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OUR HALL

The wall of our hall is ever so small

but the colour has to be right

lit by natural means by day

or a shaded bulb by night.

The colour has to be bright yet subtle

enough that would simply show off a mirror

the centrepiece of the wall of the hall

which though small is what welcomes you into the house. 

 

The decision's been made, plans have been laid

we've simply chose...

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LETTING IN THE LIGHT

Those who live and die in poverty

have no less a story to tell

than those with means who are in the light.

for the poor cast the long shadow

demanding a closer look.

 

Theirs are the stories that like the wild wind

drift away and would be gone

while those with means most easily seen

make occasion for theirs to be told. 

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CUTTING MY CLOTH

I want to stay at the Savoy Hotel

if not then the Ritz will do

I want to make an impression

cut a bit of a dash

I won't be satisfied with less -

but I havn't sufficient cash.

 

I want to own a Ferrari

if not a Bugatti will do

I need to feel the wind in my hair

emulate the Top Gear runs

I won't be satisfied with less - 

but I havn't sufficient funds.

 

I wa...

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ON APRIL FOOL'S DAY

Politicians make fools of us

but today we can celebrate

for the coming of Spring is beyond their reach

when jesters come out of hiding

ride the waves of success

revealed by roots and shoots

emerging into greenery. 

 

The fool knows who to worship

with his bells and silly grin,

for today he wears a crown

so don't mess with him, don't try

to take him down

for h...

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LOCAL NERO

Trainer barista soul sister

with logo burgundy T shirt

plays the chromium steam

as a long queue forms. 

 

Old lady small dog wait patiently

soul sister with dreadlocks(I had thought a man) turns

ignores the deadlock of time 

not part of the plan this delay

busy time of day.

 

Turns again for cake under cover

some turn away and leave

time simmers while card re...

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HOUSE MOVE

We enjoyed our local walk to view the town

before committing ourselves, John and I. 

Nooky shops amid post covid street flower planters

plenty of cafes, dogs allowed

an ebike shop with stools to perch on with coffee and cake

a face painting parlour - even a proper gallery.

The area is holding its own in the current climate.  

 

On our walk though there was a wall

near a ...

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TALES OF OLD HOLLYWOOD

Whole crypts ransacked

preserved body parts found re-examined

attics and cellars raided for cans of film

inhabitants of nursing homes grilled to despair

whispers and wills plundered for half truths,

and all the while the ghosts of narcissists recalled

assembling in long galleries of haunted houses lit by arc lights. 

 

Private beaches combed for evidence of washed up

car...

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THE NET CLOSES

Police divers dragged a lake yesterday

found only aquatic weed

and a new microscopic foramanifera it was revealed

funds became available for further research

in collaboration with Heritage England 

 

leading to new enquiries

trails leading in a different direction.

There's a future in the Net, (sorry - Met)

ran an advert in the Police Gazette. 

 

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SONG OF SUCCESS

She only wants me for my money and fame

he thought

 

going into his studio

to write a love song.

 

He looked up at the row of golden discs

and quickly forgave her. 

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BACK IN THE SEVENTIES

Chicken in a basket

jokes at the mike

bingo days, foggy days

queues at bus stops

frost at the fingertips

red and black in the clubs. 

 

The dying breath of thoughtful machines

the clearances of industrial scenes

roundabouts under predatory skies

cigarette smoke spiralling at the bars

on the dole in busy pubs. 

 

Detectives in flairs

travelling in pairs

...

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CONCERTO FOR KEYBOARD AND SKIP

Goodbye old keyboard

you served me well

your presence is a ghost from the recent past,

a man in high viz went up some steps

to a council skip and placed you there. 

I'm here to give thanks on your final gig

an insult for a life well spent

in an intimate bond of give and take

a parting touch for old times' sake

before your final swift descent. 

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ZING WENT THE STRINGS

Music is a puppet

pull it out of the box

make it dance and sing

do everything you want it to

to never say no

because you should be in control

not let the puppet master you. 

 

But then during the dark of silence

let it come to you

lie with it feel its undulations

the pulse that never lies

knowing that the music puppet never dies. 

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