• The Myth of Love Exposed by the Cerne Abbas Giant

    She yearned to know possessionHer aching womb forsook discretion She led him from the crowded tavernSkipped ahead, made sure he followedA moonlit path between beech treesTo the hillside where the giant liesManhood carved from ancient chalkPermanently erect, magnificent swordHe knew his seed had met its matchHe prayed forgiveness for coming sinAccepted her embrace, warm welcome

  • On Ukraine

    We must hurry, childThere’s nothing left here for usMore metal bees come ~ n.b. Villages are being left to Russian invaders, as Ukraine’s request for help is processed. There is evidence that Russia is also running thin on the machinery of war. Why else would they be using North Korean drones against the people of

  • Cardigan

    Unbutton the front of historyLet in some airSee the man who led then fledHis five hundred men in the Valley of DeathArrogance gave him upSuch vanity and privilegeAs you pull on your woollen cardyTake a moment, pleaseReflect on a man whose behaviourCaused London’s Times to thunderOne law for the richAnother for the poorRemember who writes

  • A Quick Pint

    I join the un-numbered men who spend Sunday afternoonIn pubs where a pint can disappear or stretch out through countless hoursUntil each decides it is time to move. Another pub beckons.~n.b. Sijo. CLP 28/04/2024

  • Parallel Lives

    We will draw a bloody line through the squalid mess of itBitter mountains, impoverished plains, rivers drained of loveForget it, walk away. As if conjoined twins ever could. ~ n.b. NaPoWriMo 2024 Day 28 prompt: Sijo, a Korean poem form. My picture is of the Korean War memorial in Washington, D.C. It is one of

  • Nashville

    Oh noYou can’t walk aroundHereYou gotta take an UberThe receptionistDead-pannedAn Englishman called EnglishOffered me a liftDowntownColumbus Day celebrationsBegunTo feelA little prematureIf not delusional ~ n.b. NaPoWriMo 2024 Day 27 Prompt: American Sonnet. CLP 27/04/2024

  • Dissonance

    Ukraine needs much more than moneyHer boys are being buriedBack in Kyiv More men have been mobilisedYounger men to replace older menSend more munitionsAmmunitionBy any meansBut who could re-stock the armsOf mothers missing sons?~n.b. NaPoWriMo 2024 Day 26 prompt: Alliteration, consonance, assonance. CLP 26/04/2024

  • If Music is the Answer, What Is the Question?

    The troubadour rode inGuitar strapped to his backPosters pasted around townWelcomed his returnAs did those who knewOf him from long beforeA never-ending tourThrough city, town and villageAcross the countryAnd around againHe was mostly happyMostly all the timePerhaps he was happiestWhen he first left homePlaying in new placesMeeting the new peopleLearning of their storiesHe found to

  • One Frosty Night…

    …when the guns were stillI dreamt of trees with leavesYoung men playing cricketChatter and laughter at a picnicLying face-up beside youWatching the swifts’ chaseAcross vast white pillowsThat dwarfed The MendipsYou squirming with delightGrass tickling your pale thighs~ n.b. NaPoWriMo 2024 Day 24 prompt: One poem from a line from another. This is from ‘Living Sepulchres’

  • Supineheroes

    Superman Perpetuating the mythOne person can save the worldThe American FantasyDream on Superwoman You too think you can competePound for pound?Why do you think women’s superpowerIs language? Hulk Anger is an energyThat needs talking outLove is allYou need Catwoman Put food in a bowlFind a spot in the sunLet her sleepWe’ve lives to lead Batman