I sing a song that has no words
to a tune that has no notes
it has a melody that no one hums
and lyrics no one quotes

But the rhythm is infectious
and the beat can drive you wild
It can start your feet a tapping
or get you dancing in the aisles

To hear it you must close your eyes
and once you do it makes you whole
the music that’s uniquely you
the soundtrack to your soul

If poetry is art, then what form should it take?
Is ignoring things like layout the cause of my mistake.

You see to me a poem should be heard before its seen
Its an audio based art form, using sound to express its theme

So when I write my poems, and lay them on the page
I do so as if they're spoken by an actor on a stage.

Now I see some other poets, who lay it out so pretty
But when I try and read it, its disjointed and bitty

So again I ask my question, if your poems meant to rhyme
should you really break your verses in the middle of a line?

See I don't only write poetry, I like to read it too
so when a layout trips me up, I want to say to you

Why do that your reader, why get them on that train
only to pull the cord and get them off and on again

A poem is a journey, I should sit back and take a ride
not trip and stumble frequently over messages you hide.

So next time you write a poem, with more focus on the look
Go down to library and get a calli-graphy book.

Offer me both cheeks
And I'll make them rosy red
with squeals of delight
As you beg me not to stop
From across my bended knee

You tell me bout this guy you know
that's gentle kind and true
That has given you new life
banished all that made you blue

You tell me that he's handsome
that you love the way he smiles
That he's touched your very soul
bridged a gap of many miles

You tell me that you think of him
from time to time throughout the day
That you're filled with a such a yearning
wishing he wasn't far away.

And when you tell me of your plan
to surprise him with a trip
I feel that old familiar pain
of a heart about to rip

You're gonna just get on a plane
and turn up at his door
to see the look upon his face
and watch his jaw drop to the floor

Are you really that insensitive
thoughtless, even blind
To boast about some other guy
while leaving me behind

Perhaps I should have spoken up
and told you how I feel
Maybe then you'd skip the fantasy
and stick with something real

But your probably there already
I should have said all this before
and told you I'm in love with you...
One second, someones at the door...

Waiting always waiting
for something to arrive
or someone to turn up
and prove that I'm alive

Suspended animation
neither here and neither there
a spectator on display
watching people stare

I take the form of who looks in
no matter age or *** or class
You think that its yourself you see
and not the spirit of the glass

Do I write because I've things to say,
or things I don't want to do?
Is sitting here typing away,
a decoy for the blues?

I know there's things long overdue,
but there's nothing that cannot wait.
Could it be though that my poetry,
is just a way to procrastinate?

I have stuff to put away and sort,
and things to be thrown out.
But I'd really rather sit and write,
of that there is no doubt.

Perhaps I should accept the fact,
and get somebody in,
who's not attached to all my crap,
who can throw it in the bin.

And then I will be free to write,
my conscience will be clear.
If only I could find my pad,
I'm sure I left it here...
somewhere...

To see you and not speak to you
is the hardest thing of all
Not to ask you about your day
causes low spirits to fall

Not to find out how you are
and if you are ok
Is harder than imagined
Yet on this course I must stay

Its not fair for me to counsel you
on what your actions they should be
because my every waking thought of you
screams for you to be with me

And while that is whats best for me
it may not be best for you
for I have everything to gain
only you have things to lose

To see you and not speak to you
is the hardest thing of all
I truly hope you understand
just why I cannot call

Did you ever read a poem
that you thought was about you
But you couldn't be really certain
yet so much of it rang true

Was there a line that caught your eye
something others wouldn't see
did you ***** your nose up,
twist your lips and think "nah, couldn't be!"

Or maybe there was a moment
hidden there in that verse
that grabbed your attention right away
and made you let out a curse

Of course we could all be mistaken
though our subconscious it may persist
But wouldn't such poems be clearer
if they came with a casting list?

We gaze upon the same night sky
though a thousand miles apart
and ask ourselves some questions
about matters of the heart.

Like the sky, my questions black and white
so the answers yes or no
but yours are wrapped in shades of grey
and your answers must be so

For two to be so close in kind
yet see things in different ways
bids a promise of excitement
not one of uneventful days

Then perhaps the timing of the question,
is the most important place to start.
So 'til we gaze upon the same night sky
but just a few inches apart...

If you never planned to catch me
why did you ever let me fall
Even when you saw it happening
why did you say nothing at all

I'm sure that it felt good for you
to have your ego stroked
But look at what its made of me
a fool who's hearts been broke

So next time someone starts falling
speak up and save them pain
don't just stand right there and watch it
before you step aside again.

You are the shining armour
that this knight is wrapped within
His shield against the elements
without which he could not win

You are are the strength within his heart
his courage and his pride
Which carry him to battle
like the noble steed he rides

Without you he is just a man
a lowly humble serf
But with your love inside him
this knight can rule the earth

Skinny dipping
seems like the perfect thing to do
so lets head out
to a private beach
together me and you

Cast off our clothes
escape this heat
as we dip beneath the sea
lets pretend that we are young again
teenage you
meets teenage me

Lets build a bonfire on the beach
sit together holding hands
and dry ourselves
by its golden flame
sleep on a blanket
on the sand

When morning comes
and we both awake
not as kids but as we are
will we still feel then
that we were too old
to make love beneath the stars?

Perfect summers morn
Sunlight sparkles in the dew
Soul and spirit soar

Smell of fresh cut grass
Calls forth unexpected chill
Dark clouds rolling in

I remember Sunday dinner
that granny used to make
enough to feed an army
piled on each and every plate

three kinds of potatoes
boiled, mashed and roast
Chicken, pork & roast beef
and a glass of wine to toast

and veggies from her garden
that grew right there herself
no canned corn from Guatemala
would you find upon her shelf

there'd be carrots, peas and parnips
brocolli & cabbage too
and anything that wasn't ate
ended up in her famous stew

but desserts, they were the best bit
there was custard, pies and tarts
an the only bad thing 'bout it all
was knowing where to start

Sunday mornings are for making love
then drifting back to sleep
lying in each others arms
safe such dreams to keep

a gentle stir
a languid stretch
a loving squeeze and then
Sunday mornings are for making love
again,

again,

again

Sundays are for poetry
it's just the way it is
The fact that I should mow the lawn
doesn't get me in a tiz

And sure I could shingle the shed
but it ain't fell down yet
and besides so what if it rains
things'll just get a little wet.

And I could be stripping paint
hanging wallpaper and doors
but quite frankly I dont want to
There's a reason they're called chores

No I'd much rather be sat here
with my laptop on my knee
sharing the thoughts within my head
for everyone to see.

Because Sundays are for poetry
that's just the way it is
perhaps I should go write that down
into a poem such as this

Let me be your sunshine
Let me brighten up your day
Let me take your winter blahs
and chase them all away

The city skyline
so far removed from home
chimney pots and aerials replaced by
redbrick buildings amidst fume stained concrete towers
rooftops infested with rusting air condensers
clematis and virginia creeper replaced by
conduit and cables, the ivy of the city clings to every facade

country life contrast
urban decay cannot last
function over form

You're little works of art
lined up there on my plate
You look so ******* ****
I want to masticate

I lick my lips and swallow hard
struggling to chose whats next
The perfect juxtaposition
between seafood and ***

Its so hard to get away from life
even if for just a while
to sit back and truly switch it off
to allow yourself to smile

But a smile thats not for anyone
just a smile that spells content
not interpretation necessary
thoughts all gone and spent

To escape a life of clutter
obtain clarity of mind
a life bereft of all demands
seems impossible to find

Perhaps it just takes longer
and patience is the key
to find myself alone in thought
with a mind thats truly free

It saddens me to see
the way my country bleeds
after leeches in the media
create frenzies just to feed

Xenophobic journalists
poke angry mobs with pens not sticks
distorting truths on paper
so they can get their kicks

Who knows now what the truth is
behind the stories that we read
Sensationalised *******
to create a headline lead

So before you jump aboard
the jingoist express
ask yourself who feeds
on the freedom of the press

Take me to that place you hold,
closed off deep inside.
Where dreams of love and gentleness and reality collide
Where openly you live in hope,
but dare not dream it true.
For that is where your future lays,
a life with me and you.

Take me away from this life of mine
even if for just one day
far into the wilderness
so that real life-s far away

Or even better for a weekend
perhaps a long weekend at that
sit with me by the campfire
where we can laugh and sing and chat

Lets forget responsibility
just for the briefest time
tell me about your wildest dreams
and I'll tell you about mine

We'll be nobody's parent
nobody's boss, nobody's child
for once we'll get to be ourselves
something we've not been for a while

Some time without distractions
obligations or demands
just time to be together
watching sunsets hand in hand

You know that little voice,
the one in the back of your head.
I heard from mine the other day.
You'll never guess what it said.

"You know that girl thats on your mind
who's presence makes you smile
well if you asked me I'd have to say
you've been on hers too, for a while"

Well as you can imagine
this caught me by surprise
Did he see something I didn't
hidden there within your eyes?

So now I have a dilemma
please tell me what should I do
Should I listen to the words he says
tell me is it really true?

Every time I start to cry
I choke away the tears
for fear a dam may open up
thats held firm all these years

So many tears remain unshed
from chapters in my life
called forth by joy and sadness
by pain and bitter strife

One day I know I will let go
and it will all come out
and better i will be for it
of that I have no doubt

So if you see me shed a tear
please hold me while I weep
for chances are the tears will fall
til I cry myself to sleep.

Time for some originality methinks
this copy paste world of ours, well it stinks
sincerity became a thing of the past
as people got lazy and obsessed with fast

No time for honesty bout the way that you feel
originality gone at the turn of a wheel
a right click here and a left click there
and we use others words to show that we care

Well enough of being lazy and thoughtless I say
Lets go back and do things the old fashioned way
Where you said what you meant
and you meant what you said
And took time to write words
you knew would be read

Its hard to wrap emails in ribbons and bows
As for Facebook and messenger
who knows where that goes
So give me some paper and a pen every time
And I will sit down and think,
and then write you a line

My words may make you smile
and they may make you weep
But I choose them with care
to build something you'll keep.

Laundry hamper full
Yesterday it was empty
Its contents not mine
My sons room must now be clean
Laundry day i guess for me

Tell me how you used to feel
Don't hold back the truth
Was I the first love of your life
Or just a fleeting blush of youth

Tell me how I made you feel
During the time we shared
Through the storms that came along
Could we have better fared

Tell me how your feelings changed
That I might understand
The reasons why it is you chose
to let go of my hand

when I ask who are you
please don't tell me what you do
for you may as well burst into tears and cry

for to tell me what you do
instead of telling me bout you
is to say what you fear losing when you die

tell what it is that lights your fire
and sends those flames a rising higher
give me a secret about you I can keep

tell me what you mean by love
describe who fits you like a glove
and then tell me all the things that make you weep

tell me about your dreams
and all thats in between
tell me all the different places you would go

but what I want most of all
as the evening shadows fall
is to learn something that even you dont know

I know that last one's hard
but if we just show our cards
we'll have years together in which we will find out

but if you keep them to your chest
never risk and never rest
the only constant thing will be the doubt

so tell me who you are
and show me every scar
spare me nothing for I cannot know enough

and I will give you all thats me
even the things you cannot see
all I ask is you look after them my love

Tennessee

A quiet cabin in the woods,
selling books and cups of joe.
It sounds to me quite perfect.
Just the place I'd like to go.

Wooden windows, shingled roof,
and floors you have to brush.
A place where time moves slower,
where there's never any rush.

A swing out on the back porch.
A rocking chair, or two.
Your little piece of heaven.
Do you think I could come too?

I'd sweep the floors and chop the wood.
Split logs and farm the land.
If that was what it took for me,
to be with you hand in hand.

At night we'd watch the fireflies,
and count stars up in the sky.
Sharing cocoa 'neath a blanket,
and perhaps some homemade pie.

Our life would be a simple one,
of laughter, love and joy.
A perfect new age fairytale,
how you the girl, met me the boy.

Not a poem, just a thank you.
Today my HP reads passed the million mark.
A huge thank you to everyone that took the time to read the things I've written and special thanks to those that took the time to like, share and comment.

Thank you all so very much.

Peace

How can thank you be enough
for what you've given me
Your words of kindness, have my friend
allowed this blind old fool to see.

Why is it always easy,
to tell you about me,
to expose you to the private side,
that no one gets to see.

I share with you so freely,
things no one else will know.
Let you take me places deep inside,
I would otherwise not go.

I know that we have both been hurt,
and suffered the same pain.
Perhaps thats why I can talk to you,
you won't think I'm insane.

With your help and your support my friend,
that chapter is now closed.
And not once did I feel vulnerable,
naked, or exposed.

And now I try to find the words,
express the gratitude you're due,
but nothing seems quite big enough,
for the thanks that I owe you.


Thank You
For Everything

Did you know that you inspire me
in so many things I write
from the perfect way to start the day
to how to spend each night

The tales of hope and triumph
are all based on you my friend
For the way you handle things in life
that would have me at wits end

I know sometimes it gets too much
and you think that you are failing
just remember calmness comes and goes
to the sea on which you're sailing

And even in the biggest storm
you're never on your own
any time of night or day
just please pick up the phone

So I wanted to say thank you
for all you've given me
the hope, the dreams, the poetry
that you have made me see.

We lay back together in the grass
spotting pictures in the clouds
sharing hopes and dreams
and things seldom said out loud

We talk of how things used to be
'tween the present and the past
and slowly build a deeper bond
that for the rest of time will last

Our words come very easily
nothings forced, no awkward pause
and we talk about most everything
from god to santa claus

As the clouds depart the clearing sky
and we turn onto our sides
we look into each others eyes
and the truth we cannot hide

We came to this place not strangers
but as friends who'd never met
not knowing what this day would be
one to remember, one to forget?

I lay back once more and close my eyes
and start to reminisce
but my story's interrupted
by the softness of your kiss

My eyes begin to open
did you just... I'm not too sure
and I see it deep within your eyes
you kiss me just once more

And it turns out that this moment
is something we both dreamt about
both unknowing and uncertain
of how things might just turn out

So here we are in silence now
free from fears constricting ties
saying all thats left to say
with what lives behind our eyes.

This constant aching feeling
that lives inside of me
a sense of something missing
where contentment used to be

It's funny how I never
really noticed it before
but its started the same day
you got the cab from my front door

The time we spent together
was so fleeting yet intense
Be it weeks or days or months or years
It makes no difference

I just wanted you to be aware
of my pain since you went away
So you can understand the reason
why I'm counting every day

Born again poet
Romantic fool and dreamer
Groovy wordbender
Exploring life through poems
Ability uncertain

I spend my days in ignorance
thinking everything's alright
Only to learn that "can we talk"
means "its time we had a fight"

How do I get it so wrong
just by hearing what you say
and choosing not to turn it round
to take it a different way

I tell you that I'm tired
but that's never what you hear
You choose instead that its a sign
that I don't want you near

I tell you that I'm busy
and the words fill you doubt
but it just means I have stuff to do
before the time runs out.

I tell you that I have to go
that there's a place I have to be
but you take as a personal slight
that its you I want to leave

But when I tell you that I love you
a smile lights up your face
There's no doubt or misconception
just acceptance in its place

I wish that you listen
and just hear the words I say
then we will last forever
and your smile is here to stay

who's to say what's right
who's to say what's wrong
who's to say we've not been lied to
you and me, all along

who's to say what is the truth
who's to say what is a lie
who to say who gets to live
and who's to say who gets to die

we assume that someone else
is the answer to all above
but we choose who we vote for
who we hate and who we love

so its time we all took charge
put an end to this abuse
of human rights and freedoms
that we've let others lose

because one day you know
there will surely come a time
when instead of taking others
they'll come for yours and mine

And suddenly its dark,
the lights they all went out
and everything is quiet
not a sound throughout

A striking match the only sound
its flare the only light
oil lamps and candles
illuminate the night

Sitting here in silence
amazed by lack of noise
how do we never notice
our cacophony of toys

I cannot help but wonder
this peace that's so serene
how do we never choose this
until nature intervenes

I came out here to write
and maybe sit upon the sand
perhaps conjure up a vision
of us together hand in hand

But as I stand upon the rocks
as waves crash upon the beach
perhaps this storm it has a lesson
and I'm the one it needs to teach

See things dont always go as planned
in any of our lives
like the beach we too get shaped
our waves are lovers, friends and wives

The visit for a moment
in the greater scheme of things
leaving our shores weathered
scattered with a million things

some give to us more than they take
others take more than they give
the driftwood that gets left behind
becomes the life we live

So as I stand upon the rocks
and waves crash upon the beach
I take stock of the lessons learned
glad that I'm within their reach

I did not cause this wall
around you to be built
yet I must throw myself,
upon its sword up to the hilt?

Just what do you achieve
by letting no one in
is it fair to make the innocent pay
for someone elses sin?

Have you possibly considered
that dwelling in the past
does more to sustain misery
by making those moments last?

I cannot help but think
you would be better served
by letting people in, to show
you just what you deserved

And would it not be better
to risk losing dreams you've known
than to sit there safe behind your wall
protected but alone

This poet had a dream
of a book with leather binding
going on a journey
along roads both far and winding

Other poets writing in that book
a page or two of verse
the dream became obsession
a small poetic curse

Then one day he saw a journal
the perfect little object
He picked it up and so began
The Community Poetry Project

If you want to share your poetry
then help us fill our net
sign up for one the projects
at cheaperthantherapy.net

I find myself standing in a darkened corridor unsure of which way to go.

In one direction is my past, the other my future.

Yet from this point both look identical.

Both dimly lit and devoid of anything resembling purpose or accomplishment

There is silence but for the ticking of a clock.

The rhythm is steady and the sound deep. Mechanical in nature, like the tick of a real clock with springs and jewels and weights.

There is comfort in that, but also the realisation that proper clocks run down, and eventually stop, unless tended to.

But I know not in which direction the clock lies.

But shouldn’t there be more than this. Shouldn’t there be music, conversation, even voices from my past to remind me from whence I came? No? Then at least voices from my future to guide me forward to my destiny, surely I should know which way to go? What happened to the laughter? There was laughter in my past, and music and dancing and good times. Were they really so far back that all they are now are memories, silent memories?

But there is nothing. The torches on the wall are almost burned out and barely cast enough light for me to see where I am in this life right now, certainly not where I have been nor where I am going.

And so I sit here alone in the darkness.

I didn’t even make it to a crossroads in my life. I got turned around so often that I no longer know which way is up, or at least forward.

My biggest fear is that I will go in the wrong direction, repeat the mistakes of my past, encounter those demons I thought I had left behind and once again suffer all that pain. I barely made it through first time, I don’t think I could do it again.

I need help. maybe I have done for a while, maybe I should have seen this a long time ago, but nobody likes to admit they got it wrong, they failed.

I need a something to show me which way the clock lies, before it runs down, and stops.

I tried so hard to hate you
to lay the blame right at your door
Because then I could move forward
not think about you anymore

Not remember how things used to be
making love neath starry skies
holding hands along the promenade
getting lost within your eyes

But none of those would go away
the fault it all was mine
and so I’m trapped with memories
that I hope will fade with time

And so I come up to a crossroads
in one direction lies the past
in one lies new beginnings
the other dreams that cannot last

Yet now I have to make a choice
so which path should I choose
There’s none on which I really win
and all on which I lose