Image: Yorkshire an' proud of it. It had been a rare event, a cold April day in Austin, so what better way to keep warm than with my "Yorkshire Lad" hoodie. I'm reciting at a City Reading at The Holiday Inn, the AIPF Headquarters

 

01.04.18-30) I rise to face the day,

An' look out on a sky of grey

Thinkin’ is my suitcase on its way

Should be here late afternoon, can’t be a moment too soon

But first shower dress then away an do what I need to do

Breakfast first, cell phone a must, ain’t it just

Always worth the cost, I can ring a friend if I get lost

Cell phone picked form the stock,

Can’t be activated till 12 o-clock

No need to be blue, there’s one other thing I can do

An induction at Austin Wildlife Rescue

So I’m soon there an’ ask which of these animals will be my task

An’ straight away I got stuck in

Givin’ ‘em food thinkin’ ok guys tuck in

An’ another thing I can tell, the welcome back was great as well

 

31) Work done at AWR time to go

Pick up my phone an’ get it activated just so

Then as is my will I’m away to Lake Travis an’ chill

Relaxin’ in the warm afternoon sun

Now National Poetry Month has begun

So get rested right for my first gig at Kick Butt tonight.

 

02.04.18-32) Last night I could tell Kick Butt went well

Although few in number enthusiasm wasn’t lacked

Every one of us performed as if the room was packed

But back at the Motel things weren’t going fine,

Still no sign of that luggage of mine

But Budget staff were grand they gave a hand

Couldn’t have been better once they knew the score,

Goin’ the extra mile an’ more

Phone calls made, numbers got, like as not

A number given for me to find out how the search was progressin’

Cos’ I’d only 1 pair o’ pants an’ socks for tomorrows dressin’

This morning a call was made, and hopefully the search resolved

An’ the problem solved

Then to reception for the laundry key

An' was shown a corner where my suitcase was waitin’ for me

I was elated an’ no longer snappy an’ cheerfully said

“Thank you very much, you’ve made an old man very, very happy".

 

33) Breakfast had then away to see what my task is for today

What I have to do at Austin Wildlife Rescue

A small job, didn’t take ages, see to those in the outside cages

Easy, not as many as last year, only a few

But always a delight to do the job an’ do it right

Four possums an’ one may be a grouch,

Beware the babies in her pouch

All sorted with care then the others there

The Squirrel became the hardest, it was no jape

Frisky li’l crittur behaving like he was tryin’ to escape

Then a duck runnin’ round as if scarred of me

Seemed to be havin’ the notion it wanted to be fee

Then the final two to receive may care,

Water for Owl and Hawk, raptors of the air

Work done I’m away thinkin’ it’s always a delight

An’ ‘after I’ve chilled for the afternoon

I’ve got an open mic at Buzz Mill tonight

 

34) No Bob this year our Australian Poetry Ranger

He’s stoppin’ at home cos his work is in danger

Which is a shame cos’ he was almost a fixture

With his earth art, music an’ poetry mixture

Yes it’s clear, it’s a shame that Bob’s not here

Bob is Bob (Mud) an Australian environmental artist whom I first met in 2011, at the AIPF we became friends,, he features in past poems.

 

03.04.18-35) Looked at my watch it read 16 past 8

I jumped out of bed thinking I don’t want to be late

Late for what I had to do at Austin Wildlife Rescue

Quick shower then to the wardrobe bounding

Then I heard the alarm sounding,

Bang on song, I’d read the time wrong

No worries, breakfast, then a steady drive, let the mornin’ come alive

Make the animals in the outside cages a priority

In the cool of the morning before the noonday sun

So their food an’ water I’m bringin,

The nearby woods echo to the birds singin’

An’ I’m takin it all in doing things in a leisurely way

Cos’ it sure is turning out to be a beautiful start to the day

 

36) Work at AWR done, sure was fun

Not many there needin’ care

But there was some bad news I had to take it

An elderly racoon brought in yesterday didn’t make it

I felt sad but had to be giving, my time to help the living

An’ watchin’ ‘em eat an play, really made a great start to my day

 

37) A departure eve show to mixcloud to upload

Two attempts but it was done, my last Friday one

Then an e mail bound

To Ministry of Angels who performed on it

Telling them where it can be found

Their brand of Gothic Rock Gospel music made the show go swell

Songs about Jesus’s glory, relevant to the Good Friday Story

So they can tell their friends to listen

An’ feel proud, sayin’ that’s us on mixcloud

When they’re heard spreadin’ the word

Of Good Friday of yesterday, an’ how it’s still relevant today

 

38) Computer work done, now to ring someone

A real good pall, Connie, my favourite Lamesa Gal’

Let her know what’s goin’ down,

In Austin now the Road poets back in town

It was great as she told me she understood me better

By listening to English Internet Radio

An’ different pronunciations of the  English word an’ letter

How nice it was to chat, about where things is at

An’ when I’ll be next headin’ West, April 17 to give my best

Performing poetry for all I’m worth, at a festival to celebrate Mother Earth

What she can yield if respected, what  bounty can be expected

Then she asked about the rest of the crew, Thom, Bob an David too

In Austin this year Thom would stop, recoverin’ from an op

Bob wouldn’t be there to perform and interject

He has to fight to preserve his permaculture project

Of David we didn’t yet know

But we’re due to meet later this week an’ it would be great

If he could make the Earth Day Fest a date

Then there wasn’t much more to say, and on the phone I couldn’t dwell

I had another call to make, she was at Darla’s so I told her to tell

Darla I send my love cos’ she’s my favourite Lamesa Gal as well

 

39) It was Shawnda I was ringin’ the one who’s bringin’

The Earth Day Fest that’s goin’ down in Lamesa Town

So should at least hear the voice of the guy

She hadn’t met but only communicated via the internet

I would at last hear her too

An’ we could plan what there would be to do

When I head West for the Fest

A pleasant chat, my accent as usual a hit

I began to wonder what she would make of my wit

Which often goes down well wherever I’m bound

An’ one thing was plain, we would hopefully soon be talkin’ again

 

04.04.18-40) This morning’s labour of love done, no need to rush

In the cool mornin’ hush

The cool breeze I was feelin’ the sunburn on my arms it was healing

Sure was bliss, like Mother Nature’s kiss

From outside to inside it wouldn’t take ages

Feedin’ the li’l critters in their cages

Seein’ to their nutricional needs from fruit an’ veg to sunflower seeds

Now I’m away to be, at Half Price Books for Community Poetry

 

41) Half Price Books Thom wasn’t there he had to be elsewhere

Just Kelly Janet an’ me we happy three

No feeling of dread we just got up an read

What we were there to do, no need to feel blue

No funny looks as we shared our poetry to an audience of books

 

42) Open mic done now another task

Recorded programme upload, so I ask

Where the nearest library is, an’ it makes

My day to be told one is not to far away

Address given, to it I’m bound, it’s soon found

Friendly staff helped so I could do what I had to do

A really pleasant place to be, an’ one thing more the parkin’ was free

Just the ticket for a thrifty poet like me

 

05.04.18-43) Run to AWR in my car, stop for breakfast on the way

Early part of the day an’ it’s AIPF Registration Day

But not while noon, so the mornin’s planned it’s gonna be grand

Like as not, feedin’ the animals outside before it gets too hot

Some still asleep so I ain’t been seen

Almost like the animals world Santa Claus has been

But inside most are awake, waitin’ to be fed,

An’ a clean pillow case for their bed

An’ it’s really grand when they come and sit in your hand

What’s on after registration I’ll see,

But for now there’s no place I’d rather be

 

44) Got some good news today, the big possum outside is being taken away

Yes it’s a delight; he’s being taken to a release site

Time here at an end, now for himself he’ll have to fend

From his cage he’ll be let out, cos’ that’s what AWR’s all about

 

45) From AWR I’m away, register for the fest

There to give my best, with rhymes about my travelin’ times

Plus other poems beside, take it all in my stride

An’ it’ll be a delight to se how many more I can write

An recite night or day, hoping folks understand every word I say.

 

46) Gave my name, signed in an filled in the survey form as was the norm

Before any renditions, it’s one of the conditions

The festival tee shirt a must, aint it just

Plus other treats, bottle of water, chocolate an’ sweets

Event sheets in a line up put your name on an’ sign up

Then away, no time to delay before the first event of the day

Something to be done, an online task, another one

Last Sunday recorded show has to go on facebook

So people can have a look. Whatever time of day

An’ maybe give it a play

An’ wonder if they’re thinkin’, sounds like he’s not gone away

Cos if they read the message they’ll know, what’s on next Sunday’s show

 

47) Library convenient cos’ it’s not far from the road that leads

To my first event at Recycled Reads

On the way, the same one I used yesterday

Log on to Facebook and have a look

Messages and posts before my eyes may need some replies

Then it’s done, all sorted and read, programmes shared

E mails too, check location where i need to be for my poetry

Now it’s time to head to the event

Let Roger get it on the do an’ say “Ok folks now let the poetry flow”.

Roger is Roger West one of the organising committee, born in Scotland now living in France, a regular performer at the festival.

 

48) We all got the time to share our verse an’ rhyme

Whether it rhymed or not, we read what we got

Had a ball, good time had by all

Then away and relax before picking up Thom and Magic Jack

For my annual pilgrimage I’ll head

To San Marcos to Wake The Dead

 

49) At Thoms I’m sat readin’ an’ relaxin

Before headin’out for some lyrical waxin’

When David one of the “Poets four” comes through the door

Our yearly meet, we hug an’ greet

Nice to see him here in his Ben Franklin gear

Sadly this year we’ll only be, “Poets three”

But it realy would have been swell, had Bob been here aswell

David is David Lester Young who performs as Ben Franklin and if asked for id will ask “have you got a $100 bill. He is quite a joker.

 

50) Evening on track as me, Thom an’ magic Jack

Run South in the evenin’ sun

Wake the Dead our intent, David’s stopping for an AIPF event

Jack navigates; I drive, passing lorries that lumber

Thom at my side deep in slumber

Drive with care we’re soon there

Park up, set up, sound check, list made so we know

Who’s performing, ok now let’s go

 

51) We begin with round 1 followed by 2 and 3

An’ I read about my flight out in a trilogy

Others would interject with poems on their favourite subject

One lad, read about the worst job he’d had

Without doubt saying it’s what 90% of his poems were about

Thom found it easy to find, to say what was on his mind

Jack found it easy to play a tune backing up what Thom had to say

Then to the crowds delight, recited in his own right

More an’ more read their latest score

An’ a good variety was sung an’ read

At San Marcos monthly open mic at Wake the Dead

 

06.04.18-52) Labour of love done, no sign of the sun

Humidity’s high, I got a spare shirt that’s dry

So I’m comfortably dressed for day 2 of the fest

An once more in the festival game I’m at Recycled Reads again

Three City Readings an’ when they’re done

I’ll have recited at every one

An’ tomorrow there’ll be two more

As part of the Rhymey Limey’s 2018 Poetry Tour

 

53) Open mic done, theme then and now, so I told them how

Together me and my suitcase started but were soon parted

Never to meet after the second flight but later after the second night

Good job with underwear I’d managed to pack some spare

Poems about where I was, taxi, airport or flight

Where I was at the time and captured it all in rhyme

Finishing with one that told how, morning had gone, bringing us to now

 

54) City Read 2, I open the show, to the mic I go

My first score about the First World War

100 years ago a poem that would regale the hell that was Paschendale

The second about a man with a different battle plan

The silver anniversary of his event

A musical tribute it’s said there was non finer

Than Albinoni’s Adagio in g minor

Then two about Lamesa and what it may have lost

It would seem no more would I go and read a poetry score

But there was a gain and I would be going again.

 

07.04.18-55) Break if say sky of grey, didn’t give it a second thought

Perhaps I ought

Should have took stock I might not have got such a shock

Cos’ unknowin’ there was a cold wind blowin’

Took my breath away, like I was back in the UK

So for it to get warmer I’ll offer a prayer

Then put on an extra layer

When to the AWR I gad, wearin’ a new top that say’s “Yorkshire  Lad”

 

56) Yes I woke to a sky of grey, an cold like back in the UK

So I’m askin’ “what’s goin’ on, where’s the durned sun gone?”

This was posted on a board in Yarborough Library Austin for their National Poetry Month project.

 

57) The day’s gettin’ old an’ it’s still grey an’ cold

Afternoon begun, still no sign of the sun

Been to a library to update home about this year roam

Invited to take the time to write a rhyme, for National Poetry Week

So it could be stored on a poetry board

On which it did say, please post your poem for today

Like as not composed on the spot

*Short an’ plain about the cold, inspiration on tap

Once more from the Road Poet chap

*This refers to poem 56

 

58) Still wearing my “Yorkshire Lad” top, it’s only a short hop

To my next event where it’s my intent

To read again, poetry in the main

Two City Readings the first was full, make the most of the lull

Write another score an’ then some more

Have a rest, listen to others giving their best

Do my rhyme and it’s time. T o my motel I alight get ready for tonight

Where I may have to stifle may a yawn 

When I do the annual “Midnight to Dawn”.

 

59) Let the evening begin, I’m headin’ for the Holiday Inn

City Readin’ goin’ down in Austin Midtown

Talkin’ with others about what I’d written in the past

An’ I find, they’re perfect for the theme “The legacy we leave behind”.

So I take to the stage readin’ from my page

About makin’ the most of a trip along the Texas Coast

The place to be when a man with a guitar sang an’ played for me

And so to poem three about a cellist refusing to yield

Making music on a battlefield

Each day playing for one of 22 slain

It was what he could do after the Sarajevo Massacre of 1993

Then went on to say 2 more about the present day

Was it good?  It was and how,

Cos’ each time I read I heard someone say “Wow”

 

60) Next place I needed to be

Was The Full English with Thom for poetry and tea

Followed by another poetry mix

An event that runs from midnight to 6

Then drivin’ downtown, a noise made me frown

A warnin’ light sayin’ tyre pressures were down

Hopes of keepin’ the same car for the tour seemed in vain

It seemed the hire car curse had struck again

 

61) Tea and poetry event begun, my first one

From last year about what we hoped would be

This year’s tour and once again Poets 4

Re-united bit it was not to be,

Sadly Bob couldn’t make it so like in 2016 we were Poets 3

 

08.04.18-62) 11 to midnight poetry and tea would be followed by a mix

Of poetry from midnight to six

An’ so it begun, an’ the was no mistake

As both events merged intone without a break

But I would not be stayin’, I would be leavin’ early an’ prayin’

My car gets my to my motel runnin’ like a song

Then later I can take it back an’ find out what’s wrong

Hopefully not a moment too soon

Get if fixed and get to the remaining events later this afternoon

 

63) Took the car back to change for another on in the range

They asked “do you want an SUV?” I said “No it’s not for me”

“Just something simple that stars with a key”

One was found to it I was bound

But it wouldn’t do, I turned the key and a sign said service due

No good if on service day, I’m hundreds of miles away

As is my style covering hundreds of miles or more

On my annual Texas Poetry Tour

The next one I turned the key somewhat tense

Everything was okay so I drove away thinking okay

Now let the poetry recommence

An’ life may well be a blast

If David doesn’t ask, “how long will this one last?”

David found the issue with my luggage and cars amusing

 

64) Malvern books I ‘m outside, just had lunch

I relax an’ smile the poetry ain’t gonna start for a while

Of the break make the best, put the seat back an’ rest

Weathers gettin’ warmer, I’m drowsin’ may take some rousin’

Need to wake up, give my body a shake up

Then I’m in Malvern Books it’s composing time

As once more I capture moments of my tour in rhyme

 

65) The Lion an’ Pirate at Malvern Books went well you bet

The best variety I’ve heard yet

Now we’ve got Austin Writers Roulette

The stage we’re on, photos done now let’s get it on

 

66) I have an addiction I find, occupying my mind

Thinking about it every day, often letting it have it’s way

Let it roll, let it take it’s toll

Come what may, it has its way

I’m in its power for many an hour

An’ it gives me a chance to give opinion an ,voice

Say without care, what others may never dare

My thoughts fly when I’m on a high

Cos’ the drug that grips me is poetry

 

67) Austin Writers Roulette done, now to Kick Butt for the final one

The final open mic of what had been AIPF 2018

Over 4 days a poetry blaze of glory, which told in rhyme, many a story

But it doesn’t end here, there’s open mics held throughout the year

An while time here’s abaitin’

I got festivals in Lamesa an’ The Valley waitin’

But for now I gotta be

At Kick Butt with Thom, Davis an’ Birdman 313

 

09.04.18-68) The cages are fillin, cos’ people are willin’ to show they care

By bringin’ in animals from everywhere

Large or small, they bring ‘e all whatever the cause

Man, nature or thunderstorm, get ‘em somewhere safe an’ warm

By truck or by car to AWR

Get ‘em nursed, get ‘em well an’ let ‘em go

Cos’ they got willin’ volunteers to make it so

 

69) Buzz Mill for the second time to do more rhyme

But first I’ll head to be fed

To Cheesesteak 1776 for a gastronomic fix

Cheesey fries sought an’ bought, crinkle cut like back home

A quick taste an’ I thought, there’s something short

Back to my car for some good English malt vinegar

Then hey, give ‘em a real good spray

Sure tasted beltin’ in my mouth meltin’

Couldn’t eat ‘em all, didn’t want to be a pig, so gave ‘em away

What a shame Texas portions are so big

So are other things so I’m not making a joke

When I say, “So are the hearts of Texas folk”.

 

10.04.48-70) Last night Buzz Mill went alright

Today’s a poetry free day

But first to reception cos’ I’m lookin’ to confirm my bookin’

5 days more on this part of my tour

Then to AWR I’ll head, cos’ there’s animal waitin’ to be fed

I know my task so I don’t have to ask

The guys in the outside cages I call “parolees”

Cos’ it mightn’t be to long before their release

Not too long, before they’re back in the wild where they belong

 

71) Task a pleasure like as not before the sun gets too hot

All possums present an’ correct, unlike the other day

When I found one had got away

Cages swilled, bowls filled, the big guy wakes from his slumber

Nice to watch him lumber to his dish an’ soon he’s munchin’ an crunchin’

Makin’ my day to see him eating away

Makes the work more like fun, now let me get the other animals done

The Big Guy was a large adult possum, very placid, he became one of my favourites and would often look at me whilst eating as if saying thank you. He also had no problem with me stroking him

 

72) Morning work done, now time to run to Elgin to se what is gonna be

The new AWR Centre, state of the art an’ they’ve made a start

A place where more animals will receive more care

I arrive an’ I’m amazed, but not fazed, Real big place with plenty of space

Work ongoing, going steady to get it ready

Photos took, to go on this tours album on facebook

Cos’ one things clear, I’d love to see it when it’s done

An’ be volunteerin’ there next year

 

11.04.18-73) Gentle guitar playin’ an’ then,

A guy starts singin “Remember when”

An’ I’m remeberin’ when I first heard it a few days ago

An’ my memories begin to flow

Flow real fine, cos’ the memories he sang about could have been mine

About how I tries an’ lost an’ was left to count the cost

On my part, more often a broken heart

But as more of the song was rendered it was soon mended

As he sang about life’s track, reachin’ a point an’ looking back

A point looked towards with dread only to find, only to find

The dread was a stigma of the mind

Saying goodbye, when children leave home, trying not to cry

Remembering they’ll always occupy a special part in your heart

He finished singin’ I reflected on my past an’ then

Thought “Yes I remember when”.

 

The following from 74 to 79 were written at a Writers Workshop organised by local writer Robin Barratt at The Full English Cafe in Austin

74) Rainbows it was said in days of old ended atop a pot of gold

Also aid to be a sign of hop to help the troubled cope

Troubles would cease, a time of peace

An’ we could all go somewhere over the rainbow

Then when life ends, cross the rainbow bridge to be reunited with friends

 

75) The subject “hats” was given my inspiration went

They may as well have suggested, I write about a tent

The subject was “hats” my inspiration was lost

I may as well have wrote about hot dogs an’ write about the cost

They said write about “hats”, boater, trilby or flat

At first I thought of Dr Zeus’s cat

Students may, wear a hat for school

A clown wears a pointy hat when he plays the fool

They said write about “hats”, I thought “a head they go on”

Then thought “that’s it for now cos’ my inspirations gone”.

 

76) The next subject was a work of art, so I made a start

It was a Tarot card; I thought “it shouldn’t be hard”

It depicted completion when a goal is reached or a task done

So I thought of poems and wrote another one

 

77 The mighty are about to fall says the writing on the wall

There is no God at all, says the writing on the wall

Speak out and stand tall, says the writing on the wall

May all your troubles be small, says the writing on the wall

And this is all, I can think to write about, the writing on the wall

 

78) Inspiration gone, subject too taxin’ gonna sit here an’ do some relaxin’

Before I once again it the road, an’ hopefully get inspiration for another ode

 

79) The artist captures contemplation through observation

Contentment and meditation

Relaxation letting thoughts flow, now it’s time for me to go

Inspired by Kawahar Keiga’s The Merchant

 

80) Down the road I’m gone, headin’ for San Antone

I35 it feels good to be alive, Radio playin’ so no delayin’

San Marcos an’ take, time out for a photo break

Parts of which I ain’t seen, photos will show I’ve been

Photos taken, once more I run, down I35 in the afternoon sun

Now we’re slowin’ the reason showin’

On a bankin’ it’s a big truck an’ it’s stuck

Quiet a funny sight, I hope the drivers alright

Now the rubberneckers have had their view, there’s no more queue

San Antone ahead, heavy traffic but no need for dread

Take it steady let the gps do the leadin’

To Sabina’s Coffee House for tonights poetry readin’

An’ it’ll sure be a delight, recitin’ with the Sun Poets Society tonight

 

81) Poems can be a few words or plenty

This is one containing twenty, no more just a score

 

82)  Chris read about the AIPF bein’ over an’ done

An’ folk have gone their separate ways

But I’m still here for more poetry days

An’ then some cos’ I got two more festivals to come

Cos’ tonight I’ve done my latest score

For Sun Poets at Sabina’s, good food good poetry

Who could ask for more

 

12.04.18-83) In the outside cages there were four

Possums, 1 escaped leaving three, then were added more

This morning was seen a further 15

One thing this’ll tell, they’re all gettin’ well

Each one a character in its own right

From lumbering big guy to fidgety small fry

An I’m not scared if they’ve teeth bared

It’s like they’re tryin’ to say “keep your fingers out of the way”

 

84) Like as not before the sun gets too hot

In the cool morning air, in the parole section I’m there

Wantin’ to get done before feelin’ the heat of the sun

Get stuck in straight away, a nice part of the day

The trees ringin’ to the sound of birds singin’

Gages cleaned, fresh water an’ food given

Head count, all present an’ correct so I can say

“Ain’t none of them escaped today”

 

85) Mornin’ jobs done I’m away, look in on Thom today

In I’ll drop find out about his op

An’ he did tell it had gone well

Wouldn’t be goin’ far, two weeks before he can drive his car

But he needn’t be beat, nothing said about usin’ the passenger seat

We talked an’ noticed time was slippin’ an’ I had to get to Drippin’

So to Dripping Springs I’m bound, once more to break new poetry ground

The library the place to be, just what I like, an open mic

The place to be to share our poetry.

 

86) I’m in Drippin’ which they say, is the Hill County Gateway

Open mic ain’t gonna start for a couple of hours or more

So I go on a photographic chore

First in the park region, Veterans Monument for the American Legion

Then the spring, of which it is claimed, Dripping Springs is named

Then I’m bound for the homestead of Dr Joseph Pound

Find in it ain’t hard, follow the signs an’ look for the old wagon in the yard

Then go an’ see how things used to be, a lesson about Drippin’s history

For this Dr of great renown was one of the founders of the town

An but for electricity, the house much as it used to be

Then a fact that was numbin’ until 1983, no outside plumbin’

I’m listenin’, takin’ photos and thinkin “well, what a story these’ll tell

Interesting as it was I soon had to get goin’

To Dripping Springs Library to get the poetry flowin’

 

13.04.18-87) Last night a fright, to buy gasoline I tried, my card denied

Not what I expected, usin’ pin or slidin’ it was rejected

So quick as a flash, to an atm to withdraw some cash

Paid out no trouble at all so another check out sought

Gasoline card bought, no dismay took the card straight away

I was thrilled, gas tank filled

Now I’m in the car listenin’ to the rain, an’ the Road Poets composin’ again

 

14.04.18-88) Friday 13 passed okay, no dismay,

Or bad luck, things gettin’ stuck

Nothin’ to dwell upon, now it’s gone, an today is laundry day

Clean an fresh to put on, for when my tour carries on

Cos in a few days I’ll be crossin’ the Panhandle Plain

To do poetry in Lamesa once again

 

89) Laundry done then there was a catch 2 of the socks didn’t match

Not too sore I’ve plenty more

Clothes folded ready to be ironed when it’s free

Then to Yarborough Library bound

Think I left my usb there I hope it’s found

No need to worry cos’ when I got there it was

Use the computer to play catch up then away to enjoy a free day

 

15.04.18-90) Early morning sleep broken by words being spoken

Outside my door couldn’t take anymore

Not nice now it had happened twice

I asked him in a polite way, he gave a sarcastic reply

It came to nought as I told him what I thought

Then back to bed thinking that was that, not knowing what lay in store

Later he was playing music on his cell phone right outside my door

More harsh words passed then peace reigned at last

Told reception they said if I hear another sound

Tell then an’ they’ll come round

Sadly the next night they were bid, did they come? You bet they did

 

91) Labour of love done, an’ I’m away to enjoy the rest of the day

To Hippie Hollow I’ll run, an’ bask in the afternoon sun

Saw a snake at the side of the road

Was it poisonous I didn’t know?

Thought “I’ll take a quick picture then I’ll go”

Snap away then enjoy the rest of my day

 

92) Afternoon spent, twixt sun an’ shade then away I went

Cos’ I gotta go, don’t wanna be late, I gotta fly

Cos’ I got a date to hear a guy

Shane Cooley, I first heard in 2016

At the airport he was singin’ an’ playin’ away

On that year’s tour departure day

We spoke briefly not much but we kept in touch

So he sends an e mail suggestin’ we meet, at a place called Dozen Street

Knowin’ I’m in town so I can head on down

An’ I do, he shakes my hand sayin’ “nice to see you”

I show him the poem again an’ he’s delighted

He begins his show, a few songs later I’m called to the stage

An once again the poem is recited

An’ I’m proud to speak it clear an’ loud

At the end I pause, an’ take the applause

Thinkin’ this’ll go on another poetry page

The time Shane Cooley an’ me shared the same stage

 

16.04.18-93) Engine firin’, radio playin’ Jesu Joy of Mans Desirin’

I’m on my way to my final day, for now anyway

To AWR to play my part in tendin’ the animals that took my heart

In their own unique way, made a great start to my day

When day’s begun, an’ me an’ them’s at one

So I’ll try not to cry when I bid them goodbye

Tomorrow I’m across the Panhandle Plain so I may never see ‘em again

But when I return an’ learn, something that pleases me,

They’ve been taken back to the wild an’ set free

 

94) I’ve taken photos of heron an’ snake, at the side of Travis Lake

Tomorrow on the road I’ll take more,

An’ hopefully write another poetry score or more

When I’m headin’ west to yet another poetry fest

So wherever I go, I’ll take another photo an’ let the poetry flow

Keep ‘em simple, keep ‘em plain, an’ share ‘em when I’m in Austin again

 

95)  Buzz Mill as usual a delight, can’t stop cos’ I’ve an early night

Cos’ tomorrow once more, it’s the open road as I carry on my tour

Setting off in the early morning lull, before the roads get too full

At break of day once more I’m on my way