well, more like in the corner of the back room of a small pub)
Last night I found myself lost in Oldham
Not the best place to get lost, but some folk
Gave me directions; I’m grateful to them
Once again, Google Maps are just a joke
They seem to get the main roads right, but poke
Deeper and the info’s wide of the mark
I found the Gardener’s Arms and quickly broke
Open my wallet for a pint. Embarked
Right away on my set. It was remarked
I did okay, despite the mic problems
You often get at small gigs. Nearly choked
At one point, forgetting the words, but hark!
(He said poetically!) Muse, please send them
Special delivery, before I croak!
Not the best place to get lost, but some folk
Gave me directions; I’m grateful to them
Once again, Google Maps are just a joke
They seem to get the main roads right, but poke
Deeper and the info’s wide of the mark
I found the Gardener’s Arms and quickly broke
Open my wallet for a pint. Embarked
Right away on my set. It was remarked
I did okay, despite the mic problems
You often get at small gigs. Nearly choked
At one point, forgetting the words, but hark!
(He said poetically!) Muse, please send them
Special delivery, before I croak!
1111 - Four ones
Four ones like four freedoms, freedom from fear
Four ones look like Four Oaks where I was born
Four ones, a fallen ladder costs you dear
Four ones, the forms of black teeth all forlorn
Four lines record sonnet one one one one
Four lines shaping its middle, rolls of fat
Four lines on my forehead show youth has gone
Four lines in your email have left me flat
Four decades and more of drawn-out impact
Four decades only I remember clear
Four decades of full consciousness and fact
Four decades and more of receding years
Four ones make four, but also much much more
A grand, a ton, eleven’s the full score
Sat 19 Sept
Four ones look like Four Oaks where I was born
Four ones, a fallen ladder costs you dear
Four ones, the forms of black teeth all forlorn
Four lines record sonnet one one one one
Four lines shaping its middle, rolls of fat
Four lines on my forehead show youth has gone
Four lines in your email have left me flat
Four decades and more of drawn-out impact
Four decades only I remember clear
Four decades of full consciousness and fact
Four decades and more of receding years
Four ones make four, but also much much more
A grand, a ton, eleven’s the full score
Sat 19 Sept
1110 - Plans (some may have to be shelved if it rains)
I'm getting excited 'bout the weekend
It should be sunny and my plans are thus:
To make music tonight, drink at the end
To fall asleep quickly would be a plus
Tomorrow, I'll take Jo to the Red House
With its maize maze, it should be amazing
Then Busking 4 Beer, Oldham - dangerous
Location, but should be fun, with singing
And poetry (that's me). Plans are, staying
In Oldham overnight; then lunchtime, wend
My way back home, let free creative juice
And possibly Bolton, Sunday evening
For a writer's group meeting. Can't defend
Marriage, when I've variety such as this...
Fri 19 Sept
It should be sunny and my plans are thus:
To make music tonight, drink at the end
To fall asleep quickly would be a plus
Tomorrow, I'll take Jo to the Red House
With its maize maze, it should be amazing
Then Busking 4 Beer, Oldham - dangerous
Location, but should be fun, with singing
And poetry (that's me). Plans are, staying
In Oldham overnight; then lunchtime, wend
My way back home, let free creative juice
And possibly Bolton, Sunday evening
For a writer's group meeting. Can't defend
Marriage, when I've variety such as this...
Fri 19 Sept
1109 - Thursday's not the worst day
My knee’s been sore for days now, since Sunday
I banged it hard on the radiator
When I knew Pearl was staying on Wednesday…
I was cleaning the surfaces and floor
And banged it hard on the radiator
Last night’s Weber, Rachmaninov and Brahms -
The highlight, Brahms’ Symphony number 4 -
Went well, and then a curry in Rusholme’s
Al Mughal restaurant. Today the calm
In the flat was shattered, as we both played
For 3 hours, keys and electric guitar
From library sheet music I borrowed for
This very purpose. Pearl watched me read poems
For the first time, at the Museum Café
Then chips with Andy. Fun day, to be sure!
Thur 17 Sept
I banged it hard on the radiator
When I knew Pearl was staying on Wednesday…
I was cleaning the surfaces and floor
And banged it hard on the radiator
Last night’s Weber, Rachmaninov and Brahms -
The highlight, Brahms’ Symphony number 4 -
Went well, and then a curry in Rusholme’s
Al Mughal restaurant. Today the calm
In the flat was shattered, as we both played
For 3 hours, keys and electric guitar
From library sheet music I borrowed for
This very purpose. Pearl watched me read poems
For the first time, at the Museum Café
Then chips with Andy. Fun day, to be sure!
Thur 17 Sept
1108 - Shock absorber
My car awaits collection from Cedric's
Garage, in Hulme, after its MOT
I phoned earlier, to see what they'd fixed
Not too much wrong with it, surprisingly
Which is a financial relief to me
With my holiday in Spain not far off
I'll then pick up Pearl in Burnage; we'll see
A concert featuring Rachmaninov
At the Bridgewater Hall, all oldies, toffs
And us. Very bad news about Alex
The host of Andy's Bolton shows, who we
Have often hung around with, on and off
Missing in Panama for several weeks
His belongings still in his room... Scary
Wed 16 Sept
Garage, in Hulme, after its MOT
I phoned earlier, to see what they'd fixed
Not too much wrong with it, surprisingly
Which is a financial relief to me
With my holiday in Spain not far off
I'll then pick up Pearl in Burnage; we'll see
A concert featuring Rachmaninov
At the Bridgewater Hall, all oldies, toffs
And us. Very bad news about Alex
The host of Andy's Bolton shows, who we
Have often hung around with, on and off
Missing in Panama for several weeks
His belongings still in his room... Scary
Wed 16 Sept
1107 - Shove thy neighbour
Those noisy buggers below struck again
Last night, the guy bellowing on the phone
At 1 am, then later, I heard them
Talking, music at 2:30 that droned
Upwards, drowning my quiet radio sound
Too bad, as today, had to get my car
MOT'd in Hulme, at Cedric's, then, soon
As poss, get to the office on foot: far
Enough, but worse when tired and late. At four-
Twenty, an eye test. New operation
With lasers an option. My eyes have grown
Dimmer since the first op in '01. Poor
Me, then I need to collect car, if / when
I can afford the repair bill I'm thrown...
Tue 15 Sept
Last night, the guy bellowing on the phone
At 1 am, then later, I heard them
Talking, music at 2:30 that droned
Upwards, drowning my quiet radio sound
Too bad, as today, had to get my car
MOT'd in Hulme, at Cedric's, then, soon
As poss, get to the office on foot: far
Enough, but worse when tired and late. At four-
Twenty, an eye test. New operation
With lasers an option. My eyes have grown
Dimmer since the first op in '01. Poor
Me, then I need to collect car, if / when
I can afford the repair bill I'm thrown...
Tue 15 Sept
1106 - The Rollright Stone
Am rapidly reading a Rolling Stones-
Related ream of recounting by Bill
Wyman. Why, man? And why did Brian Jones
That jaded junkie, jump into the pool?
Some pick on Mick, but sick enough to kill
An ex-friend on a bender, at the end
Of his tether? Neither he nor Keith will
Appear to care when they’re so quick to spend
Their cash, like Jumping Jack Flash. Old girlfriend
Of Brian’s, Anita - now Keith’s her own
Could he be why, man, a pale pile of pills
Were popped by Brian, high, low, and few friends?
Wyman’s a wiser man, his groaning bones
Are rolling into stone age, rolling still…
The Rollright Stones are ancient standing stones, west of Oxfordshire
Mon 14 Sept
Related ream of recounting by Bill
Wyman. Why, man? And why did Brian Jones
That jaded junkie, jump into the pool?
Some pick on Mick, but sick enough to kill
An ex-friend on a bender, at the end
Of his tether? Neither he nor Keith will
Appear to care when they’re so quick to spend
Their cash, like Jumping Jack Flash. Old girlfriend
Of Brian’s, Anita - now Keith’s her own
Could he be why, man, a pale pile of pills
Were popped by Brian, high, low, and few friends?
Wyman’s a wiser man, his groaning bones
Are rolling into stone age, rolling still…
The Rollright Stones are ancient standing stones, west of Oxfordshire
Mon 14 Sept
1105 - The chips aren't down yet
Oh bloody hell, I must be really dumb
I’ve been redrafting poetry all day long
And evening too; now ten o’clock has come
And I forgot my sonnet! For so long
I’ve written one each day; yes, for so long
And I’ll continue, till the day I croak
So how did I forget? My brain belongs
To the dustbin. My memory’s a joke.
As a reward for all my literary work
(Alcohol’s not permitted), think I’ll bomb
Down Burnage Lane, home of the chip. Among
Four chip shops, I’ll spend without going broke
Then I’ll drive back here, pour gravy upon
My feast, and then I’ll eat it loud and long!
Sun 13 Sept
I’ve been redrafting poetry all day long
And evening too; now ten o’clock has come
And I forgot my sonnet! For so long
I’ve written one each day; yes, for so long
And I’ll continue, till the day I croak
So how did I forget? My brain belongs
To the dustbin. My memory’s a joke.
As a reward for all my literary work
(Alcohol’s not permitted), think I’ll bomb
Down Burnage Lane, home of the chip. Among
Four chip shops, I’ll spend without going broke
Then I’ll drive back here, pour gravy upon
My feast, and then I’ll eat it loud and long!
Sun 13 Sept
1104 - Rural Salford
Pale orange strip of sky over rooftops
Crowned by a refreshing shade of light blue
Around the point where blue starts, orange stops
A screen of green leaves from a tree or two
It always amazes, this Salford view
That feels like somewhere rural and rustic
While phases of sunny evening skies queue
To delight and surprise with rhetoric
Of natural watercolours, artless, thick
And smooth. As minutes pass, the orange drops
And fades, the blue changes to darker hue
A bright red street light shines behind the sticks
And branches of a tree no axe has chopped
A reminder of forests that once grew
Sat 12 Sept
Crowned by a refreshing shade of light blue
Around the point where blue starts, orange stops
A screen of green leaves from a tree or two
It always amazes, this Salford view
That feels like somewhere rural and rustic
While phases of sunny evening skies queue
To delight and surprise with rhetoric
Of natural watercolours, artless, thick
And smooth. As minutes pass, the orange drops
And fades, the blue changes to darker hue
A bright red street light shines behind the sticks
And branches of a tree no axe has chopped
A reminder of forests that once grew
Sat 12 Sept
1103 - Blue Friday
This famous date will live in infamy
The day I did ‘Blue Monday’ - acoustic!
Despite this, most were very kind to me
And that’s boosted my confidence, cos stick
Is hard to overcome, learning the trick
Of singing and performing live. But my
Own song, ‘You Are The Cat’ - got that down slick!
So one out of two ain’t too bad! I’ll try
To do more practising, and by and by
It should all eventually gel nicely!
The usual poets, and some new, a mix
Played at The Crescent tonight. Pleased that I
Bothered to do it, though stressful for me
But each time it gets closer to perfect!
Fri 11 Sept
The day I did ‘Blue Monday’ - acoustic!
Despite this, most were very kind to me
And that’s boosted my confidence, cos stick
Is hard to overcome, learning the trick
Of singing and performing live. But my
Own song, ‘You Are The Cat’ - got that down slick!
So one out of two ain’t too bad! I’ll try
To do more practising, and by and by
It should all eventually gel nicely!
The usual poets, and some new, a mix
Played at The Crescent tonight. Pleased that I
Bothered to do it, though stressful for me
But each time it gets closer to perfect!
Fri 11 Sept
1102 - This time we'll get it wrong again
So last night England qualified in style
For World Cup 2010, South Africa
Capello marshalled the lads all the while
Like an old, extremely strict, schoolmaster
Discipline is the watchword, much harsher
Than under Steve McLaren or Keegan
If he tells them not to be nervous, there
Are no nerves, even at Wembley - no, none!
And so, the barmy army shall feel sun
On their shaved heads next summer, as they file
Into Jo'burg, Cape Town, Pretoria
East London, Pietermaritzburg, Durban
Hoping to see the whites go the whole mile
And lift the World Cup! Dream on, lads, ha ha!!!
Thur 10 Sept
For World Cup 2010, South Africa
Capello marshalled the lads all the while
Like an old, extremely strict, schoolmaster
Discipline is the watchword, much harsher
Than under Steve McLaren or Keegan
If he tells them not to be nervous, there
Are no nerves, even at Wembley - no, none!
And so, the barmy army shall feel sun
On their shaved heads next summer, as they file
Into Jo'burg, Cape Town, Pretoria
East London, Pietermaritzburg, Durban
Hoping to see the whites go the whole mile
And lift the World Cup! Dream on, lads, ha ha!!!
Thur 10 Sept
1101 - Blank summer
I've no great memories of the summer
It was just one of those blank periods
When looking back, I already wonder
What happened then? Just what was it I did?
I shall consult diary, see what it said
All I can find that sticks in the mind is
My few days in Ireland, and then it's dead
Apart from one day's clear-cut memories
Of taking Josie to see Manchester's
Asian festival in the sunshine. There
Is not much else that sticks out. Too much mud
And rain, and beer, has left a muddled mess
Of summer, or what I can remember
Too much work, maybe? Too much being good?
Wed 9 Sept
It was just one of those blank periods
When looking back, I already wonder
What happened then? Just what was it I did?
I shall consult diary, see what it said
All I can find that sticks in the mind is
My few days in Ireland, and then it's dead
Apart from one day's clear-cut memories
Of taking Josie to see Manchester's
Asian festival in the sunshine. There
Is not much else that sticks out. Too much mud
And rain, and beer, has left a muddled mess
Of summer, or what I can remember
Too much work, maybe? Too much being good?
Wed 9 Sept
1100 - Sonnet from the wrong side of the moat
This is the 12th century of sonnets
I'm now well into the middle ages
And I cannot tell you how much fun it's
Been to travel through time and verse like this
I'm still in the remote past; reminisce
If you will, knights, crusades, pox large and small
Black teeth and rotting gums received your kiss
Deep in the shadows of the castle wall
Today survival seems incredible
Under these harsh conditions, but then let's
Picture future beings saying of us
How did they put up with all this? Appalled
They'll note our short lifespan, cancer, war... Gets
The thumbs down, I bet. A time better missed?
Tue 8 Sept
I'm now well into the middle ages
And I cannot tell you how much fun it's
Been to travel through time and verse like this
I'm still in the remote past; reminisce
If you will, knights, crusades, pox large and small
Black teeth and rotting gums received your kiss
Deep in the shadows of the castle wall
Today survival seems incredible
Under these harsh conditions, but then let's
Picture future beings saying of us
How did they put up with all this? Appalled
They'll note our short lifespan, cancer, war... Gets
The thumbs down, I bet. A time better missed?
Tue 8 Sept
1099 - Drink and mugs
S’cuse me, I just need to nip to the loo
That’s better… It’s that big mug of coffee
That did it…And before that, I drank two
In the pub, one beer and one orange… See,
I was driving. And it’s been good lately
Driving to pubs: stops me drinking, smoking
Which I do when I’ve had a beer or three
It also helps my brain cope with writing
Whether there or later on, when sitting
At my writing desk, like I’m doing now…
Damn! I’ve just realised… In Sainsburys
I forgot bread rolls… So, there’s no making
Tomorrow’s lunch. I must remember to
Pop in there on the way to work, Tuesday
Mon 7 Sept
That’s better… It’s that big mug of coffee
That did it…And before that, I drank two
In the pub, one beer and one orange… See,
I was driving. And it’s been good lately
Driving to pubs: stops me drinking, smoking
Which I do when I’ve had a beer or three
It also helps my brain cope with writing
Whether there or later on, when sitting
At my writing desk, like I’m doing now…
Damn! I’ve just realised… In Sainsburys
I forgot bread rolls… So, there’s no making
Tomorrow’s lunch. I must remember to
Pop in there on the way to work, Tuesday
Mon 7 Sept
1098 - I am also the eggman
I wouldn’t mind some fish and chips right now
Should I be naughty and nip out? No, no
I’ll knock me up a quick snack soon somehow
And then I won’t miss any of this show
About The Beatles. Anyway, anyhow
I’ve got a few tins of beans calling me
I’ve got a bag of pasta that’s a wow
Pasta and beans sounds pretty good to me
It also looks simple and quite pretty
And doesn’t taste too bad. A food lowbrow
Is what I am, and also, I don’t know
Much about cooking - it’s boring, you see…
So now I’ve squeezed this poem out, allow
Me to go and eat supper. Let me go!
Sun 6 Sept
Should I be naughty and nip out? No, no
I’ll knock me up a quick snack soon somehow
And then I won’t miss any of this show
About The Beatles. Anyway, anyhow
I’ve got a few tins of beans calling me
I’ve got a bag of pasta that’s a wow
Pasta and beans sounds pretty good to me
It also looks simple and quite pretty
And doesn’t taste too bad. A food lowbrow
Is what I am, and also, I don’t know
Much about cooking - it’s boring, you see…
So now I’ve squeezed this poem out, allow
Me to go and eat supper. Let me go!
Sun 6 Sept
1097 - Help me, if you can, remember what I did
A lovely day at my Mum’s home, with Claire
(My sister) also there, and Josephine…
Had lunch at Ellie’s Café near there
And then me and Josie checked out the scene
Down Greasby park with all its tots and teens
They’re climbing up, down, all around the swings
Like little monkeys. Then, after we’d been
On the library computer, watching
Football back at my Mum’s, eating, chatting
Taking a few pics with my phone, then we’re
Off homewards. Got back quick, cos I was keen
To watch The Beatles programmes they’re showing…
They’re about to screen ‘Help’ - not seen that for
Twenty-five years or more… or so it seems
Sat 5 Sept
(My sister) also there, and Josephine…
Had lunch at Ellie’s Café near there
And then me and Josie checked out the scene
Down Greasby park with all its tots and teens
They’re climbing up, down, all around the swings
Like little monkeys. Then, after we’d been
On the library computer, watching
Football back at my Mum’s, eating, chatting
Taking a few pics with my phone, then we’re
Off homewards. Got back quick, cos I was keen
To watch The Beatles programmes they’re showing…
They’re about to screen ‘Help’ - not seen that for
Twenty-five years or more… or so it seems
Sat 5 Sept
1096 - From Scotland to Salford
It’s freezing tonight. Got a jumper on
For the first time in several weeks, you know
It was quite warm earlier when the sun
Did its cameo up there in Glasgow
And Paisley, briefly popping its hat on
Psychedelically, but not parking it
No! Rain fell too, but not purple-hued. Down
It crashes, here on Salford, godlike spit
Lashing the gutters of a cleaner town
Than days of old that Ewen used to know
Now Ordsall is reborn, against odds, thrown
Into post-modern BBC-dom grown
The Quays to the new media kingdom
But cold it grows. May the sun shine on snow.
Fri 4 Sept
For the first time in several weeks, you know
It was quite warm earlier when the sun
Did its cameo up there in Glasgow
And Paisley, briefly popping its hat on
Psychedelically, but not parking it
No! Rain fell too, but not purple-hued. Down
It crashes, here on Salford, godlike spit
Lashing the gutters of a cleaner town
Than days of old that Ewen used to know
Now Ordsall is reborn, against odds, thrown
Into post-modern BBC-dom grown
The Quays to the new media kingdom
But cold it grows. May the sun shine on snow.
Fri 4 Sept
1095 - Glorious - and inglorious - Glasgow
Caught the Glasgow train, changing at Preston
Met John H. on the second of those trains
Another work trip up here in Scotland
You know, the cold place where it often rains
Walked through the hilly criss-cross streets like veins
Of colour stitched in tartan, right angles
And straight lines, angles and then more straight lines
And lines of schoolgirls, waves of student girls
Some jogging, washing my senses, eyes full
Caught the tube to Kelvingrove, standing on
The banks of the Clyde, by Partick Bridge. Seems
We got there too late to see Dali…Full
Of tandoori mixed grill, I went, alone
To watch ‘Inglourious Basterds’ … Damn Germans!
Thur 3 Sept
Met John H. on the second of those trains
Another work trip up here in Scotland
You know, the cold place where it often rains
Walked through the hilly criss-cross streets like veins
Of colour stitched in tartan, right angles
And straight lines, angles and then more straight lines
And lines of schoolgirls, waves of student girls
Some jogging, washing my senses, eyes full
Caught the tube to Kelvingrove, standing on
The banks of the Clyde, by Partick Bridge. Seems
We got there too late to see Dali…Full
Of tandoori mixed grill, I went, alone
To watch ‘Inglourious Basterds’ … Damn Germans!
Thur 3 Sept
1094 - Self-discipline gone mad
Save it! Pay off your debts! Use less water!
Drive less, walk more, don't watch so much TV
Keep the heating turned off while temperatures
Are bearable; eat less, drink moderately
Get enough sleep; don't work too hard; just be
Yourself, do what you want, not what they say
But keep it legal, stay both young and free
Keep the right balance between work and play
Keep focused so that you can seize the day
Keep fit, and eat more fruit like you oughta
Use less gas, use less electricity
Follow the news, the arts, the markets… Pray
If it helps with the relentless pressure
But don't relax, even in bed, okay?
Wed 2 Sept
Drive less, walk more, don't watch so much TV
Keep the heating turned off while temperatures
Are bearable; eat less, drink moderately
Get enough sleep; don't work too hard; just be
Yourself, do what you want, not what they say
But keep it legal, stay both young and free
Keep the right balance between work and play
Keep focused so that you can seize the day
Keep fit, and eat more fruit like you oughta
Use less gas, use less electricity
Follow the news, the arts, the markets… Pray
If it helps with the relentless pressure
But don't relax, even in bed, okay?
Wed 2 Sept
1093 - Not instant, but insistent Spanish
I’ve started learning Spanish once again
I took it at ‘A’ Level back at school
In ’81 we minibused round Spain
In ’82 myself and Andrew Bull
Stayed on the Costa Brava - not too cool
But Barcelona was within our reach -
Since then my Spanish has gone off the boil
It’s fallen off, an apathetic leech
But now I hear the call of blood and beach
Of sun and cathedrals, green hills and rain
I’ve drawn up rough plans for two weeks’ travel
From Biarritz to Porto, with the peach
Being Santiago, and Madrid when
I’m heading that way. Cielo azul…
Tue 1 Sept
I took it at ‘A’ Level back at school
In ’81 we minibused round Spain
In ’82 myself and Andrew Bull
Stayed on the Costa Brava - not too cool
But Barcelona was within our reach -
Since then my Spanish has gone off the boil
It’s fallen off, an apathetic leech
But now I hear the call of blood and beach
Of sun and cathedrals, green hills and rain
I’ve drawn up rough plans for two weeks’ travel
From Biarritz to Porto, with the peach
Being Santiago, and Madrid when
I’m heading that way. Cielo azul…
Tue 1 Sept
1092 - (Inter)net profit
I'm nearly falling asleep at my desk
Because I stayed sober until the end
Tonight, awake till two, completing tasks
That often get neglected. Tried to mend
The recent fall-off of poems; I spent
Some time on a new one, posting it on
The Write Out Loud site, where I've been absent
Not having chatted or posted since June
I also blogged on MySpace; I've redone
My new tune, 'Red' on there, so thought I'd ask
Them to listen again. Messaged some friends
And uploaded two videos, first one
The view from Tour Montparnasse, then the masque
Known as 'Insanesburys' which should leave ‘em stunned…
Mon 31 Aug
Because I stayed sober until the end
Tonight, awake till two, completing tasks
That often get neglected. Tried to mend
The recent fall-off of poems; I spent
Some time on a new one, posting it on
The Write Out Loud site, where I've been absent
Not having chatted or posted since June
I also blogged on MySpace; I've redone
My new tune, 'Red' on there, so thought I'd ask
Them to listen again. Messaged some friends
And uploaded two videos, first one
The view from Tour Montparnasse, then the masque
Known as 'Insanesburys' which should leave ‘em stunned…
Mon 31 Aug
1091 - Do You Know The Way To San Manchester?
I waited for an age at St Pancras
Outside the Eurostar arrivals door
Then finally Pearl, in a yellow dress
Was visible, waving, glad I was there
To help with the bags. We went to my car
And drove around Camden Town for a while
Because I went the wrong way. But, this star
Soon found the A1 again. Ate a pile
Of food at London Gateway, and we smiled
And chatted there for what seemed like ages
Catching up, talking about art, before
We drove up the M1 and M6, mile
After mile in the rain. Bacharach plays
‘Do You know the Way to San Manchester?’
Sun 30 Aug
Outside the Eurostar arrivals door
Then finally Pearl, in a yellow dress
Was visible, waving, glad I was there
To help with the bags. We went to my car
And drove around Camden Town for a while
Because I went the wrong way. But, this star
Soon found the A1 again. Ate a pile
Of food at London Gateway, and we smiled
And chatted there for what seemed like ages
Catching up, talking about art, before
We drove up the M1 and M6, mile
After mile in the rain. Bacharach plays
‘Do You know the Way to San Manchester?’
Sun 30 Aug
1090 - The Brewers didn't droop today
Just for the record, that song yesterday
I thought I’d lost, is now okay, online!
Now to the activities of today
A football match at Burton Albion
And, for a change, an entertaining one
With five goals, the match finishing 3-2
Burton’s three goals all coming within ten
Minutes of the start. Their first goal, it drew
Gasps of amazement. Something you don’t do
As a keeper, with the ball, is delay
Kicking it clear, but this Northampton
Goalie did delay! Burton said thank you,
Their striker dispossessed him right away,
And popped it in the open net. Played, son!
Sat 29 Aug
I thought I’d lost, is now okay, online!
Now to the activities of today
A football match at Burton Albion
And, for a change, an entertaining one
With five goals, the match finishing 3-2
Burton’s three goals all coming within ten
Minutes of the start. Their first goal, it drew
Gasps of amazement. Something you don’t do
As a keeper, with the ball, is delay
Kicking it clear, but this Northampton
Goalie did delay! Burton said thank you,
Their striker dispossessed him right away,
And popped it in the open net. Played, son!
Sat 29 Aug
1089 - Out of tune, out of time
Oh no! Oh no! A week’s work is ruined!
I finished a tune tonight, so I thought
But at the last moment evil gremlins
Crept into the mix, and tore it apart
I can’t save it now; I will have to start
From scratch on Monday, re-record it all
This music software, it’s broken my heart
A week of work’s been reduced to fuck all
The tune was ‘Red’ - but now it’s just a pall
Of smoke from a bonfire, blown in the wind
It won’t play properly, it keeps stopping short
Then starting again. Sounds bloody awful.
Maybe in a past life, or this, I sinned
But I must live with what my fate has dealt
Fri 28 Aug
I finished a tune tonight, so I thought
But at the last moment evil gremlins
Crept into the mix, and tore it apart
I can’t save it now; I will have to start
From scratch on Monday, re-record it all
This music software, it’s broken my heart
A week of work’s been reduced to fuck all
The tune was ‘Red’ - but now it’s just a pall
Of smoke from a bonfire, blown in the wind
It won’t play properly, it keeps stopping short
Then starting again. Sounds bloody awful.
Maybe in a past life, or this, I sinned
But I must live with what my fate has dealt
Fri 28 Aug
1088 - Hard labour for my neighbour
The bloody neighbours are at it again
One night it's sex, a lovey-dovey pair
The next it's nagging, screaming argument
I've really lost my patience; I hate her
More than him now. It's her causing the stir
That interrupts my rest, and makes me tired
There is a music open night later
I wanted to attend, but I've retired
Due to my tiredness, due to her weird
Oscillation between love and hate. When
Will women get a grip; not just their hair
But their emotions need it! Always fired
Up about stuff that, by contrast, we men
Couldn't give a stuff about. We don't care!
Thur 27 Aug
One night it's sex, a lovey-dovey pair
The next it's nagging, screaming argument
I've really lost my patience; I hate her
More than him now. It's her causing the stir
That interrupts my rest, and makes me tired
There is a music open night later
I wanted to attend, but I've retired
Due to my tiredness, due to her weird
Oscillation between love and hate. When
Will women get a grip; not just their hair
But their emotions need it! Always fired
Up about stuff that, by contrast, we men
Couldn't give a stuff about. We don't care!
Thur 27 Aug
1087 - It's who you know, you know
It’s who you know, you know. Who do you know?
You know who you should know, you know you should
No doubt you know you could, but you say, No!
I’m proud, I’ll only know you if you’re good
If you stand out, you know your name is mud
You know you’ll miss out, and no-one will care
For you know there’s this secret brotherhood
You must know the name of everyone there
You know the game, the rules of fame aren’t fair
You know you’re to blame, if you play too slow
You know you’ll be shamed, head hid in a hood
You know you shouldn’t brood, but you beware
Of saying No. No, just go with the flow
Know who you should know, oh, you know you should!
Wed 26 Aug
You know who you should know, you know you should
No doubt you know you could, but you say, No!
I’m proud, I’ll only know you if you’re good
If you stand out, you know your name is mud
You know you’ll miss out, and no-one will care
For you know there’s this secret brotherhood
You must know the name of everyone there
You know the game, the rules of fame aren’t fair
You know you’re to blame, if you play too slow
You know you’ll be shamed, head hid in a hood
You know you shouldn’t brood, but you beware
Of saying No. No, just go with the flow
Know who you should know, oh, you know you should!
Wed 26 Aug
1086 - Things
Things that aren’t done: a pile of ironing
Things that aren’t done: finding the right partner
Things that aren’t done: holiday room booking
Things that aren’t done: finding the right lover
Things I won’t do: buy a vacuum cleaner
Things I won’t do: get married to a nag
Things I won’t do: be a lottery sucker
Things I won’t do: be put into your bag
Things I should do: drink less beer, smoke less fags
Things I should do: more positive thinking
Things I should do: buy clothes and dress smarter
Things I should do: cough during neighbour’s shags
Things that I’ve done: well, lots of existing
Things I’ve not done: things in the right order
Tue 25 Aug
Things that aren’t done: finding the right partner
Things that aren’t done: holiday room booking
Things that aren’t done: finding the right lover
Things I won’t do: buy a vacuum cleaner
Things I won’t do: get married to a nag
Things I won’t do: be a lottery sucker
Things I won’t do: be put into your bag
Things I should do: drink less beer, smoke less fags
Things I should do: more positive thinking
Things I should do: buy clothes and dress smarter
Things I should do: cough during neighbour’s shags
Things that I’ve done: well, lots of existing
Things I’ve not done: things in the right order
Tue 25 Aug
1085 - Mumbling and grumbling
I ache with tiredness, such tiredness
That film last night, then reading for a while
Then hearing sex one floor below; all this
And waking up early has cramped my style
Too tired to play guitar, or swim the Nile
Wonder if I’ll ever go to Egypt,
Or tread on Asian or Australian soil?
Probably - most do, these days. Most have tripped
Out of their dull surroundings, open-lipped
In wonder…Or were they bored, wanting rest
From the sheep-herding process and the vile
Heat? I know how they feel; energy’s slipped
To a new low, so when I’ve written this
I’ve got a film to watch: it’s called ‘Basque Ball…’
Mon 24 Aug
That film last night, then reading for a while
Then hearing sex one floor below; all this
And waking up early has cramped my style
Too tired to play guitar, or swim the Nile
Wonder if I’ll ever go to Egypt,
Or tread on Asian or Australian soil?
Probably - most do, these days. Most have tripped
Out of their dull surroundings, open-lipped
In wonder…Or were they bored, wanting rest
From the sheep-herding process and the vile
Heat? I know how they feel; energy’s slipped
To a new low, so when I’ve written this
I’ve got a film to watch: it’s called ‘Basque Ball…’
Mon 24 Aug
1084 - Ashes of the day
12:30... I’m watching ‘Isolation,’
A late-night horror-fest (it’s on Film Four)
Starring John Lynch, set in rural Ireland
A cow gives birth to monsters, and before
You know it, their sharp teeth are spreading gore
Earlier on, I lost at tennis again
Won four games in a two set encounter
I’ll beat him one day, but I don’t know when
Watched sport for hours when I got back in
The last of the athletics from Berlin
England won The Ashes back from those poor
Australian fellows! Then, from eight till ten-
Past eleven, I worked on ‘Red’ again
(I last worked on it twenty years before!)
Sun 23 Aug
A late-night horror-fest (it’s on Film Four)
Starring John Lynch, set in rural Ireland
A cow gives birth to monsters, and before
You know it, their sharp teeth are spreading gore
Earlier on, I lost at tennis again
Won four games in a two set encounter
I’ll beat him one day, but I don’t know when
Watched sport for hours when I got back in
The last of the athletics from Berlin
England won The Ashes back from those poor
Australian fellows! Then, from eight till ten-
Past eleven, I worked on ‘Red’ again
(I last worked on it twenty years before!)
Sun 23 Aug
1083 - Even you look cute when you're asleep
Even you look cute when you are asleep
Most people do and you’re no exception
In a sleep or coma’s where you should keep
And to you then I’d have no objection
Be sure you don’t snore in my direction
Or else I’ll move you into the basement
And soundproof it to remove detection
Of your presence completely, like you went
And never came back, physical presence
Minimised, verbals neutralised, no peep
From you from dawn till dusk. I ask you, when
Will you from my life remove yourself hence?
But even you look cute when you’re asleep
Your personality in remission
Sat 22 Aug
Most people do and you’re no exception
In a sleep or coma’s where you should keep
And to you then I’d have no objection
Be sure you don’t snore in my direction
Or else I’ll move you into the basement
And soundproof it to remove detection
Of your presence completely, like you went
And never came back, physical presence
Minimised, verbals neutralised, no peep
From you from dawn till dusk. I ask you, when
Will you from my life remove yourself hence?
But even you look cute when you’re asleep
Your personality in remission
Sat 22 Aug
1082 - I'm for the high jump
I love those long thin lady high-jumpers
They look so cute and thoughtful as they wait
So childlike, so alone, so full of nerves
The close-up shots tell all. They hesitate
Then finally, with slow, long-legged gait
They start on their run towards the high bar
Approaching, they quickly accelerate
Like planes they take off, one, then another
They arch their backs in slow-mo in mid-air
A side view, from front or back, well, who cares?
They land upside down (or 'arse over tit')
The cameraman zooms in to fix them there
Then, unfrozen, the girls take their applause
The right way up again. This event's great!
Fri 21 Aug
They look so cute and thoughtful as they wait
So childlike, so alone, so full of nerves
The close-up shots tell all. They hesitate
Then finally, with slow, long-legged gait
They start on their run towards the high bar
Approaching, they quickly accelerate
Like planes they take off, one, then another
They arch their backs in slow-mo in mid-air
A side view, from front or back, well, who cares?
They land upside down (or 'arse over tit')
The cameraman zooms in to fix them there
Then, unfrozen, the girls take their applause
The right way up again. This event's great!
Fri 21 Aug
1081 - A little less poetry, a little more music, please
I'm excited by the turn of events
As I switch further from the poetry
To the music, though some old poetry friends
Might not understand, might not want to see
Or hear the results. For, initially
They saw me struggling out of my cocoon
Concluded I should get back in, unfree
To fly around, unbound, though very soon
This metamorphosis could mean I've grown
In confidence and happiness. We're meant
To do whatever comes most naturally
I've struggled to write novels, spooned and Juned
Tunes are easy as falling off a fence
With no effort, they all just fly to me
Thur 20 Aug
As I switch further from the poetry
To the music, though some old poetry friends
Might not understand, might not want to see
Or hear the results. For, initially
They saw me struggling out of my cocoon
Concluded I should get back in, unfree
To fly around, unbound, though very soon
This metamorphosis could mean I've grown
In confidence and happiness. We're meant
To do whatever comes most naturally
I've struggled to write novels, spooned and Juned
Tunes are easy as falling off a fence
With no effort, they all just fly to me
Thur 20 Aug
1080 - Open mic night at the Stamford Arms
I’m sat here with Andy, Jeff and Russell
A new open mic music night is on
We’ve done our first two songs each. Not sure, will
We do another? It’s approaching ten
That’s not so late - we sound like we’re old men
Well, Andy wants to go in half an hour
(It’s his fault!) The audience numbers ’bout ten
One guy drove up from Shrewsbury. That’s poor -
All that way, for this! By the way, the score
Was Burnley 1 and Man United 0!!
That kept the football crowd quiet. We won
The battle ’gainst their roars. I hope no more
Man U. domination of the League… Well,
As long as Moneybags Chelsea don’t win…
Wed 20 Aug
A new open mic music night is on
We’ve done our first two songs each. Not sure, will
We do another? It’s approaching ten
That’s not so late - we sound like we’re old men
Well, Andy wants to go in half an hour
(It’s his fault!) The audience numbers ’bout ten
One guy drove up from Shrewsbury. That’s poor -
All that way, for this! By the way, the score
Was Burnley 1 and Man United 0!!
That kept the football crowd quiet. We won
The battle ’gainst their roars. I hope no more
Man U. domination of the League… Well,
As long as Moneybags Chelsea don’t win…
Wed 20 Aug
1079 - Tuesday news day
Refreshed by sleep, a pleasant change, I rose
Reluctantly to work, cloudy but warm
Black shirt, black trousers, black shoes were my clothes
No funeral, just work today: the norm
Was reasserted, to which I conform
Reluctantly. Sometimes, though, it’s quite fun
Better, maybe, than keeping safe and warm
And fat and lonely at home. Got stuff done
Staying till five thirty, then had to run
To catch the News At Six. Shopping, got those
Things I needed from Sainsbury’s. Alarm
At the pear-shaped state of Afghanistan
Forgot to get bananas. Tomorrow’s
A music open mic night, Altrincham
Tue 18 Aug
Reluctantly to work, cloudy but warm
Black shirt, black trousers, black shoes were my clothes
No funeral, just work today: the norm
Was reasserted, to which I conform
Reluctantly. Sometimes, though, it’s quite fun
Better, maybe, than keeping safe and warm
And fat and lonely at home. Got stuff done
Staying till five thirty, then had to run
To catch the News At Six. Shopping, got those
Things I needed from Sainsbury’s. Alarm
At the pear-shaped state of Afghanistan
Forgot to get bananas. Tomorrow’s
A music open mic night, Altrincham
Tue 18 Aug
1078 - A sabre for my neighbour
The latest on the neighbours down below
(Where two men are now shouting and laughing…)
Where is the woman? The one who followed
The resident man, howling and screaming
Abuse at him from morning to evening:
Echoing down the staircase as he went;
Ascending through my floorboards at going
To bed time and beyond… But now he’s bent
On cheering himself up. His friend has lent
His company, his sick piggy ho-ho
A traumatic reminder of that spring
And summer ’06, when at indecent
Hours of the night, these two losers would throw
Wild and long sessions, whooping and drinking
Mon 17 August
(Where two men are now shouting and laughing…)
Where is the woman? The one who followed
The resident man, howling and screaming
Abuse at him from morning to evening:
Echoing down the staircase as he went;
Ascending through my floorboards at going
To bed time and beyond… But now he’s bent
On cheering himself up. His friend has lent
His company, his sick piggy ho-ho
A traumatic reminder of that spring
And summer ’06, when at indecent
Hours of the night, these two losers would throw
Wild and long sessions, whooping and drinking
Mon 17 August
1077 - Stone soul survivor
Some people climb mountains, strain their utmost
Some people start businesses, work all day
Some people take it slow, with tea and toast
Some people, like me, find things hard to say
But never fear, if words all slip away
Or there’s no-one to hear, no-one to text
Just play some favourite music; you’ll find they
Don’t matter. You’ve found beauty so complex
Beauty that never ages, never sets
Out to cause pain. Guardian angel ghost
You flit from long dead brain into mine. Play,
Play on till I’m asleep, my genius guest -
Only you understand, are not opposed
To soul’s expression through some other way
Sun 16 Aug
Some people start businesses, work all day
Some people take it slow, with tea and toast
Some people, like me, find things hard to say
But never fear, if words all slip away
Or there’s no-one to hear, no-one to text
Just play some favourite music; you’ll find they
Don’t matter. You’ve found beauty so complex
Beauty that never ages, never sets
Out to cause pain. Guardian angel ghost
You flit from long dead brain into mine. Play,
Play on till I’m asleep, my genius guest -
Only you understand, are not opposed
To soul’s expression through some other way
Sun 16 Aug
1076 - The wasps (Aristophanes meets Hitchcock)
Unusually for me, garden centres
Were where I hung out most of Saturday
It’s Josephine you have to blame for this
She wanted a particular cuddly toy
Woodford Garden Centre’s not far away
And they have fish for sale you can smile at
As they dart back and forth, all day, all day
Some look electric; some whiskered like cat
The rain stopped, so Madame decided that
We sit outside, where we both heard the buzz
Of wasps, attracted by her bright jelly
And my tomato sauce (one walked in it!)
Next - Brookside (Poynton): another wasp was
Sat on my cheeseburger. Twice in one day!
Sat 15 Aug
Were where I hung out most of Saturday
It’s Josephine you have to blame for this
She wanted a particular cuddly toy
Woodford Garden Centre’s not far away
And they have fish for sale you can smile at
As they dart back and forth, all day, all day
Some look electric; some whiskered like cat
The rain stopped, so Madame decided that
We sit outside, where we both heard the buzz
Of wasps, attracted by her bright jelly
And my tomato sauce (one walked in it!)
Next - Brookside (Poynton): another wasp was
Sat on my cheeseburger. Twice in one day!
Sat 15 Aug
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