When I’m feeling bad

Yesterday I had a day where I felt bad: physically, mentally and relationally. This is quite common on a Saturday when I have had a busy week at work and been in situations where I haven’t been able to stop functioning at a high level of energy and focus. The problem is that when I …

This morning

This morning I am sad For the world For myself. This morning I am tired Of trying Of being. This morning there’s nothing To help or To fix me. And then you tell me To open the window To hear the cuckoo And then The woodpecker joins And I know It’s ok.

For you.

To the kid over there Whom some adults say they get But don’t when it comes to their own claims of debt That you and your parents owe to the world Because of where you were born. I get you. To the kid over there Whom some adults claim to see But don’t cos they …

For Imogen and Chris (aka mum and dad)

Good people I have found Can seem Far and few between Or many maybe keep it hidden well. They shield their good with armour That keeps them safe from laughter Or hurt that bounces off their outer shell. Good people I have found This week In plentiful supply Not hidden, mocked or slandered But loved …

For Mahmoud

Plastic or mat? Giving you choice. Dry or in comfort? Hearing your voice. My heart cracks to see this This no choice at all A coin tossed at your birth And how it did fall Has given you tails While my head is held high And your daily choice Is live or die. But the …

For Martin – the fan base

Sunday Sunny day A day of rest Or not. How does your mind rest Full of things You wish that you forgot? The answer is It has to Or else there madness lies. Start where you are Do what you can Give what you have to spare But keep enough As care for others Has …

Ode to Lee

How angry you must be, Lee That when you came to see, Lee The criminals of Calais They unlearned* all your English. And took away your sight, Lee So that you couldn’t see, Lee The women and the children The families and the hope. Of safety and a land, Lee Where they stand hand in …

What price a haircut?

What price a haircut? You got one today My son, from your pal As per norm. 10 minutes 10 pounds maybe Maybe a pint In comfort With chat In the warm. And then my new friend there An hour or more On a chair with his pal In the rain But dreaming Of sunshine And …

Welcome to Calais

Welcome to Calais Our flat wall announces Bienvenue chez vous. But what about you? Not this vous But you Unwelcome Unvalued But you. Who travelled to get here Through hell and high water For better, for freedom For worse. L’enfer, c’est les autres And this hell indeed Was created by others Who don’t Have a …

Dunkirk

A car on a train Who knew? A man on the moon That too. The things that we thought Beyond expectation Are now de rigeur For this generation. Except…….. Where the norm Is no train And no moon. Where things have played out To a different tune. Where rights aren’t upheld Where things are not …