Friday 30 April 2010

1334 - Time to move on?

Passed over for promotion, I’m thinking
About a voluntary move elsewhere
I want to stay here in the same building
A short walk from my flat - no transport fare
Is required, no parking cost incurred
I was as good as told my work is fine
But somehow that’s not good enough; how weird
Fed up of always being left behind
There is a time to move - is now that time?
The long Bank Holiday weekend’s coming
Which gives me the chance to think it over
But at the least I should give them a sign
They need to consider their managing
Their disloyalty seems to make mine fair

1333 - The third debate

The third and final debate concluded
And I have to say, I think Cameron
Did the best, Brown the next, and Clegg, well he did
Less well, no longer seeming as though one
Morally better. The idealism
Of ’97 is dead. How to pick
One or the other is the point. We can’t
Choose when there’s so little between. We’ll stick
With a hung Parliament. Could it be Nick
Clegg will wield the balance of power? Did
He do enough? No, not really. The fun
Continues. My postal vote’s gone. The slick
Performance of Dave may have now ended
Brown’s premiership. The soap opera goes on…
Thur 29 April

1332 - Un-cooperative in Rochdale

A day of disaster for Mr Brown
In Rochdale, meeting ‘ordinary folk’
He failed to charm a granny and, with sound
Still on, he raged in his car; shouldn’t’ve spoke
To that ‘bigoted woman.’ Well, the bloke
Has harmed his campaign. Now he seems destined
To come second, or even third. The yoke
Of electioneering! He says he sinned.
Fixed smile outside her house, the sinner grinned
Or grimaced: I’m not sure, but he is down
In the dumps, poll-wise, now; he has now choked
On those ill-chosen words. Can doctors spin
His way out of this? Can they spin right round?
Is he dead or alive? (Musical joke.)
Wed 28 April

Tuesday 27 April 2010

1331 - Dawning realisation

Woken by a voice booming through the air
And my open window, before seven
Is it a building site? It’s hardly fair
To wake us workers up before having
Enough sleep to function… sleep to function…
So I lay listening to Radio 5
Nick Clegg came on at 9, pre-election
Issues crowding in on him on this live
Public phone-in. It’s so hard to survive
Voter disdain these days; is he prepared
For the corrupting maelstrom? Blair was one
Who seemed young, fresh and honest, and his wife
Seemed like fun, all teeth and dishevelled hair
Voters aren’t inclined to believe again

1330 - Fourteen lines from a pub poetry night

The sun has just set here on the Wirral
The sky is turning from light to dark blue
Here, over the water from Liverpool
I’m sitting writing this; won’t need to do
It when I get home late, cos I’ve got to
Get up for work on time. Today I just
Read two weeks of emails; well, I tried to
(That, and talking jury service…) I rushed
Through the first day back at work; I’d met most
Of them on Friday evening for a meal
A curry at Zouk’s: the cost 32
Pounds per head, what with wine; the girls were flushed
Before they staggered off to catch their rail
Or taxi rides, hangovers on the brew…
Mon 26 April

Sunday 25 April 2010

1329 - Poems galore, Manchester tour

Been round Manchester and Salford and Cheshire
Filming some poetry… Done it before
Some years ago back down in Staffordshire
It’s fun doing location shoots; it’s more
Worthwhile to do than just shooting indoors
At home. Andy and me toured all around
In my car once the rain had ceased to pour
And while initially we got poor sound
By standing closer to the mic, we found
The words were far more audible, clearer
For putting on You Tube; likely to score
With people who know us already; bound
To impress those who don’t, even viewers
Who thought that poetry was such a bore

1328 - Kiss this

The neighbours rowed yesterday afternoon
Which is far better timed than late at night
It was quite funny hearing her voice boom
From the window below in broad daylight
So everyone could hear, though there’d be slight
Or zero understanding of her words
Since she was talking turkey - no, not right -
She was talking Turkish… They could be Kurds
Maybe, but I don’t think so. They’ve been turds
At times, though, as these arguments can zoom
Up through the floorboards, dispelling dream-flights
Talking of which, I won’t be with the birds
On a plane to Greece; that holiday’s doomed
Since they cancelled that route. So long, Kiss Flights!
Sat 24 April

1327 - St George's Day sonnet

St George’s Day, a day to celebrate
England, not always done, but more so now
Than when I was young. Back when I was eight
We didn’t; now we do. In Salford, how
The red and white flags flew from taxis. Wow.
It’s okay to be English after all
The inventions, the sport, the fair play. Show
That you are proud, despite empire and fall
Despite the poverty and illness. Call
Each other not to underestimate
Achievements of centuries. Let’s not plough
Carelessly our forefathers’ blood: they fell
So we could equally discuss, debate
And overturn the old order somehow
Fri 23 April

Thursday 22 April 2010

1326 - Second mass debate

I’ve just watched the second leaders’ debate
And I’d say Clegg was the winner again
Stood in the middle this time; punched his weight
Despite those now higher expectations
No doubt the pundits and spin docs as one
Are now poring over it, commenting
Preparing paper for cracks. Cameron
Again seemed unimpressive though his thing
This time was be tougher, notwithstanding
Polite privileged background. Heavyweight
Gordon Brown of clunking fist fame began
With ‘You may not like me, but…’ Truth-telling
Can occasionally happen - how great!
The last debate’s next week in Birmingham

Wednesday 21 April 2010

1325 - Foreman of the jury

The second trial by jury is near
Its end, and again I’m voted foreman
The likely verdict was becoming clear
But time ran out, and we must meet again
Tomorrow, twenty minutes after ten
Enough time to watch some TV, shower
And shave, put on a shirt, look nice and clean
Exude respectability, power
As I deliver the group verdict there
On the end seat of the front bench, so near
The judge and court clerk. We will be summoned
To take our seats; I’ll stand and deliver
Our judgement, and then we will be freer
(Unlike some) for normality’s return

Tuesday 20 April 2010

1324 - Jury fury

The second week in court as a juror
The second case I’ve been a juror for
That first case, well I never was surer
The other jurors weren’t sure, however
Not enough evidence? Yeah, whatever!
You can’t always have films, tape recording
A hundred per cent proof. If you did, there
Would be no need for court or for juror
An opinion is what a juror’s for
That’s why we sit in a room, discussing
Disagreeing about the disgusting
Disentangling the disordered sordid
Details that are not solid. We’re called for
To follow our thoughts on what’s gone before

Monday 19 April 2010

1323 - Three suns

The sun shines through the gap in the curtains
I don’t want it to shine on me right now
So I adjust them, stop it coming in
That blinding light, heated by the window
Is off-putting, and it doesn’t allow
For concentration or relaxation
Sun in the eyes…It takes me back somehow
To the seventies and the years beyond
I used to lie facing the sky, my hand
Over my eyes, gaps between fingers, thin
Gaps that admitted orange light, a hue
I admired, proud of altering the sun
Filtering nature to meet my demands…
Through the curtain, a paler sun sinks low

1322 - Sunday morning, Heaton Park

The morning sun called. I had to respond
Did exercises, drove to Heaton Park
I ran around it twice, twice past the pond
On which the families rowed; the happy talk
Of couples walking dogs; they walk the walk
Of family life; their surface appears calm
As the boating lake when dawn dispels dark
One can’t believe such husbands could do harm
As they stroll by their wives, keep up their form
With kickabouts on the grass, with their hand
In hand on Sunday, looking grand. In stark
Contrast to them all, by my side is room
I’m free, but without ripples on my pond;
Few undercurrents. I run while they walk
Sun 18 April

1321 - Horses, hamsters and ducks

A lovely sunny day, but not too hot
Why can’t there be days like this in summer?
Me and Josie mooched round Wilmslow and got
A wheel for her recently bought hamster
We scoffed cheese balls, then drove to the Water
Park at Sale, feeding ducks with bits of bread
We found at the lakeside; avoiding the
Dogs where possible; stepping stones that led
To the pub and playground. We went to Ned
Yates for an ice cream. Saw a horse and cart
Raise dust around a track, wearing blinkers
Walked further down the lane, sun on our heads
To the Plough & Flail, where she played a bit
Then, as usual, returned her to mother
Sat 17 April

1320 - The drunk guitarist

I’ve been playing my acoustic guitar
And though I say it myself, I’m shit hot
I don’t give a damn for folk near or far
Having a good time while I’m indoors, shut
Away: you can shut up, shut up, you lot
My friend is music, music is my friend
And that’s a friend I am so glad I’ve got
When the music is over, that’s the end
The end’s still somewhere up around the bend
And out of sight, unlike the brightest star
That won’t descend. You may have to go out
To find it, but for me it’s within. Send
For the music man. Talk’s cheap: this costs far
More, but now I think I have found the plot
Fri 16 April

Thursday 15 April 2010

1319 - The first big debate

Watched the first live political debate
Between the prospective prime ministers
Cameron didn’t score, may have to wait
For the next chance; Brown fought off the doubters
And Clegg did the best, looking at cameras
The public seemed to think Brown did badly
But what were the motives of the watchers?
Are they just for change, somewhat naively
Because we must admit the tendency
Is that those not in power we tend to fete
The Liberal Democrats may not lead us
And so to stand above may seem easy
After the scandals and the public hate
For MPs with their fiddled expenses

Wednesday 14 April 2010

1318 - Court order

The order of procedure goes like this:
The jurors wait to be called to a case
Some sit around for days of uselessness
If a case goes ahead they take their place
The judge speaks; then the prosecutor says
What the defendant has done; tries to prove
It with witnesses, evidence, a haze
Of suggestions; the defence tries to move
Us to pity, for it is hard to love
The defendant at first; more witnesses,
Evidence and haze. After a few days
And all have spoken, the judge tries to smooth
The rough path of suggestion and premise
To bare facts; we then decide, without haste

Tuesday 13 April 2010

1317 - Not much wiggle room

A second day in court, more familiar
Now with proceedings, wigs, gowns and all that
Thank goodness I’ve not got one on my hair
Those wigs look itchy and also somewhat
Dirty. Began at ten, a later start
Part of the jury, any seat will do
The kindly judge clarifies, plays his part
After we shuffle in with coats, bags too
And watch the rest of a long video
Part of the evidence, so we must bear
With it, and above all else, concentrate
We mustn’t miss a thing, a vital clue
Mustn’t send to the clink unless we’re sure
About the case, of course, I cannot chat

Monday 12 April 2010

1316 - Court unawares

I remembered, thank goodness, that today
Was my jury service day number one
Set the alarm, made sure I was ready
And passing the office, I walked right on
Til I reached the Crown Court, the morning sun
Trying to break through thin white cloud; it did
As I sat reading ‘The Maltese Falcon’
Waiting slightly hopelessly as they said
‘It won’t be long,’ but was. Dinner hour sped
As I walked in the sun, losing my way
Trying to find the CD shop. Bought some
And made it back on time. And soon I heard
My name called, and yes, the group filed away
Down the corridor. The case has begun

Sunday 11 April 2010

1315 - I've court a cold

Not feeling so good: think I’m coming down
With a cold, judging by my runny nose
And rundown feel. Drove to the north of town
This morning, for my run; did not suppose
I was ill then, but tiredness disclosed
Itself back home, listless, and so dozy
I slumped and slept, missing the football shows
On TV; still, at least it was cosy
There on the sofa, loafing all easy
It’s getting late now on the final round
Of the Masters golf; Westwood has come close
But on the eighteenth, Mickelson’s breezy
With a two shot lead in his bag. I’m down
In court for jury service tomorrow!

1314 - You can't hurry a curry

The tenth of April, ’10, at ten to one
I don’t even know the Aintree winner
I missed the race, so I don’t know who won
I’ve eaten out twice, had double dinner
Turkey this afternoon, curry later
Josie’s swimming party this afternoon
It was a hot one: she was a winner
Of two awards, but she also had fun
With her pals in the pool. Later, I planned
July’s trip to Ireland that’s still to come
With four lads all sharing a rented car
This evening’s hot phal curry in Chorlton
A hot time was indeed had by all. Run
Tomorrow morning; then playing guitar
Sat 10 April

Friday 9 April 2010

1313 - Busy doing nothing

This week's been dominated by football
I've not practised my songs as intended
And tonight I'll be going out with Pearl
Got Pizza Hut vouchers to be spended
And conversation to be expended
She's only up from Oxford a few days
This chance to chat mustn't be up-ended
For now, at work, my mind is in a haze
Was woken up early again: a phase
Of builders hammering, first thing, is cruel
Especially as my sleep was suspended
Last night, reading Daphne du Maurier's
'Rebecca' - the heroine almost falls
From the window, after the awful ball...

Thursday 8 April 2010

1312 - Springing along

A lovely sunny spring early evening
A perfect opportunity to run
Had no plans and so I got to thinking
Before my exercises had begun
And before I had put my dinner on
I’d love to drive on up to Heaton Park
Running on a sunny evening is fun
The Easter fair is still there, a good lark
For little kids. The park gates close at dark
That’s about eight now; it’s really looking
Good for regular runs when work is done
My leg muscles are stronger now; the spark
Of good health glows within, now subsiding
I look forward to getting my head down

Wednesday 7 April 2010

1311 - The Battle of Halmyros

The Battle of Halmyros, near Athens
Which frankly I had not heard of before
Took place back in March 1311
Between the Frankish knights, so famed of yore
But who on this day ended steeped in gore
Struck down from their noble steeds stuck in bog
As they bravely charged o'er the flooded floor
Flooded on purpose by those dirty dogs
Mercenaries lost in history's fog
Known as the Company of Catalans
Foe of the Turk in Anatolia
As chronicler Ramon Muntaner logs
Long before the flood tide of Ottomans
Swept aside the old Byzantine Empire

Tuesday 6 April 2010

1310 - Amusing musical musing

Left work at lunchtime, had shopping to do
Spent almost sixty quid, on clothes and on
A memory card for my video
Can now shoot some scenes of the Parthenon
And many other places in the sun
But that’s next month. I drew up a shortlist
Of songs I’m going to hone till they’re spot on
And then I’ll do them live, because practice
Is something I have never done, and missed
The chance to show what I think can do.
But that’s next week. For now I will postpone
Those all-important live performances
Tomorrow, more practice, then tune in so
I can watch Man United play Bayern

Monday 5 April 2010

1309 - Nice n Easter

I must say I was disappointed by
The big Easter film shown on Channel 4
The title of the film isn’t a lie
‘The Greatest Story Ever Told,’ but poor
Was the telling in this case. Still, I saw
The well-known tale played out, resurrection
Almost an afterthought, as usual. Tore
Through the pages of ‘Rebecca.’ They’ve gone
From Monaco to Manderley; next come
Revelations about the past. Now I
Will try to put music to lyrics for
An American song competition
Finished another song last night quickly
Got stuff to sing live but always need more

Sunday 4 April 2010

1308 - Another spring

I almost finished a new song today
I just need to pop on it some birdsong
Because it’s about spring, so I thought, hey
Some birdsong should sound good, it won’t be wrong
I’m also hoping, before very long
To watch ‘The Italian Job’ which I
Have never watched all the way through. Just rung
Louis; he can’t make tomorrow’s game; bye
To Aldershot v Rotherham. Still, why
Not turn this to my advantage? Monday
Is still Easter, and so I hope to wring
As much as I can from my time off; try
Some new songs to perform next week, Tuesday
Or Wednesday, maybe, as spring hops along

Saturday 3 April 2010

1307 - Just another Saturday

Sunny spells; spent the early afternoon
With Josie, eating Sainsbury’s chicken
Drumsticks in the car. Played some old dance tunes
While driving to Hale park. Back home again
Then out once more, driving into the town
To take Louis to see his team, City
Play Burnley on live TV, in student
Land (a feast for the eyes, and not just the
Football, know what I mean?) Guinness, coffee
Crisps and a bacon buttie, all downed soon
While watching the City goals flying in
Must mention The Rams’ win at Coventry
Next, I’ll strum for a while and then resume
Football: Match of the Day’s at half-past ten

Friday 2 April 2010

1306 - Run TJB

An unexpected thing happened today
I went for a run, first time since last year
In January, and what made me stray
From the fitness track then was simply sheer
Back pain caused by a run. I thought it clear
That running must be bad for you, so hey -
Why bother, eh? Heaton Park, disappear
And Lyme Park, too! They’re always so muddy!
Whenever it rains - almost every day!
Who needs it? Besides, this fitness delays
Those other ‘projects’ that I hold so dear
That’s fine, but these recent unhealthy ways
Are just speeding up physical decay
I loved my run; hope I run more this year

Thursday 1 April 2010

1305 - Easter of Eden

All of a sudden, Easter’s here: hooray
So this is a chance to be creative
And next week maybe go out; rest and play
But no concrete plans as yet. I will give
It my best shot. Just seen four lads above,
Look like they’re moving in the upstairs flat
If this is so, it’s an interesting move
Four young student types could be just the shot
In the arm this place needs; things have been flat
For a while round here. Tomorrow, Friday
Got two prog CDs to play, and I’ll have
A look at the new Write Out Loud zine that
May contain my sound poem. Now to lay
All this aside and by TV be soothed