People come from all walks of life
You can agree or disagree but
never ever breach that
level of respect.

Working class zero.


The art of poetry is to write what you are thinking;
The best poetry sometimes comes without you needing to think.
I write from the soul
And sometimes I use my subconscious mind to do my bidding;
Sometimes I study my target,
To become better at performing my shtick.


I want to be the best; so I try my best.
I stutter when I speak in front of an audience,
Because I have so many words that I need to get out.
I have a million words and already formed sentences inside my head;
I utter meaningless paraphrases, because I live underneath self-doubt.


It keeps me down and leaves me feeling less than confident;
But if I have the poem in front of me,
I can pronounce it with such apparent confidence.
Some people hear me reading my works and view me as being arrogant;
But the truth is I am scared outside my shell
And my words are my only defence.


Poetry is my lover and this is a love that will last.
Some say the best poetry is not written by someone from my class;
But I just say I do not care about that.
Writing is what I do, I am a poet; I will write until I die
And thus, I am turned to ash.


I am no angel, no glistening thing of beauty;
But I am not afraid of speaking truthfully.
I am not charming and could never become a suitor;
But I am disarming their fury, one mind at a time,
In an attempt to seize my future.


If I make you smile,
Then I have brought a little happiness into the world.
If I made you think, then maybe I became interesting.
If I inspired you to write better than I can,
Then I have become worthwhile.
If I have, affected you at all…
Then I have accomplished meaning.


(C)2016 Aa Harvey. All Rights Reserved.

some had liberal voices
speedily stowed away
so they'd observe silence
at the locale's cay

speaking freely was
deemed over the top
it wasn't viewed to be
a permissible cop

never utter loose dialogue
inside it walls
or you'll feel the marshal's
quietening squalls

be mindful of any
unrestricted tongue action
as it will provoke
an instantaneous reaction

would seem that all blurb
must be checked
if not it'll promptly get
well and truly decked

the judging panel like those
who stay within the limit
and to stray outside of it
will incur a demerit

A blinding flash.
I cover my ears as my teeth gnash.
A wave of destruction, moving towards me.
There’s nothing to do; I get washed away in the sea.

My eyes open.
My thoughts, unspoken.
I dress
to cleanse my distress.

The big day is here.
My turn is near.
People, standing in front of the class.
Giving presentations; I won’t last.

My leg starts bobbing up and down at a rapid pace.
I can’t do this. I’ll be a disgrace.
My name is called, my fate inescapable.
I march to the front of the room, my ability incapable.

Breathe in. Breathe out.
I have to rid myself of this doubt.
I speak, my voice quiet, almost inaudible.
Great, this presentation is already horrible.

But time passes, and my voice is raised.
People’s eyes widen, they’re clearly amazed.
My voice carries weight, setting a tone.
Darkness clouds the room; this place is my own.

I’m done running. My feelings overflow.
And without warning, I explode.
Everyone is silent. My fate left unclear.
But, amid the silence, comes a single cheer.