In a remote place of safety, leaders declare their instructions.
Generals order these commands, to wreak havoc, death and destruction.
This ageless, timeless madness is once again repeated.
With no mercy or compassion until the enemy’s defeated

Through smoke filled skies a blinding light
With deafening blasts echoing throughout the night
Buried in rubble an injured child cries.
A mother seeking shelter can find nowhere to hide.

Displaced desolate families, witness schools and hospitals ravaged.
While innocent children slaughtered are sadly deemed as collateral damage.
Doctors and nurses toil endlessly to save many shattered lives.
With no provisions, fuel or medicine, they pray some can survive.

A soldier may be victorious, but he will never truly win.
If leaders send him somewhere else to do it all again
Greed, wrath and tyranny often raises its ugly head.
And the true cost as always, will be the mourning of our dead.

The resonating beauty of a poppy in full bloom
Will forever embody the memory of those we lost too soon.
Old soldiers in their finest have earned our gratitude and respect.
We must learn from their sacrifice and vow never to forget.

I grew up in a seaside, rural spot.
Where the winters were cold, and the summers were hot.
Spent sunny days on the riverbank fishing all day.
Until the bailiff came and chased us away.

We’d play games on the beach and soak up the sun.
Then one day the strangers come.
They took over the beach and chased us away.
And told us to find somewhere else to play.

More and more strangers arrived every year.
The farms were built on as jobs disappeared.
The strangers kept coming and were happy to pay.
And purchased our homes for somewhere to stay.

The place is now heaving on hot summer days.
The locals are busy on minimum wage.
Priced out of the village where they had all grown.
And generations before them had always called home.

Our magical haven of tranquillity
Is now full of holiday homes down by the sea.
Many who grew up there no longer belong.
The strangers now own it and the locals have gone.

The crying sun whispers to a cloud.
The north wind hears and howls out loud.
We’ll make them wish they’d never been born.
Let’s stir things up and cause a storm.

As rain stings my skin and the wind grips my soul
I look for shelter and wait for a lull.
Hoping things can only get better.
I look to the sky and curse the weather.

I booked a flight to Costa Rica
Sat by the window, you should have seen her.
She noticed me across the aisle.
Said “hello” and gave me a smile.

We met on the beach – drinks at eight.
Made love through the night – this must be fate.
Awoke the next morning unable to move.
She whispered softly “I’m going to **** you”.

On the wall hangs a sign
Tomorrow’s wet, the next day’s fine
So, who decides what’s to be done?
The wind – the rain – the crying sun

The storm now almost at its peak.
His body’s strong – her mind is weak.
No one can tell the way she feels.
She loves them once – and then she kills.

As pressure builds inside her mind
Explanations hard to find.
Those memories that just won’t fade
Still confused, she grabs the blade.

As the sun bursts through an open blind
I struggled to fathom her crazy mind.
She said “I’m sorry - but I’m not to blame.
I’m never wrong guess I’m insane”.

With staring eyes and a plastic smile
She hesitates for just a while.
“We’ve had our fun – no harm done.
If I **** you now, no one will know”.

And as the light begins to fade
I think of all the plans I’ve made.
My life now hovering like a shroud.
I look through the blind to a lonely cloud.

The breeze softly whispers “there’s nothing to fear.
The sun’s now setting the end is near”.
And on my journey to the other side
I see the storm begin to subside.

Up on stage the worlds his own
He gives the crowd a spellbinding show
Leaves the stage to rapturous applause
And always leaves them wanting more

But as the curtain falls and the lights are dimmed
The demons inside him begin to set in.
His doubts and fears eat into his skin
As the walls around him begin to close in.

Frustrated his life's forever on show
He just wants to hide but goes with the flow
Persuaded by all that the show must go on
Feels he's falling apart and everything's wrong

He wonders how long he can disguise
The feelings inside - he tries hard to hide
So, he laughs and jokes – paints on a face
And leaves no room for thinking space

Convinced he's fake and his act is stale
He craves to escape, believing he’s failed.
For him the sweet smell of success has turned rancid
And his questions “what if” remains unanswered

The deadly solitude after the show
Eats into his brain as he drives slowly home
He cannot think straight as his minds in a spin
Paranoia and self-loathing begin to set in.

He opens another bottle - his mood is still sinking
And swallows some sleeping pills - to help him stop thinking
I guess he just wanted to bury it all
But has tragically performed his last curtain call.

She never looks for fortune or favour.
Just a fair rate of pay in return for her labour.
To every task she will give her all
Puts others first and keeps her cool.

She’ll always say if somethings wrong,
Wants people around her to feel they belong.
Tries to help others and goes out of her way
To ease someone’s burden and brighten their day.

If her trolley is loaded in the supermarket queue,
She will offer her place if your items are few.
Will never judge but understands,
That sometimes we all need a helping hand.

An act of kindness like a gesture or smile,
Is given freely and often worthwhile.
Sometimes we struggle but inside we’re the same,
Our humility costs nothing, yet all of us gain

He climbs out of his car and admires his reflection.
Intoxicated by his self-perceived perfection.
He tells himself he's number one.
Says he's entitled to his fun.
He never wants to pay his way.
And when he's asked, he walks away.
He lies to cover up his tracks
Distorts the truth and denies the facts
Says self-preservation must be his rule.
Believes he's a winner and thinks he's cool.
He's a legend inside his tiny mind.
But sadly, one day he will find
He's on his own - his friends are gone.
And he won't understand where he went wrong.

The day we met for the very first time
The moon and stars were all aligned
Like a summer rose that’s in full bloom
Your radiant beauty filled the room

My soul just melted in your eyes
You lifted me and mesmerized
I felt somehow that we I belong
As all my doubts and fears were gone

The day you made my dreams came true
Is when you said the words “I do”
Small things we took for granted before
As time goes by mean more and more.

Laughter and memories we share and treasure
Our hearts will be entwined forever
A love that will last till the end of time
You’re my forever Valentine.

I've really enjoyed our evening
Think we drank too much wine
I would love to share our secrets,
If we only had more time”.

He asks, “must this be goodnight
Are you happy on your own?
Why go our separate ways tonight
We've spent too much time alone”

I feel the same, there's fire in his eyes
I need his flame, I guess he realised
So, to spark our new union
And ignite our inner fires
We decide to share our dreams
And explore our deep desires

Now my eyes are open
And I can finally see
He’s released my emotion
And cast a spell on me
Both fired with excitement
We extinguish our fears
But flames of desire will not disappear

Many years later
And I am still spellbound
He is my one true love
Whose turned my life around
We have created new memories.
Both shared our hopes and dreams
True happiness is simply contentment
The joy of life it seems

She's kissing mirrors and plucking hairs.
Wants to be with someone who cares.
She's running late - puts on a spurt.
She brushes her hair, slips on her new skirt.

She's hoping to meet a new someone.
Who won't just break her heart for fun.
She needs a friend, not just a flirt.
To end her loneliness and past hurt.

Is she too early or is he late?
With trepidation she sits and waits.
And plays it cool, it's just a game.
Thinks nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Now staring through an empty glass.
Her solitude is about to pass.
He calls her name, looks into her eyes.
They share their stories and realise.

They make the same journey every day.
Both strangers heading a different way.
Together they sit and share their wine.
He makes her laugh - it's been a long time.

Well old friend the time has come
Is this by choice or by shotgun
You said for you she is the one
You can’t back out the deed is done

Like the proverbial sitting duck
Love hits you like a ten-ton truck
We sincerely wish you lots of luck
At least tonight you’re guaranteed a good time

We’ve known you since we were at school
And you’re the one who played it cool
But now you’ve got a chain and ball
I guess it happens to us all

Try not to commit the ultimate crime
By not arriving home on time
Expect it all to work out fine
With flowers, chocs, and a bottle of wine

All she’ll do is expect the worst
Your good intentions are now cursed
She’ll ask why you didn’t text or phone
You’ll end up on the couch alone

To achieve a long and happy marriage
You’re the horse – she’s the carriage
She’s in charge but you’re in control
Just take her where she wants to go

Now you’ve said the words “I do”
What’s yours is hers – what’s hers is too
Steer clear of trouble, avoid the strife
We wish you both a happy life

Must always be seen – forever on show
You often say yes – when you really mean no
You’ve got an ego the size of a whale
Your act is fake – the rhetoric’s stale

Don’t need the truth – why tell the lies
Whatever you say – it’s no surprise
Sweet smell of success for you is rancid
The question “what if” remains unanswered

You say it’s OK – but I read your eyes
Deep down inside you try to disguise
So, you laugh and bite – paint on a face
And leave no room for thinking space

The simulated mock demise
Of all those feelings you despise
Why spin a line in platitudes
When all you need is attitude

Give them attitude, make it sell
Summon all to share your hell
Remove the mask and give a yell
It’ time to leave your padded cell

Just be yourself – don’t try and fake it
Who knows, one day you could just make it?
Why fight to lose? – you may just win
True self belief is not a sin

Bought this old boat, had nothing to lose
And proudly set off on my maiden cruise.
But my mobile signal started to fail.
Shortly after I began to set sail.

Then the crying sun whispers to a cloud
And the north wind hears and howls out loud
"We'll make them wish they'd never been born"
"Let's stir things up and cause a storm"

Salt spray stings my eyes, as the wind grips my soul
So, I look for shelter below in the hull.
Soaked battered and bruised I hope things get better
This tub wasn’t built for stormy weather.

I knew this was a crazy thought
Now wishing I was back in port.
This beat up old boat is beginning to creak
And the storm's now almost at its peak.

Praying and hoping I'll somehow survive,
The turmoil’s now passing, and I'm still alive.
My hand grips the tiller as I head for home,
I think, never again will I sail alone.

In a darkened room deep in the crowd
A familiar tune, the music’s loud
Spotlights dance around the stage
With knowing glance, I turn the page

I see her and she’s dressed in black
Not in person – in paperback
Will she pose for me tonight?
I hold my breath, follow the light

Through the haze all I can see
Are models strutting purposefully.
Then I spot her walking proud
The clothes she wears delight the crowds

Her sultry eyes and jet-black hair
All I can do is sit and stare
If I can get my timing right
Who knows, she could be mine tonight?

Out of reach, a designer’s dream
She is a peach, the catwalk queen
We all desire but cannot touch
My hearts on fire she means so much

Her picture in the magazines
Leaps from the page into my dreams
Maybe one day she’ll be mine
Then we can leave this pantomime.

Unable to stand up to their self-righteous accusers
Who often become their torturers and abusers?
They feel demoralised so blame themselves
And will never seek or ask for help

Always told they’re in the wrong
They’re forced to believe they don’t belong
With no more self-respect or hope
They feel they’ve reached the end of the rope

Self-preservation is their only escape
No longer wanting to communicate
Now riddled with fear, guilt, and self-doubt
For them there is no easy way out

To avoid the gaze of people they know
They hide away and try to lie low
With no-one to tell and nowhere to hide
They try not to think of suicide

Eventually alone, living on the street
Frightened, tired, and dead on their feet
People walk by, while others just stare
But the victim’s too weak and hungry to care

Others just try to move them on
They look unsightly so want them gone
Morons set out to offend them for fun
By attacking them and calling them ****

They accept the crap that’s thrown their way
Just trying to make it through another long day
Being cold and homeless was never their crime
They were just in a bad place at the wrong time

Looking cool, concealing perspiration, every day’s the same
He says “no need for explanations I just fancy a drink” – again!!
What’s the point in recrimination, can’t you see through his disguise?
He needs another drink or two, he’ll never compromise

He asks, “Who are you staring at?” as he’s looking through his glass
And says, “I need just one more drink, is it that too much to ask?”
Now totally wasted and acting like a clown,
He’s standing up and falling down, attempts to buy another round
But wakes up clueless on the ground.

Tomorrow he will start again, still drunk - feeling hungover
He can’t escape his endless shame, now wishing his life was over
With no memory of the night before, he can’t excuse his behaviour
So once again he starts to drink, his nemesis and his failure.

His regular visits to a local bar, had fast become a curse
His life was beginning to fall apart, and things were getting worse
He lost his friends, he lost his job and was now facing eviction
Refused to accept his regular drink had gradually become an addiction

I read an obscure headline, just a few months later
No suspicious circumstances found re man found dead in shelter
It appears he had simply had enough as his life had been destroyed
By the numerous heavy drinking sessions, he once regularly enjoyed

He knew this was a special day
Her beauty took his breath away
His throat went dry as he said hello
Fearing she would turn and go

She smiled at him, so he took his chance
And through bated breath asked her to dance
She clutched his hand, they danced all night
They laughed and joked; things just felt right.

Decades pass, now both retired
They still share wedded bliss
Emphasised each morning
With a gentle loving kiss

She’s awakened by the dawn chorus
As distant church bells peel
She looks across and smiles at him
But his body is cold and still

Her heart now badly broken
She knew this day would come
She cannot face the future
Without her one and only love

She joined him shortly after
They’re once again together
The lives and love they shared
Will always last forever

I scattered both their ashes
Beneath the apple trees
And I’m sure I saw them smiling
Together dancing in the breeze.

As flowers fill with summer rain
Commuters board their rush hour train
Oblivious to all they see
They must get home in time for tea

Reflecting on their busy day
Decisions seldom go their way
The simple things that mean a lot
Just too busy – Now forgot

Magic times remain unseen
Now blinded by their dull routine
Tomorrows dreams stay in the past
Time flies by - the moments passed

It’s easy to be lead astray
But every dog will have his day
The thoughts inside – Just Cant let go
So don’t let on -  no-one will know

All heading for another place
They hide behind a deadpan face
Afraid their plans have gone astray
They must survive another day

Don’t bother with a crystal ball
You have the power to recall
We each determine our own fate
So take control – Don’t sit and wait

Why stand in line and wait your turn
Just cut the ropes and watch them burn
Feelings that we all suppress
You never know – Perhaps they’ve guessed

The sands of time will ebb and flow
The tree that grows will always show
The promise of a future dawn
On platform nine you stand and yawn.

I've just mortgaged my soul
And dug myself a big hole, using fools gold.
A fast and simple deal, designed to appeal,
So easy, it feels unreal.

I’m praying for a sign
Now regretting this crime.
And being punished by time
I cannot delay I must find a way,
Or they’ll make me pay

I have no time to regret
And I will never forget, this spiralling debt.
My life now standing still
So I must summon the will to pay this huge bill.

Bewildered and dazed
I must escape from this maze
With all credit erased.
To break the chain, or suffer the pain
Of temporary gain.

Freedom's all we every crave
To win this we must work like slaves.
I’ll pay later – at least I’ll try
The credits quick – the interest’s high.

Make a deal – should I get it
I want it now – if not forget it
Within my reach – yet far away
I have fools gold to save the day

A pay day loan may sustain your need,
But could lead to debt and misery.
They promise fast and easy wonga
But to pay the interest may take a bit longer.

Endeavouring to keep you keen
You’re told you’re in a winning team
So everyday of every week
You stay until the job’s complete

But you never win – only lose
Some may help – others use
The rhetoric’s repetitive
Must give them all you have to give

The boss is fat – his workforce lean
Your coffee’s black – he’s got the cream
He’ll pay you just enough to live
He must remain competitive  

Remaining focused yet confused
All compassion now refused
So who is right? and who is wrong?
Which side of the fence do you belong?

Believing everything’s OK
You’ve had some laughs along the way
Time to leave – perhaps you’ll stay
Tomorrow is another day

A statistic on a balance sheet
You cost too much – you’re on the street
You had it all – but now it’s gone
Is it your fault? or just a con?.

Black Coffee – where the cream?
An empty promise – a broken dream
Forget about the nine till five
You’ll work all hours just to survive

The neon sky burns bright tonight
My throat is dry – my chest is tight
Must take the risk – can’t walk away
The ace is high – I’ve gotta play

An angel stares with burning eyes
She beckons me to my surprise
Then takes my hand “come on this way”
“Tonight my friend – you’ve gotta play”

She suggests something stronger
While she’s loading the dice
Then serves me Bourbon, with plenty of ice
Supplies what I’m craving – yet at a high price
Her art of enslaving feels wicked but nice

Still holding onto my last few chips
Do I risk it all and take the hit
My fate now rests on the turn of a card
Still looking cool but sweating hard

Should dreams come true – or fortune lost
Will trust my luck – and risk the cost
Place my last Dollar in the slot
This final spin may be my jackpot

Like a fly that’s drawn towards the light
My *** of gold is almost in sight
Can’t turn away – I’m enjoying the flight
It’s just another Vegas night.

So many lives destroyed by greed
Too many hungry mouths to feed.
The rich blame the poor for being lazy and feckless
The poor blame the rich for being greedy and reckless.

Refugees escape from terror and wars.
Dreaming of landing on welcoming shores.
Condemned by the government, who say they can’t stay
Yet happily collect all the taxes they pay

The wealthy send their children to the best public schools
Some look upon the poorest as just worthless fools
The poor are divided while the richest still prosper
While queues at local foodbanks continue to grow longer

Covid is rampant and many have died
Indecisive leadership is the main reason why
As ministers line friends’ pockets with contracts and fees
All we see are price rises and ******

Government leaders instructed all to stay home
While some friends and relatives were dying alone
As hospital visits and large gatherings were banned
Top Tories went ahead with the parties they’d planned

Leaders are chosen by media manipulation
Then fight their cause with enhanced reputations
Our press is controlled by the wealthiest few.
So, who really decides what we see in the news?

These are political issues, but many don't care.
Yet the wealth divide remains massively unfair.
Many believe they just have no choice
So, stand up and be heard, coz we all have a voice.

Get out of my face, this ain’t your place.
Don’t knock on my door, I can’t take no more.
You’re getting under my skin, and I can’t let you win.
Spreading lies around town, always running me down.
I let you use all my stuff, but what I gives not enough.
You are so paranoid and weak; you think you’re strong.
But like a hungry leech, you’re craving what's out of reach.
So, let’s not touch base, just get out of my face.

Oh, how the tables have turned, now I’m in control.
You think you’re so clever, so get out of this hole
Your attitudes just wrong, and it’s time you were gone
Get out of my place, you're invading my space.
We were good together, some people might say.
But they don’t understand, you always got your own way.
The tide is now turning, I hold every ace.
Goodbye forever, get out of my face.

Goblins dance across the wire
With blood red eyes and wings of fire
They beckon me to join their game
Join in the buzz and kiss the flame

My journey’s only just begun
The purple sky ignites the sun
We’ve chased the dragon – he’s on the run
Now flying high and having fun

The strobe light penetrates my brain
As music pulses through my veins
Got no more cares- Got no more fear
Coz everything I needs right here

I’ll take you where you’ve never been
Beyond the boundaries of all dreams
A mystery tour – enjoy the show
We’ll cut a line and share some blow

Enjoy the buzz – the music’s loud
Escape the madness of the crowd
But first of all let’s score a hit
Follow me – enjoy the trip

I’m flying high and looking down
In freefall now – I hit the ground
The spider laughs and spins her web
There’s no way out – she’s in my head

My body heaves and starts to shake
This nightmare dream I can’t escape
The spider whispers “your time has come
You’re in my web – my turn for fun”

The goblins’ stare – they point and jeer
Now relishing my wretched fear
We make a deal – I pay their toll
My life now spent – They take my soul.

My head’s ******* up – can’t think can’t see
Don’t understand what’s happening to me
No heat, no light, no touch, no sound
Emptiness is all I’ve found

Inside I feel just doubts and pain
No energy to make things change
My hope is gone, my soul is lost
I don’t belong – can’t count the cost

I kissed goodbye to yesterday
Felt like a fool to walk away
Now sitting in my home made cell
With nobody to share my hell

So I hide the truth behind a mask
Time stands still- think of what’s past  
With nothing to share and no more to lose
Nothing to give and nothing to prove

Your image dances in my head
Each night you climb into my bed
We have no dreams – we never sleep
Eternity is ours to keep

Your lips are cold – your breath is still
You understand the way I feel
We share our thoughts – we laugh and cry
Together we can never die

They say you’ve gone – but can’t they see
You’re always right here next to me
They say I’m mad – but that’s because
They only see what never was

The empty spaces fill the page
Their anti-stares fill me with rage
What do they know – why should I care
I feel your glow – you’re always there

You’re with me every single day
I need you now – you're here to stay
We shared our lives – You own my soul
Together we have paid the toll

We no longer sit and count the days
Coz time is just a passing phase
Your stone forever stays unread
You'll always live inside my head.

Feelings I hide, they don’t show.
Tears that I’ve cried, why should he go.
I can’t help feeling the way I do.
It’s my life – give me some freedom.

Left on my own. Love is not a sin.
He’s on the phone, let me speak to him.
"Things are fine, can’t wait to see you.
Until then, keep on believing".

Hurt in their eyes, we won’t fail.
Little white lies, emotional blackmail.
Why can’t they see him the way I do.
Understand, give me a reason.

In our hearts, they won’t stop us now.
Forbidden love, we can show them how.
To share our hopes and live in harmony.
Until then, we’ll keep on dreaming.

True love will last forever
Our dreams we share together.
Forbidden love, can’t help our feelings.
Our lives now have real meaning
.

Listen – no sound – don’t think – don’t see
Enjoy the journey – just feel free
Lose your fears – your doubts – your pain
Nothing matters – nothing’s the same

Be motionless just float away
Wave goodbye to yesterday
Time has no emotion – only space
So wipe the years from your face

Relax your body and you will find
You can clear you head and open your mind
So let your dreams unlock your soul
Cherish the moment – see what unfolds

The sun bursts through a weeping cloud feel soft warm rain.
Through buttercups and daffodils, he calls my name.
As ripples dance across the pond I hear his call.
He takes my hand and leads me to the waterfall.

We climb high above the rainbow,  breathe freshly scented air
Hear gentle whispers in the breeze, he softly strokes my hair
Climbing high we see for miles, we're both enthralled.
At the thunder and the power of the waterfall.

Hand in hand we walk away and both look back.
I know one day we will return, re-trace our tracks.
Memories of magic times, we shall recall.
And wonder at the beauty of the waterfall.

In the morning haze our arms gently entwined
Magical images remain inside my mind
The perfect escape, trying hard to stay awake.
Enjoying the tranquil calm; I must switch off the alarm.
I'm laying close to you, one day our dreams will come true.