as the autumn leaves accepted the inevitable

rain poured down over london town

 

october eighty seven

hot ticket heaven and almost drowned 

a sorry sight

but will johnny be good tonight

 

soaked in soho 

wet through to the bone

that balti warmed the soul

tigers came and went with 

a welcome blend of spice and rice 

 

such blessed weather

 

outside and onward through the market

past the dirty postcards

the zimmerman ghosted by in slow motion

head down, avoiding eyes

pretty girl hanging on

 

turn and double back past the pimps

check, it was he

but the look said it all and

there was no london conversation

 

anyhow evening and the a4 beckoned

the great west road to hammersmith and beyond

 

inside the cold, dank odeon

air sweet with ganja

the crowd warmed with the arrival of the man

sunburst gibson bringing colour

his mellow soulful voice 

serving up texture

a mix of folk blues jazz and john

 

into the night with blissful memories

the cockle sheds at leigh beckoned

last train home full of city folk 

still counting those beans

they will never know…

 

bless you john and

bless the weather that brought you to me