It was an honour to be elected. I was on the faculty at Inchfield, and seized the opportunity to work under specialist in topologic geometry, Professor Knowlton. Five years later, I was working on a level nearly lateral to his, which earned me the invitation to an informal gathering in his garden. This is where … Read more
After Recent Unfortunate Results Next election onwards, there’ll be a second vote for those who turn up with, under their arm, a print copy of one of the larger newspapers and answer a few unobtrusive questions to prove they’ve consumed it correctly. A third for those who also present receipts that show they’ve dined sufficiently … Read more
Five Poems trampled, rain-sodden the leaves brown, green, yellow and a crimson gilded wings flapping to the wind above the trees the joy of the storm pigeon juicy and sharp the first few blackberries summer’s sweetness yet to come bounteous blackberries along the brook warm and sweet they meet my lips purple stained, thorn pierced … Read more
Make of me, too, a microcosm Make of me, too, a microcosm— Merger, marry, manifest As the bridegroom, as the stone-melted Heart. Move but do not remove me, for monsters Maraud in madness here, and we meet Mettle to mettle about the place. But you— Magnificent as mystery, as morning, you Are mooring the ship … Read more
Part I “DON’T QUIT” My father’s mantra was taped to the dull beige wall above his bed. Its edges were a little worn after being ripped down from one hospital wall and taped to another, for years. Deafening was the respiratory wheezing which somehow managed to be erratic and yet, constant at the same time. … Read more
Stone Roses turned the stereo up a few notches, saying to to her sister, ‘That’ll teach you.’ Smiths turned from the window to reply. ‘Teach what? That White Riot by The Clash is a good song? I already know that. It’s my album, remember? I taught you everything you know. And now Stone Roses, I’m … Read more
SIDE EFFECT So few cars on our Manhattan street Pigeons leaving nests that swirl between Highrise ledges, fearless land to eat Any mid-street grain or scrap they glean. Told to stay at home most acquiesce. Now we learn how unbeknownst we spare Our New York as we’re emitting less Long-lived greenhouse gases in the air. … Read more
Pan’s Song Your rule has lapsed Apollo, all narrative is dead, You said true form is timeless, but they chose me instead, My pipe has no rhythm, but is easy on the ear, A great tumult rise in ecstasy, precisely as you feared, It’s true you had your time, But as samples, your’s is mine, … Read more
In an undisclosed year, Decency took something marvelous away from me, and by extension away from you. Away from… I want to say, everybody. Decency took it, and left me…decency. Decency now obliges me to make fiction of this, and set it far away and long ago, but how I want to blast that for … Read more
The shop sign was in a Youghal side street, and it said Afro Crafts and Groceries. The right half of the window displayed cooking oil, tinned spices, bottled sauces and small bags of beans and lentils. On the left, a selection of small paintings of village and river fishing scenes, were cramped by colourful patchwork, … Read more