Party. Party. Suffering.
From that height you can only fall down
Low
And down hurts
Oh how it hurts
Horizontalism
Is the only way
To survive
The agony

You can yank me out of Yorkshire but I still want Yorkshire pudding
You can send me south but I’ll still go bargain hunting
Even though it is that I live in the South
I still have a hint of the northern mouth
Well that’s what the southerners say
But I’m sure to you it doesn’t sound that way
Anyway regardless where I am at
I’m Yorkshire bred and that’s a fact
To present this case to you
Some traits of yours; I have a few
I chose cheese to partner fruitcake
And forever search for savings to make
I always speak what’s on my mind
Which at times southerners think unkind
Though they themselves aren’t so good
When it comes to small talk in moments stood
A stranger is a momentary friend to a northerner
Whilst the southerner stands awkwardly waiting
I know which I would rather be
Let’s just say it has its’ own tea
So I am most pleased to see
That so much of you has rubbed off on me
For you my northern family
Are in my thoughts more than you know
And without you I would not be so

I will miss Uganda
The people that made us feel most welcome
That helped us learn as part of the team

I will miss the sunshine
Even the downpours and storms that stunned us
And the dryness of earth that dusted our skin

I will miss the hilltop views
That look upon the cityscape of hectic humanity
And roads filled with the danger of boda-bodas and matatus

I will miss the expectation of casual tardiness
Of moving like there’s no rush
No better place to be so why hurry

I will miss the adventure of discovering new places
Of eating new things with new people
And sharing stories of varied past

I will miss Uganda and it says it misses me
But as long as I remember
I wont need to miss the memories

Sat here feeling sorry for myself
Like a girl's got flu
Though I've had the jab
So this cannot be true
​
Now the embers flake
Because I'm burnt at both ends
I lie looking for sympathy
And some kind of mend
​
So pity me please
It hurts and it aches
My sinuses hate me
This flu is not fake
​

Atop an Orange van driving through the jungle
Journeying toward Ugandan Safari
Heads skimming branches and hanging leaves
And above us super sized spiders held between the trees

Up-tailed Pumbas dash into the unknown
where branches are tangled within themselves
and cacti are dressed with vines like a curtain
giving lives some security from the hunters hidden within

Nearing the fall the redness of soil shines shards of diamond
like the confetti of angels
Whilst the deathly currents are gushing a fierce calming
the spray saturates us in a welcome cooling
as we view the hanging rainbow of bliss

The journey continues with our legs dusted in glitter of the earth
and wind blowing the wet from our skin
A knock delivers generous giving’s of green
And we listen to an orchestra of nature
welcome us to the scene of Africa as it should be

Within the park we’re stunned by stretching scenery
Raw Africa as far as eye can see
Afront us a distance of still Savannah
Yet life roams within in abundancy

Of which life we’re left wondering
As we reach the camp of the red chilli
our favourite taste of beer greets us
So sitting back we see the sun sinking
Whilst man builds for us shelter to sleep in

Next morn rises early setting out for sightings
And we watch the red-hot sunrise upon the Nile
The light catching glistening ripples of water
and the painted sky reflecting onto the hippos habitat

Our first taste of the wildlife we wish to see
Their faces skim the wet shallows
and occasionally rise to gather gasps of air
Father and child fight for hierarchy
And we’re excited to witness the creatures’ honesty

Across the water atop Betty life feels complete
Without doubt there’s no better place to be
Chapati and egg breakfast with wind in our hair
whilst we look for movement of life amongst the trees
Our faces stretched with permanent grins of glee

It’s so quiet we can hear the grasses rustling
The tempo set by the crickets chirruping
Interrupted only by spontaneous sound of birds singing
And whistles of romance as the winged ones are wooing
Peace is so perfectly performed it’s mesmerising

Of animals and birds we encounter many
The signatory Kob prance elegantly upon the heath
and dodge road collision at the last minute
Reminding us that this land is theirs
Pace needn’t pander to our presence

We catch glimpses of mongoose scarpering into bushes
And guinea fowl following the leader as they dot along the roadside
Kingfishers fluttering flirts in the skies above us
then make a sudden swift dive for feed in the ground beneath

The giraffe stand still like statues
all pointed toward the sun like proving a point of endurance
Determined not to let us see them run
While the birdlife exceeds expectations
as we score sight of spoonbill feeding breakfast in the lily littered lake

We meet herds of buffalo grazing
whilst birds peck the pests from their backs
proving every part of nature has its’ purpose
And making their bulky weight appear as no threat

The queens of the food chain are found chilling modestly in the shade
ignorant of our privilege for close proximity
Unfazed by vehicles gathering in view of her public rarity
she relaxes comfortably at roadside so calm she’s almost cuddly

Upon the Nile we witness wildlife washing
Flumps are cooling in the muddy waters
Ears flapping whilst feeding on the grasses of the riverbank
oblivious to the still and sinister crocs waiting within for prey to pass
their jaws held open ready to strike a snack

The blazing heat and gentle motion leaves passengers falling into sleep
But they willingly wake to view the gushing falls of Murchison
cascade down the rock front separating the hills of pure luscious green
and creating current for driver to fight so to journey back safely
Not become another story of tragedy

Then as we wait to board the boat back
Baboons come hither to hunt our rucksacks
To spite their unwanted paparazzi
They help themselves to our belongings greedily
Mother carrying child throughout the robbery

In two days atop Betty and water we’ve been enriched with excitement
and opportunity to see so many new beings
Route home passes Ziwa meeting the endangered rhino species
And we share time with Obama and his protected family

Our last portion of pleasure is hopeful
as we watch the bulky beasts live life naturally
in a sanctuary maintained by committed rangers
who help us follow their motion so closely
we see them soak and scratch their skin

Then back in Betty we have one last long journey
that takes us back to our dreaded reality
of a working week back in capital city
We’re sad but glad to hold a memory
of what was a fantastic fateful opportunity

You move in slow motion
Like there’s no urgency
Yet you cause a commotion
When Muzungo pass you in the street

You speak so softly
We miss what you’re saying
Until we enter town centre
Where you expect us to be paying

It’s contradictory
We sometimes are relaxed
Welcomed and absorbed

But the stress picks up heat
When we’re heckled
Grabbed and yelled at

Yet somehow even with this invite
We never want to leave

That's a sad story over there
Hand held tightly in her hair
Last night hanging on
And she's hanging
Hanging onto the pain
Wanting it to go away
But suffering all the same
​

Oh the outback what you've shown me
Uluru is but one piece discovered
This is raw and the real Australia
Beauty here is vast and wide
And wildlife is richer than the people
Culture is purely in abundance
Knowledge of aboriginal tradition is shared

Landscaped variety of same stretched desert
Once changed the view is most dramatic
Visions of geological change in earths' history
Each day makes me want more

So scratchy I'm squirming
By the sound of your insescent itch
I lay irritated and feeling involved
With the insescent tickle on your torso
As if it were my own skin crawling
With an irritant I can't eradicate
But insist on trying
So still scratching Insescently
I struggle to scratch the itch of numbness
And lay listening to your insistence to persist
​

Living the dream and living the cliche
On route around the world
Ticking boxes off the bucket list
And collecting souvenirs
A poncho in Peru
Bag in Bolivia
Charm in Chile
Amber skin in Australia
A tatoo in Thailand
And bandaged bruises in Bangkok
Living in the moment
Helped me do it all
​

For all of my younger life
I thought when I grew up I’d be a wife
But since when I met you
About this, I’ve thought twice
And I’ve wondered if it need be
Need I marry so eagerly?
Because right now
You are my company
And you’ll do for me
So I’m not so sure now
If I’ll need a wedding gown
Or for my Dad to walk me down
The aisle so soon
At this moment in time
Whilst you have been mine
It seems you’re all I need
More love would be greed
Yes, ******* our bond does lack
But we know we have each other’s backs
And trust is a key thing
My lifelong partner needs to bring
Other traits that you’ve got
Prove you have the lot
You’re a passionate cook
Generosity is your look
You bring with you fun
Share a love for the sun
You love a good dance
You’ll give anyone a chance
You entertain with your bands
You’re a helping hand
You see whilst you’re looking
You hear whilst you’re listening
And your singing is glistening
You do all these things just naturally
It seems you understand me
Which is why what we have works
And it will for eternity

So long as we don’t have to play scrabble in our retirement

You're a moon like no other
For you the cycle stops
And my friend becomes a mother
So small you are moon
Yet no bigger gift is
Shared between lovers
Full moon you are moon
Yet less than half size
Fingers, toes and all the other
Are so tiny tiny sized moon
Because you're a new moon
But in nine months you grew
Till Mum and Dad greeted you
Into their world
Wellcome to the world moon
This crazy big world
With it's own moon at night
Wellcome to the world
Coby Jack Marshall
What a special moon you are
​
​
​

I question how they took the trail here
How many men it took
And did many die trying

I question their strength
Are they a breed of superhuman?
To build such weight at this height

I would question why here
If the views did not speak the answer already
And for knowing their mountainous belief

But how is my biggest question
Just really how did they make it possible
For this path should fall to its' death

I give the Incas questions
But moreover I give them my greatest respect

Lines straight and lines long
From ancient history they're hanging on
For what purpose held is unknown
But certainly some theories have grown
Lines that are curved and lines in shapes
Could be a calendar month, or day
These lines have fingers and are lines with eyes
Yet they can only be seen from the sky
Which is where another theory is born
They are lines of the stars and a map of their lawn
The lines of a belt and lines of a plough?
It's plausible, but not sure quite how
The lines that point are the lines that are straight
And they have a more likely purpose made
Linking Nazcas to a rare touch of rain
The lines spread water on the desert plane
These lines have a reason and these lines answer why
But who knows if that's where the answers lie
Lines lead to more lines and they touch as mates
Curved line, the picture line, links to next by a straight
So shows reason being when lay as lines in their time
But now these lines; lines curved, lines straight and all
Are protected for present day to view more

Did you know that where you were born the water goes down the plughole in the other direction?
I don’t suppose you do know because you’re still rather small.
And also, why would you have noticed?

Did you know that you were born somewhere with no reason to fear spiders?
That although ugly their bites would cause no harm
And also that you were born to a land with no koalas?

Did you know that the sun didn’t feel as much heat where you were born?
That people wore wetsuits to go in the sea
And beaches were more often walked down than lay upon?

I hope that this you do know
And that now you’re there you know to play in the sand
And feel your feet in the sea

Did you know that where you were born people barbequed only in the summer?
And in winter where you were born snow fell and lakes froze?
You’ve seen snow before, did you know?

Did you know that where you were born there’s no eucalyptus or kangaroos?
What we do have is squirrels, badgers and bulldogs
And a lot of cold rain

Did you know that you’ve been to the queens house?
Have you noticed that the Queen makes you seem nearer?
Because even with the distance our Queen is your Queen
We can both call her ‘The Queen’

Did you know that when you were born Mummy was more worried about losing your woolly hat than wearing sunscreen?
It was so cold where you were born that Mummy couldn’t feel her fingers
And Daddy always wore jeans

I bet you didn’t know that where you were born people ate yogurt and pasta
That yoagurt and parsta were not spoken of
And people asked how you were, not how you were going?

Did you know you lived your first year in a country the whole world was looking at?
You probably don’t remember the Jubilee or Olympics
But you were here whilst the world was watching

There’s a lot of things you might not know
But one day you’ll realise perhaps you did know
For just because you’re upside down now
We’re still here
And we hold your memories of the land where you were born

But meanwhile whilst you’re there
We’ll be loving you
Which is really no different all the way over there
Than it is here, where you were born

I like words because you can carry them in your head
So you don’t lose space in your handbag
I like sentences because words are not enough left alone
I left alone is solidarity
Love left alone is heartbreak
You left alone is distance
I love you together is a friendship and a relationship and a family
Sentences are heavier than words
But your head still has room for an infinite amount
Your head can carry a conversation
Infact infinite conversations can be housed in your head
Conversations are words achieving their highest destiny
But they still take up just as much room in your handbag

So what do I need to take with me in my handbag?

Lust like jelly inside
Wibble wobble when we touch
When your hand brushes mine
A lost feeling
One I can't decide
Losing myself
Hysteria
But not so refined
Myself plus more
Contentment when with you
When we're entwined
​
But for fear of disapointment
Too much too soon
Someone only just knew
Yet feels right
Enough now for me
This the same for you?
Let us brew
Please
Let us wait this jelly
And see what can be grew
​
​
​
​

Have you seen the wombat?
He's chewing on the grass
We wanders around the camp posts
Using them to scratch his ****

Have you seen the wallaby?
They're right outside the door
Don't mind to have an audience
Whilst they graze upon the floor

Have you seen the padimelon?
She's outside amongst the bush
With her baby in her pouch
You can watch them if you shush

Have you seen the possum
And heard them heard them have their fight?
There're out there causing trouble
They'll be playing by the night

Have you seen the humans?
All wrapped up nice and dry
They think they live in nature
But to nature this is a lie!

Once upon a mealtime
When salt had gone away
He had left in such a hurry
And with no sub to work his day

Poor pepper started panicking
Mostly missing his dear mate
But also with a worry
If he alone would taste so great

So he soon sent out a message
To all the pots upon the shelf
'Partner needed quickly,
I can't dust dinner by myself'

So suddenly came rescue
In fact response was vast
The rest of all the condiments
Took triumph for him fast

First of course came ketchup
So used to being shared
But pepper didn't quite believe
That they would be best paired

Then came Mr Mayo
With a winning stance he stood
But too eager for the winning
Pepper didn't think him good

In butted boisterous barbecue
Believing there was no other
Unless there could be any left
Of his favourite sweet chilli brother

But pepper wanted neither
For he cared about this dish
And they came in heavy servings
Which wouldn't be salts wish

Still with plenty choice left
He looked upon his friends
Mustards, chutneys and pickles
Fine flavours they'd all lend

But then he heard herbs and spices
Who were giving a loud shout
'If you want salt not to be needed
Then you'd best not leave us out!'

This quickly made him realise
That the best friends he could make
Would come not squeezed all over
But served with a gentle shake

So he rounded up the shakers
But he wouldn't work them all
'You're right you'll help me nicely
But who mostly? It's your call'

The chilli taking charge of things
Addressed pepper with this test
'Well what is this dish we're warming
And we'll tell you what works best?!'

When they looked upon the oven hob
They saw mix of veg and meat
Chopped finely and frying in a pan
Slowly taking up the heat

So suddenly they knew now
Who would win the role to take
Cajun and paprika
A fine taste they surely make

So shaked upon the cooking
It was served with a success
No one need ever know
That peppers day had been a mess

So later in the evening
When salt stumbled his way home
His apologies were heartfelt
'I'll never leave you all alone'

But pepper soon forgave him
He said 'there, there, it's ok'
For now he knew the secret
Of how to cook in the best way

It started well, so cleanly
Soaked in Lush stuff she soothed the aches
Whilst wife was meanwhile cooking a treat
Cider soaked pork and apples
The taste was tremendous
Precedent set for the night ahead

Feeling cool as ganstas we bopped and grinded
To hip-hop only Jurassic 5 could please me with
We were few female amongst a crowd of masculinity
And we relished the imbalance
Flirting my way to the front of the bar
I reignited my relationship with the favourite Jaegar-Bomb
And there dust settled upon the cleanliness

Things turned hazy but in a good way
Post gig we flooded onto the streets of Brixton
And drank the finest foreign beers from an overflowing alehouse
The company was our long-missed men-friends
And yet we still meeting more
As we shared the ingredients to ***** our lungs
They asked for 50 shades of grey in return for rizla
So I rose to the challenge in my half-cut state

This time is was always my intention to wash the weekend down wildly
And starting Thursday this premature session could progress to only place
…the Queens Head
Where dust turned to grime as snapshots of evidence
Prove it was on the credit card that those Jaegar-Bombs were paid
Time and time again
We had become team-mates and it was time I fed them
So we muddled back to my place
Trumpeting our voices through the building
As I served slow roasted pork from glasses
Apparently felt good choice
But next day our melted fingerprints disagree
Our heads also disagree with the antics
And it takes two rounds of tablets to numb the pain

Before later forcing recovery as in Shoreditch we start again
Gathered at Bettys we watched music played
Our rumps rested on armchairs upon the pavement
We continued drinking until the early hours of the day
Then searched for somewhere to take us on the dance floor longer
After only brief grimes of movement and Jaegar
Our night ended abruptly to our dismay
Instead had my first take of kebab
And went north where *** took the night away

Once again woke next morn in bed with man-friend
No memory but surely not in a **** way
Now the skies ******* a mocking mirror of our livers
It seemed a sign to sink further
And the finest ****** Mary led the way
And together sat on sofas we philosophised subjects that we deemed great
Then we ogled sparkly get ups
With prices that we couldn’t afford to pay
So went south to join more friends whose film we met to celebrate

The beginning of the end of madness
Needed cocktails-all we could tolerate
We had formed a tribe of friendship
And we hunted somewhere to prolong the rave
By now all sense of cleanliness long-time washed away
So a downstairs dive provided venue fit for our friendships to extenuate

Then outside met a generous stranger
Who offered tastings that lead our minds astray
Our insides dirtied beyond belief
But sprits high so when we stumbled upon a private party
We were welcome guests to join their birthday

What happened next I needn’t say
For inevitably it had become Sunday
So ***** now we were beyond grey
In wife’s bed I lay
Whilst my insides showed their dismay

This would take some cleaning

I've got meat
It came across continent
Born in Peru
And bred in Bolivia
But now in Aus
Perhaps my poverty will starve it?

Each on a lone adventure
Their holidays collided then combined
So shared special self-made memories
And as fate became their destination
Their destiny took the challenge of distance

He ambled along his adventure
And she journeyed her way home
But the tingling of their meeting lingered
And their shared smiles shadowed their thoughts
Now love was stretched, but strengthened by distance

So when he had more time on her side
They were both soon willing to give it a try
Soon sinking so deeply in love
It was now their connection thrived
Only he was at a distance

Then they shared almighty adventure
Together their traveling passion took them afar
So far, for him this time she stretched out
And in his land they rested
Love had taken them the distance

Encountering an exciting diversion
They were soon gifted with new life
And with this charming commitment
Came a decision of destination
Whose pathway would take the distance?

Back upon the other side they settled
But this time it was to become theirs
And once harbored in a happy home
Their lives expanded and more family was grown
Now with no worries of distance

So for her he did relocate
And for him her family she gave
But he need not move on or away
For as their relationship has shown
Love knows no distance

Tired is not the word
But I am too tired to figure out what is
Exhausted is more appropriate
Yet less deserved
For it is my own fault
Again
My indulgent escapades deserve no approval
Sympathy would satisfy
But would not be fair
I should suffer in silence

And probably go to sleep

Once upon a Christmas Eve
When his work was nearly nigh
Santa had a tantrum
And threw his presents to the sky
​
His reindeer started rioting
Unnerved from all the stress
And poor old Mrs Santa
Stood witness to the mess
​
"My love, please, what is happening?
Think clearly with your head
We've not got time to waste now
Kids wait you from their beds"
​
So Santa stopped and listened
He knew he hadn't time
"But dear, you see I'm starving
And I'm gasping for some wine"
​
So simple was the problem
He'd soon be his fine self
They called for pie and beverage
From their ever trusting elf
​
The elf he soon delivered
And even brought his friends
As word spread of presents fumbled
So they knew they'd need to mend

And thus commenced a workshop
To fix a trick and more
The elves they fixed the presents
To take the impact of the floor
​
So thankful for the time save
Santa loaded up his sleigh
He hearded up the reindeer
They were fed then on their way
​
Now dashing through the darkness
On his journey through the sky
Santa soon delivered gifts
They were thrown from way up high
​
With the magic of the elves touch
They would land in their right place
Because thanks to Santas tantrum
This years Christmas was a race
​
So then parents starting rousing
Not knowing what to think
"Is it really raining presents
Or did we have too much to drink?"

The children sleeping soundly
Heard the presents on their way
So they woke up with excitement
"Yipee, it's Christmas Day!"
​
Luckily for Santa
It all worked out to be fine
But Mrs Santa knew for next year
To keep him topped up with some wine!

Wheeling our way around the continent
On an eight wheeled whistlestop tour
We sample cities with bite-sized sightings
But our bites are big because it's our choice to make
Walking in wonder until even wheelchair weakens
And our legs are limp from exploratory ache
​
And our bites are big because also
We share the same love of sampling food
So we get a daily dose of deliciousness
Healing our hunger with what locals bake
Too much temptation here to watch waistlines
We want to try every traditional taste
​
And our bites are bigger come tea time
Once we've crossed country again by day
From breakfast we watch out the window
And wander new place on the way
Miles mounting high on the dashboard
On our mission for mobility's sake
​
And so we've had a big bite of Europe
Big bite and plenty bites each day
These bites are teasing our tastebuds
We want more world at a later stage
​

Tongue tingling our footsteps as we tread along the coast
Till the tingling tangles and our eyes become deceived
Footsteps fumbling and the walk becomes a lean
What's going on Bruce?
Well we're trippin' East

Steadily stepping our way along Aus Coast
Undulating pathway the challenge of our feet
Our whole self overwhelmed with intense jungle heat
Drips a dropping from each and every pore of skin
Heats a rising as we are headed East

We puzzle a pace set by deceived perspective
And encounter Koala kicking back in the tree
Worrying for impression set by our wibbly wobbly knees
And now a questioning are my eyes playing with me?
Kalaidescoped koala eyes double dare our quest East

A pause in the pathway proves a place of rest
Creates chance to cool off our oven cooked sheen
Watching waves crash and mesmerised in sea
So laid back now stretched beyond a lean
Relaxing now we're siding it most East

Fumbling forwards fulfils quest to reach giant fan
Our minds not now making life so sensibly
Not so sure of anything with any certainty
But no question of whether it could be more perfectly
Rewards been given grand on our venture East

Settling so high at the lighthouse we reach success
Where we're mesmerised in the motion of the mountains breathing
Exhaling clouds a twirling as horizon is swirling
Seas and skies ahead are all entrancing
Eyes lost in a vision of East

Toes treading frogs squished beneath our feet
Sky shadows darkness so we start to venture back
Hunting bin for beverage but there's severe lack
So continue with the liquid slowly spreading in my sack
Senses stumbled from our venture East

Journey into jungle hope to find direction home
Darkness steals our vision so not sure it's right
Saved slightly by flashing glow of poi light
But can only hear, not see the creatures of the night
No knowledge now if we head West or East

Heats arising further trapped within the trees
Tallest takes spiders on so we can travel comfortably
Arms a held wide holding us steadily
Then find our way to freedom reaching beach excitedly
Made it through the jungle of the East

But continues good feeling as dip skinny in the sea
Feet squeaking sand and sea crashing on our skin
Try to fight them but these waves will always win
So to scarper now and go in hunt of green
The final piece to complete adventure East

Mission soon complete when we meet Brother Bear
The night turns trippier from that moment there
Free hugs a given but instead create a scare
Crazy woman shouting and men with fake hair
Realising we are still trippin' East

So at our home for now, the Art Factory
I think we find it be the place we love the most
Thick natural jungle our most fantastic host
Loving life purely but never one to boast
Still sure this is the haven of the East

Lay out flat and eyes still lost in the sky
With colours changing it's a sign I'm still high
Can't count the insects they chirp in overdrive
And waves crashing like the distance is a lie
Senses strongly active here in the East

Journey started East and further went
Minds far and eyes long
Up and down and on and on
As far East as we could have gone

You bundled into our lives from a land far away
But it didn’t make it any less special
You’re ours to celebrate

You’re a perfect little tot popped out a most beautiful being
So how could we love you any less?
That’s just not

And just because you’re far out there
So some things we’ll suffer not to share
It doesn’t mean that we any less care
No way

So long as now and then
We meet on Skype time again
I hope you’ll know I’m me
Your Auntie Kirsty
She or Orange and a little crazy
But no less part of your loving family

The part that’s all the way over here
Too far, not at all near
Yet still loving you more each year
As we watch you grow from far away
Waiting for the day when with you we’ll get to play
With anything

For I’ll play with whatever you enjoy
And whether that’s a toy
Or imagination
I promise we’ll have loads of fun
Be that in our cold or in your sun

You see you get the best of both
Given by your Mum and Dad
The world is yours to be had
On both its’ sides you’ve heaps of love

Only difference is
At this end it calls a need for gloves

She once was a girl growing up in Chandlers Ford
Meanwhile it was in Warwick that he matured
Years later once they had both reached an age
They each moved to Nottingham where loves’ foundations were laid
There they worked on the same degree
And together went the same nightclub weekly
Where he let it known to him she were pretty
So became special place this for them; Rock City

It was just the beginning of what fun they would share
Gigs and festivals they’d embrace as a pair
Always enjoying most the Maccabees
Music was their making of happy memories
Until lifes’ professional path forced them astray
Seeds of love planted, but not together everyday
Weekends back and forth as a long distance lover
The wait would be worth it once back with one another

Some time passed and now both secure in a job
They felt a shared future they were sure of
So in each other they would invest
Henley-on-Thames they went to build a nest
Where they welcomed the new addition of pets
A pair of rabbits who they’ll never forget
For they’re the first lives together cared for
Which has been a success so let’s hope for more!

Now content and secure
Yet with still room for more
They hoped for a place to call their own
So in Wargrave they brought their first home
And filled it with the things that they shared
More than ever they felt together paired
True commitment awaited just one more thing
He took her to Brighton to present a ring

This brings us now to here today
Two families meet at Malmesbury; their halfway
And with friends here all to celebrate
The love that Tom and Hana have made
We witness them begin their next phase in life
The exciting togetherness of man and wife
A relationship they should wear with pride
We all know for him she is the perfect bride

Officially now linked at the heart
June 22nd is where these Hutchinsons start
Adventure commencing with African Safari
And relaxing beach for honeymoon
A pleasure that will pass all too soon
But from there they will live in one guarantee
Wherever next will be together
As they are most happily

London dumbed me
Simple things I can not remember how to do
What currency do bus drivers take if its not shellfish?
Can I pay on card?

London numbed me
Passive interaction with passers-by no more
How come the bus driver chat to me?
And he actually cares for I reach my right place?

Bristol warms me
Friendly faces greet me with familiarity
No questions needed because everything is just so

Silence in the jungle is a collaborative
With cicadas setting the beat
But it’s not conducted strictly
As intermittently birdsong interrupts
And whilst one wolf whistles
Another elsewhere coos
An orchestra of bird chime
Who each choose their own introduction
No one need wait their turn
Somewhere within the thick the insects percussion
Overwhelms the whistle of the birds up high
Distant hogs crescendo as they near
And with sharp ears coming rain rattles
But once the monkeys make their cure
Their howl is the front man
The only silence here is us

Love like this is living
And she lives to comfort him
To reach his each and every need
As his disease steals his motion
He looses his life slowly
So she sweats beeds for him
No more can he move enough to sweat himself
She's doubled hers instead
And she would double it again
Her life is lived for him
And his is thanks to her
Their life will never be the same again
But they live today
And so today she will wash him
Tend his aches, heal his skin
Massage his feet, give his nails a trim
All with a gentle touch of passion
She caresses him with admiration
On each parting she expels desire for him
And kisses him with adoration
She will break her back for him if she has to
And when he feels the pain
She will wipe his tears away
And she need not say a thing
Because their minds read the same
She holds herself as strong as she holds him
And meanwhile he keeps his humour
He does all he can
Now all he has left is to love
But with love this strong
He will live on
And on

I am an orange disco ball
But not to be span in a hall
My venue is the great outdoors
A field dressed with music, and more
No boundaries to the dancefloor
Tonight I will spin spin spin
After a loooonnnnnggg awaited drink
No guilt
For I deserve this disco

I saved a little bit of Christmas
The best bit
The nice cosy warm bit
I kept it up my sleeve
And caressed it so it stayed
Then I took it home and cooked it
Cooked it in a pie
A really tasty pie
With currants all soaked in romance
Held in a strong hug of gold
And glazed with excitement
Then my pie needed spicing
Just lightly
For Christmas is spice enough
Dusty spiced affection
And a pinch of honesty
Sprinkled on as snow
That's how I made it
My Christmas pie
It just needs some patience
To warm all hot and crispy
​
Then would you like a piece?

We're all going on a summer holiday
But nowhere near hot sun
Somewhere so priced high
We've bags stacked with snacks
And dutys full limit of ***
There's Norway we can afjord this otherwise
​
​

When the world became mine
My sit became a slouch
There was no tough and taxing
Just reclining and relaxing
I found freedom to live the world my way
Feet up and thoughtful
Adventurous and sociable
Could chose who to be each day
​

Breakfast salt served with honey on
Is a surprising treat to my tastebuds
So I'm looking forward to lunch
When honey hits the spot so perfectly
Who thought meat would take it so well?
So tough choice to make come tea
With what to take this condiment?
It's too versatile
All I know is
Tea will be served sweet
​

If I didn’t have a Granny
Then I wouldn’t have a Daddy
And if I didn’t have a Daddy
Then I wouldn’t be here

But there’s thanks more to give
Than for blood, life and skin
For Granny has always been
Most supportive and loving

And she’s done so much more
Than watch me grow and mature
Inspiration and education
She’s fed to me pure

When she dances Woolly Bully
I see the part of her that’s in me
At the centre of the party
Dancing like crazy

So you see there’s much more
She’s certainly no old bore
And she’s given me memories
I’ll treasure forever more

So thank you to my Granny
For giving me my Daddy
But also many thanks for being you
My Granny

Sleeping under the stars tonight
Yet feel hotter than the sun
Not brave to face the elements
There's insects on the run

There's spiders in the tents already
And gecko climbing up the wall
The toilets full of frog friends
So will I sleep at all?

Lay awake with the wallabies
By darkness they hop near
I quite enjoy this company
They're not the ones I fear

It's not even snakes or red-backs
To see them here is rare
What's bugging me tonight
Mosquito sound everywhere

Cocooned safely inside my furnace
Listening to sounds of night
Crickets, frogs and rustling leaves
Life heard but out of sight

But it's not all lost in darkness
There's movement I can see
Above me large wings shadow
Bats flapping in mango tree

So instead of hope for sleep just now
I watch the starry night above
And I know no matter all the pests
This whole thing I just love

Can it really really be
That now you have reached three?
So some little mean fairy flew down
And stole a ton of time from me
For it feels just days gone by
Since you were only wee
But not now
Now you are three!
So I think that that mean fairy
Has a wish in debt to me
And now I need to think
Of what that wish should be?
I know what I would wish
If she could be more magically
I would wish that today
I would be in your company
But this can not be just now
So instead I wish a wish
That on this day that you turn three
For your whole third birthday
You are so very very happy!

One
What a small number
But now that's what you are
One is so tiny
Yet you've come on so far
You're one now
And you smile, laugh, sing
Make footsteps, eat curry
But spill food on your chin
But that's ok
because you're still just one
And one is small
So you can cry, **** and sleep
Even though you grew so tall
So be one
Be small
And be tiny
Please make it last
For you're growing up really
Oh so fast

I’m heading west and I’ll tell you why
I’m young and the world’s still mine
Last chance whilst I’m not tied
And West has caught my eye

Where to go was hard to choose
This world of mine is rather huge
So listening to other people views
South America suits me, so why not Peru?!

One stop there I have to make
The Inca trail, and not a fake
So I booked it first, even before the plane
A starting point to lead the way

Flights further west frequent from Chile
So that decision made more easily
And then with Bolivia’s close proximity
My route was made clear to me

The finer details I’m still unsure
The options are vast of which I’m allured
Spoilt for choice of landscape and more
No part of this continent will be a bore

Except perhaps the time spent on roads
Long distance between places that I’ll go
And doing it all whilst alone
My own head may become too well known

I’ve written a route but expect it to change
As I meet new people along the way
Stories of experiences will lead me astray
Or personalities might hold me for an extra day

This is the beauty of this trip
All the decisions are in my grip
And although daunted by the Spanish lip
Independence will force me a learning hit

I’ll tick some boxes of my bucket list
Some of which I know I wont miss
Lone travel, new language-even if just bits
Volcanoes, salt planes, surfing-they’ll be blitzed

Then further west I’ll be on my way
To meet my family for that special day
Hear new words my niece has learnt to say
And meet her little sister, for which I cannot wait

But before they show me their new home
Up the coast of their country I shall roam
Starting Sydney where I’ll be stunned I know
Then toward where all the hippies go

After Father Christmas has been
And they’ve shown me all that must be seen
And fed me plenty barbeque supreme
The West of Aus is where I’ll next lean

Here I’ve more family ready to meet
And a New Year for us to greet
My uncle will keep me upon my feet
Showing me places that make their life neat

These chances I’m so lucky to take
Though I miss them so and it does ache
At least they all live in a wondrous place
And happily share with me all that is great

But it doesn’t quite end there
There’s more the world has to share
So to make the most of my fare
I’ll touch down in Bangkok to taste Thai air

And although I wont have long to lurk
I’ll squeeze in sights the city serves
It depends on when I am due to start work
For at some point it’s time I became a nurse

But even that I look forward to
I love my job and what I do
And at least the role is not all new
I know it but my responsibilities’ have grew

By this time I’m sure to say
I’ll be in desperate need of pay
So although I’ll be living back in gray
I’ll be glad when a salary comes my way

It’s Friday 30th June 2013
And I am not not at Glastonbury
The circus inside my stomach believes it
As it relives the act of the opening night
The generous performance of Prosseco
That now sing somersaults inside
It comes with not not being at Glastonbury

This weekend I’m a transient party goer
And I’m spreading the love of not not being at Glastonbury
Anyway who needs Glastonbury?
I’m here choosing my music track by track
On the way to meet my gran
Yeah, Granny Mac’s not not at Glastonbury either
So bring it on not not Glastonbury

Not not being at Glastonbury proves expense
Almost like Glastonbury itself would be
And now without phone
Not not being at Glastonbury develops realistically
‘Nother day and not not being at Glastonbury took me home
With old friends drinking aplenty
And more

Not to brag but I even jogged at Not not Glastonbury
Through fields and through the city
Undoing the damage done whilst not not being at Glastonbury

Tonight not not being at Glastonbury
Will peak when we get involved culturally
Shakespearean act performed in his Globe
You don’t get that at Glastonbury
But we’ll hold a drink through
Making the most of not not being at Glastonbury

By tomorrow my insides will feel like they’ve consumed Glastonbury
But here’s hoping we’re still able to get our art hit
Endurance is part of the test of not not being at Glastonbury

First thing in the morning and we’re counting the pennies
Because we’re not not at Glastonbury
So it’s never a bad time to buy *****
We’ve a young Argentinian as extra company
One of so many friends made at not not Glastonbury
Intent was succeeded with a turn of events never forseen
It went wonderfully wild whilst not not being at Glastonbury
Post play and pop with pa
Whilst wondering further afar
Party greets on a reclaimed beach
A gift given not by Glastonbury
So right now the Thames is actually the best place to be
Due partly to the unpredictability
For you know good times and good people come with Glastonbury
But the friends and offerings not not at Glastonbury this year
Have shown a surprising  shared love for not not  being at Glastonbury

Even if the comedown tries to equal the fun
It would be worth it this time, not not being at Glastonbury

Sucre I failed you
For I did not learn to speak
My teacher did not agree with me
So I did not last the week

Sucre you failed me
Bundled with a ***** because of gender
Her company a test of patience
So I escaped with the boys on a ******

But Sucre where we did not fail
Was the comfort that I could live in
A homely hostel with space more than most
Bar far the best place I’ve been

And so Sucre you succeeded
I got plenty well needed sleep
Lived a week of homelike activity
Regenerating energy whilst enjoying your pretty peace

Sucre where you excelled yourself
Was the endless extra sights to be seen
Many museums of my interest, devil hunting in the convent
And evidence of where dinosaurs have been

So Sucre overall
If I were to give you a grade
Considering fault beyond your control
I’d say you deserve an A!

Betty
Gives me cake
Of the homemade kind.
And
Sometimes
We make the cake
It all depends
On how she shakes.
Sometime’s
It’s so bad she can not move
She can not talk. Only cry
It’s painful, distressing, morbid and weary
It makes her wish to die
And then
Other times
We bake
We clean
She is back to
Her role as wife.
You wouldn’t know
That
She hates life

Fluffy for what you are we wait
And we’ll wait for you need not come with haste
Now but a bump to hide mummy’s toes
Yet you’re more than that Fluffy
Inside much more of you grows
A whole little person
Little boy or a girl
That we don’t really need to know
So long as you’re safe and sound
And Mummy’s face still glows
We trust you Fluffy
You’ll come with hands, feet and toes
It’ll all just be smaller
From your knees to your nose
Little learnt lungs and happy heart we hope
We’re sure when you come it’ll all be just so
You’ve had the time to get it right it right
As this started some nine months ago
So we’ve waited until you push and kick
And now you can begin your fight
Because little Fluffy the time has come
In fact it’s late Mummy feels your hics
But now you’re here oh so quick
So hello there little man
Welcome to the world
You’ve joined us in our land
And came perfect-
Face, feets and hands
So hello little man
Our little Magnus
You’re Fluffy no more

One Pose
The sun spread
With one purpose
Brown my skin
A tactile turn
For an even coat
Eyelids closed
No crows feet
So little clothes
To make the most
For no white marks
Tan me please

In the lowalnds in the humid heat
Lushious green landscape strikes me
And the Amazon greets

Upon its' murky water I float
Whilst a bright butterfly furiously flutters
Like to keep up with our boat

Looking into the jungle upon the shore
Hunting birds are circling above
A hint that there lives more

And sprinkles of colour season the trees
A sample of the inner variety
In front me is countless species

Your pretention pushes my patience
As you spit sounds of spite
And unnecessary nags of advice
That just no one want to witness
Let alone be unfortunate to listen to
Each time your mouth open my sole shivers
And I take another chunk out of my tongue
How unfortunate that we met
And worse still that you linger on
Counting down till we part pleases me
As for you does constantly condescending pleasant people
You relish moments to relive unrelated memories
And if moments not given you steal a snap of someone else’s
So take your stupid smug stories
And over-generous giving’s of patronizing help
Far far and then further away from me

Once upon a Jaegar-bomb
Doesn’t happen
There’s always a second round

Once upon two Jaegar-bombs
Animation accelerates as the volume uplifts
And new bonds are created with enthusiasm
So a third round is ruptured

Once upon three Jaegar-bombs
Confidences lifted so the hips start swinging
And feet start tapping as the energy is rising
Infectious embarkation of the dance floor
Gives all a taste for more

Once upon four Jaegar-bombs
Wild dancing raises heat so progression moves outside
Where the self professed ex-smoker turns out to be a lie
But it’s ok because it’s past the point of reality
Or is it?
Had better get another round in to help find out

Once upon five Jaegar-bombs
Probably is a very wicked fun
And could be chatting with someperson new
If words in the coming order are out in?
Or where I am
But I know where the bar is somehow

Once upon six Jaegar-bombs









Waking in a moment of delusion
Hoping to figure out the surroundings
And fill in the gaps of what was

Reliving last night because living today hurts too much
Tidying the remnants of what was
Utter ecstasy and pure bliss
Time spent with brilliant people
Vigorous dancing using every muscle to the max
The dream of a hedonistic socialite was lived
And every moment felt like it counted

Today it’s as if we were gifted
But now have all the wrapping to tidy up
No amount of Detol could put it right
Nag Champa only masks the pollution
And Happy Hippy can only wash away the accessories

The engravings of disgrace remain felt
We need a deep clean
But exhausted our energies on the mess
We’re stewing in our own filth wishing for some pro-activity

It’s like picking up grains of sand with a pair of tweezers
But the sand is glitter, feathers and ash
And the sea is beer, cocktail and jelly
Reliving the memories takes the edge off
Because the pain of today is justified
Words can’t speak the pleasure experienced
And the pleasure is relived as we reminisce
This day of suffering will end
But will retain the happiest of joyful memories
Unforgettable and never to be cleaned away