3138 - Floor talk

I went out last night soon after sonnet-
Writing, so just as well didn't waste time
Before I got the call. Had a good chat
With Dermot, just back from Milan, and time
Was one of our themes, as was films. Not rhyme
But comedy and comedians, funny
To take the piss out of some who still climb
On stage but never get a laugh. 'Bout three
When I hit the sack. Talkin' bout beddy-
Byes, was looking at new beds today at
Benson's For Beds near Old T, and think I'm
Settled on one I'd like for spare room, be
Easier to find a lodger, but first, got
To improve the flooring, make home from home

3137 - Black hole moon

Oh hell, I forgot my exercises
And now I've eaten a big meal, so I
Don't think I can do press-ups and stretches
And stomach-straining stuff, or I might throw
This morning, nipped out of the office to
See the partial eclipse up on Bridge Street
And of course I took a picture or two
I saw a crescent sun briefly shine bright
My eyes felt dazzled for several minutes
Once I had sat back at my desk. It was
The first here since '99, after my
John o'Groats to Land's End bike ride, that feat
Remembered in a tattoo. My task is
Tonight to finish that huge book. I'll try!

3136 - Set in stone

I was supposed to go to an event
But after a long day at work and since
No-one wanted to go with me, I went
Home instead, to relax after my sins
Having thrashed through the ashes of a once
Promising career, though they say I'm good
They always mark me down when the year ends
If only someone had said yes, I could
At long last have finally attended
And explored the interior like I've meant
To so often, that is, the John Rylands
Library, Victorian splendour in wood
And stone, but maybe soon that long intent
Will be realised, and with or without friends

3135 - Feelin' good

Just got back from the Wilko gig, was at
The Ritz, always a good venue when you
Go, and as usual was easy to get
To the front. Took some blurred pix of Wilko
And band. The bassist was virtuoso
Lots of jazzy and really fast playing
The drummer was Dylan Howe, seen before
Backing his dad Steve's three-piece band. Rocking
The joint tonight they were, considering
Wilko had half his insides taken out
While suffering from cancer. Dancing through
The gig across the stage, meanwhile spraying
The crowd with machine-gun guitar. All got
Their money's worth. A Feelgood night, woo hoo!

3134 - Stay strong

People disappoint, so you carry on
With each rebuff, you garner a bit more
Self-belief, you just have a bit more fun
Strength of character, borne out of those bores
You realise that all they have is poor
Compared to your hard won separateness
If you can keep that, then they can't compare
There is such a thing as your righteousness
As one with people who have passed the test
Walked through fire, tempered themselves with iron
And nothing frightens you then, you are sore
But have the weapons to resist their guess
Their lack of knowledge, their innate boredom
Who cares what they think, their thoughts make you snore

Tue 17 March

3133 - They wanna be elected

I'm doing this now while I'm waiting to
Watch The One Show - will Jackie Hagan be
On it? Then I'll spend some time learning new
Lyrics for my ebola comedy
Tomorrow at the King's Arms - come and see!
Last night I had a good guitar practice
Playing along to Serge Gainsbourg - mais oui
Tonight it's Stevie Winwood and Traffic
I hope to practice that stuff, with no pick
I've stopped using it - now fingers will do
Meanwhile the election's not far off. We
Are five years down the road from Dave and Nick
Cosying up in the rose garden, two
Conspirators of our democracy

3132 - St Patrick's hat-trick

Woke up at nine, still tired but thought I could
Watch The Championship, but it wasn't on
Why not? I could've slept longer in bed!
Still, though I stayed in, managed to have fun
Need to recuperate after not one
But two rather late nights with some drinking
Actually, lots of drinking. It was fun
Friday out with Helen, and enjoying
The St Patrick's Day vibe, and then driving
To Greasby to see Mum and have a good
Meal and laugh there at Ellie's Restaurant
Followed by a night out, drinks and chatting
Today mainly I dismantled the bed
In the spare room. Goodbye bunk bed (wooden)!