#officer
The weakness of the officer…
His barricade frame looming soullessly over the victim as the other officer decided she was too sick to come in…
The sadness of the old man arrested for holding a placard containing truths we all should believe in…
The weakness of your will to go along with everything now that it’s nothing…
But what’s nothing?
Is nothing breathing? Is nothing hearing? Is nothing seeing?
You can’t be at peace with dissonance…
And in order to achieve peace you must wake up to the hell that persists…
Don’t think you can avoid it…
Prepare to ask yourself the question;
Would you rather live in a cell where they don’t let the sun in,
Or be beaten to death for believing in something?
Sep 10, 2025
Sep 10, 2025 at 4:51 PM UTC
People are not nice,
They can dishearten you,
But don't be like mice.
Let me tell you a story,
My story of victory,
It's after the accident.
When I was in the ICU,
Thought I won't be consequential,
But I disappointed them.
This young man is alive,
An ex-SBI PO, now a DRAAO,
Oh I worked hard for it.
Did not I, oh life,
I don't play the fife,
You know, right?
Now I talk to you,
Yes, you, the dejected one,
Now I ask you this:
Being a survivor,
If I can be successful,
Why cannot you?
May 9, 2024
May 9, 2024 at 10:40 AM UTC
Frag
The same old feeling
The same old issues
By the same old feeling
Why do you still take it?
I ask myself each day
Better the Satan you know
The **** beasts me
Each and every day
I should’ve been a Marine
Than an army soldier
Day in day out
Same old ******* ****
I think I’ll frag my officer
When we are alone
Out in the bush
Say it was an accident
All the **** he gave me
Join the army
See the world
That **** is my world
Tonight I’ll frag him
Then take off cross county
The border is fifty clicks away
Join the cartel
Or go independent
**** the army
And their rules
Aug 21, 2021
Aug 21, 2021 at 4:45 PM UTC
George's father
stares at Polly.
"How is George?"
he asks eyeing
the young maid
who cares for his
shell-shocked son.
Polly studies the man
behind the desk
how his eyes
search her.
"He has moments of nerves
but I manage to calm him"
she replies
pushing from her mind
she and George
in bed the night before.
"I have received a letter
asking about him
from his regiment commander"
he says
"asking about his possible
return to the Front."
Polly's eyes betray a fear.
"He can't"
she says
"he's not well enough."
His eyes pierce her.
"It is not your opinion
he will be asking"
he says sitting forward
in his chair.
"If it wasn't for me
he'd be locked away
in some asylum".
Polly says
not thinking
as she speaks.
He looks at her.
"I know he thinks
you are his wife
but you are not"
Polly stands up straight
looking at him.
"But all the time
he does
I am"
she replies
seeing George
making love to her
twice in the night
behind her eyes.
Apr 21, 2018
Apr 21, 2018 at 4:09 AM UTC
Polly watches the sun rise
into the room. She lies beside
George in his bed. It was
the only way to calm him
down last night. He thought
he saw snipers in the trees
over the way. He sleeps still.
Eyes shut and eyelids like
smooth shells. She didn't
think he would be able to
perform but he did. As if
nothing much had changed.
But he was not the same.
The War has blunted his
sense of humour. Twice
in the night. At one time
he shook the bed with the
nerves going off. She lies
still gazing at him there.
The thin dark moustache.
The lips still. What if he
had died? Shell shock is
a kind of death she muses.
Where to go from here?
He thinks she's his wife
and not the maid he used
to bed while on leave.
His parents are not happy
about her being with him
most of the time. But she
alone can calm him if he
loses his nerve and shouts
and screams and shakes.
She is supposed to sleep
next door in the adjoining
room but he wanted her
in his bed. It had been
nearly a year since he last
made love to her before
he went back to the trenches
and the Front. She can
sense him close to her.
She wants him inside her
again and again. She had
best get up in case someone
comes along and sees her
in his bed. She rises up and
goes to the adjoining room
to wash and dress and brush
her hair which is in a mess.
Mar 27, 2018
Mar 27, 2018 at 8:23 AM UTC
You watched George
undress for bed,
made sure
he didn't slip
or fall with the shakes.
He had caused
a scene at dinner
and his mother asked you
to take him back
to his room.
He thought you his wife
and not the maid.
The shell shock
had disrupted
his thoughts and nerves.
He stood there naked
staring at the wall.
You picked up his pyjamas
and dressed him.
He was pliant
and stared at you.
Polly, what has
become of us?
he said.
He had tears
in his eyes.
We are safe,
George, you said.
His hands began
to shake again.
You held him close to you
sensing him shake and cry.
You didn't know
the sights and sounds
that haunted him;
what the War had done
was visible
before your eyes:
in his eyes
an old world died
and a world cursed by lies.
Mar 6, 2018
Mar 6, 2018 at 3:57 PM UTC
George sat at the dining table
for evening dinner.
It was the first time
he had been down to dinner
in many months, since being sent home
with shell shock in 1916.
He sat quiet,
staring at his sister
who sat opposite.
Other guests
sat along each side
of the long table,
and his father sat
at the top end
and his mother
at the other end.
He wanted to shut out
the chatter; it grounded
on his fragile nerves.
The man next to him
(lord something or other)
tried to engaged him
in conversation
about the War,
but George turned
and gazed at the man,
gazed at his moustache
rising and falling as he spoke,
the words floating in the air
like wounded birds.
His sister said:
George doesn't talk of the War,
he finds it disturbing.
The man looked at the sister:
I suppose he must;
are on your leave then, Sir?
George turned away.
He wanted his wife.
Where was she?
He searched along the table
on either side, ignoring
the man next to him.
Where's Polly?
He said anxiously
to his sister.
His sister leaned forward:
Polly is busy, George,
you will see her later,
the sister said
in a soft voice.
I WANT HER NOW!
George bellowed,
his hands shaking,
his eyes staring
along the table.
His mother got up
from the table
and went around to George
who had pushed back his chair
and was standing shaking.
Calm, George,
she said.
She put an arm
about him
and began to lead him
from the dining room.
The guests stared in silence.
Polly who had been outside
waiting to take meals in,
came in and spoke quietly
to the mother,
and taking George's hand
led him from the room.
George is suffering
from shell shock,
his father said,
he has not quite
got through with it yet.
The guests nodded
and spoke in soften voices
offering apologises
and words of sadness
and such as guests do.
George held tight
to Polly's hand.
Who are those people?
He said,
his hands shaking,
his eyes staring around him.
Just dinner party guests,
George,
Polly said,
leading him
up the stairs,
wondering
what the butler will say
about her entering
the dining room
other than as a maid.
They climbed up the stairs;
George crouched down
thinking the bright lights
were flares.
Feb 12, 2018
Feb 12, 2018 at 12:19 PM UTC
The remains of a soldier
laid on a muddy plank of wood,
and that was the first day at the Front.
George pushed the memory aside
like an annoying fly, but it stayed there
as he watched Polly
make up his bed.
And the hand sticking out
of the trench, a wedding ring
still visible discoloured by blood.
George studied the maid
as she moved, how she smoothed
down the cover with the side
of her palm.
He wished she could smooth out the memories
stuck his head: the calls of the wounded
and faces of the dead.
Sep 9, 2017
Sep 9, 2017 at 12:36 PM UTC
They're out there
George said
peering out
the window
of his room.
Polly who had been
making his bed
looked over at him.
Who are George?
she said.
They think
I can't see them
but I do
creeping along there
by the trenches.
She came across
and stood beside him
and looked out
the window.
Cows moved
in the field
over the way
tails wagging slow.
They shot Briggs
right through the head
and he was beside me
one minute
he was talking
next gone
a hole through
his forehead.
They won't get me
like that
he said.
It'll be
all right George
just keep near me.
She held his arm
a cow moved
behind the hedge.
Back back
George said
and held her close
and away
from the window
his eyes large
and staring.
She kissed
his cheek
he turned
and gazed at her
his eyes
frightened looking.
They won't **** me
will they?
No George
not now
she said
holding him.
He stared ahead
his eyes watching
a moving cow.
Jun 30, 2017
Jun 30, 2017 at 3:27 AM UTC
George walked
to the door
of his room.
Polly who
had been sitting
by the window said
where are you going?
I need fresh air
he said.
He went out
she followed
he walked along
the passage
down the stairs
his footsteps
walking slow
on each step.
She kept him in view
wondering if he
was going to have
another turn.
He crossed
the hall
looking
straight ahead.
She followed him
walking past
the new maid
who had replaced her
a timid girl who now
shared the room and bed
with Sally the maid
she once slept with
before George
came home
from the War
shell shocked.
George opened
the front door
went out
into the grounds.
Polly followed
closed the door
after her.
She watched
as he stopped
by the trees
peered
at the horizon.
She walked
close to him.
They're out there
some place
he said.
Who are George?
she said.
The ***
he said.
He stared
at the trees
in the distant
swaying.
See their big guns?
he said.
She watched
the trees sway.
Keep behind me
he said to her
snipers out there
he pointed across
the grounds.
There was
no one there
just the wind
and birds
no war sounds.
May 11, 2017
May 11, 2017 at 11:11 AM UTC
George lies
on his bed
in the dark.
I sit in the chair
by the window
curtains drawn.
I could have gone
through to the room
next door adjoined
by a door
where his man
used to sleep
before the War.
He joined
George's regiment
but was killed
just after George's
brain gave way
on the Somme.
I sit in case
he wakes
and panics
if I'm not here.
His parents
are not happy
that I am here
with him
but he insists
I am his wife
not the maid
he used to bed
while home
on leave
and before.
The nurse he had left
after George refused
to have her
in the room
and only me
to be there.
I wish
he was well
and back to how
he was
not this
broken man
who lies on his bed
in the dark
moaning through
another nightmare.
I peer through
the slit where
the curtains meet.
I see a narrow
wedge of field
and trees and sky.
I wonder what god
it was who brought
George back
but left
his man to die.
Apr 28, 2017
Apr 28, 2017 at 9:50 AM UTC
George's silent
staring out
the window
his mother
watches him
as she stands
beside him.
She has sent
the maid out
below stairs
so that she
his mother
can have him
to herself.
What's out there?
She asks him.
There's snipers
he whispers.
She looks out
at the fields
and hedgerows
the tall oaks
swaying slow.
How many?
She asks him.
Where's my wife?
He asks her
looking up
with his eyes
hauntedly.
She's gone out
she replies.
There's danger
I told you
he mutters
the snipers.
She'll be back
pretty soon
she answers.
Polly stands
by the door
of the hall
looking out
at the drive.
She's been sent
from the room
leaving George
alone with
his mother.
Listen George
why don't you
come downstairs
for dinner
we have guests
his mother
says to him.
Where's Polly?
He asks her.
She'll be back
she answers
wishing her
son was well
that his nerves
weren't so bad.
There's one there
he shouts out
his finger
pointing out
at the hedgerow
get down low
he utters
ducking down
out of sight
pulling his
mother down
beside him.
His mother
looks at him
and then sighs
seeing tears
welling up
in his eyes.
Mar 9, 2017
Mar 9, 2017 at 2:23 PM UTC
The nurse had left.
George had improved little,
but got angry when the nurse
was about, and was only calmed
when Polly was in attendance;
so His father let the nurse go
and allowed Polly to nurse him.
Dudman didn't like it,
but could do nothing about it;
another maid was employed
to cover Polly's duties.
George sat in chair
by the window
staring out,
January sun
was dull in the sky,
clouds drifted slowly.
Polly tidied up the bed
and arranged
George's clothes
by the side.
Look at them,
George said,
pointing out the window,
creeping along the trench.
Polly went to the window
and peered out
where George pointed.
The old gardener and his boy
walked along by the hedge
carrying tools.
Germans, Polly, see them,
where's my gun?
George said anxiously.
Polly stood beside him:
it's Cartwright and his boy
walking by the hedge, George,
she said softly.
George peered hard:
Not Germans?
No not Germans,
Polly affirmed.
George sighed,
held Polly's hand.
Look like Germans,
he said.
She wished
he was well again,
not unhinged
by shells and gunfire.
Shell shock,
the doctor had said,
who came the other week
after George had a bad attack
of nerves and shouted
and hit out at the nurse.
Only Polly
calmed him down
and he held her
as he wept.
Dunton was there,
George said suddenly,
one minute there next gone,
blown apart,
blood on me
and his arm in the trench
a few feet away.
Polly hugged him,
kissed his head.
George saw about him
the walking dead.
Feb 5, 2017
Feb 5, 2017 at 8:55 AM UTC
The nurse
has left the room;
Polly tucks
George into bed,
settling him down.
Quieter now
after the shouting
and disturbance earlier.
He had been convinced
Quigly was out
in No Man's Land:
out there
he had said,
pointing over
the grounds at dusk,
moonlight
making shadows.
I'll send help for him,
Polly had said.
Don't loose
more men on that,
George had shouted.
His parents came out
rushing onto the verandah
to see what
the fuss was about.
The nurse had tried
to quieten George,
unsuccessfully.
Laughter from guests
in the house
brought George to tears.
Quigly's bought it,
George had moaned.
His eyes were large
and staring out
at the grounds
where stars
had glimmered.
Polly had managed
to get him back
in the house;
the nurse following behind,
eyeing them both.
George lies
with eyes closed.
Polly leans over him.
She wishes he was
as he was before the War
and his time at the Front
and the mental breakdown.
He'd have had her
in his bed by now,
and have ****** her
to joy and back.
Now he lies silent,
eyes shut.
She leans down
and kisses his forehead.
Him back
from the Front
half living,
half dead.
Jan 3, 2017
Jan 3, 2017 at 7:10 AM UTC
George lies in the dark
of his room, a slit of light
from the moon squeezes
through the gap of the
curtains and makes a streak
onto the floor and the wall
by his bed. He hears gunshot
and explosions, hears men's
moans from No-Man's Land,
senses rats run along the trench.
His hands shake, his eyes stare.
By the window fast asleep a
nurse sits unaware of the wars
inside George's head as he lies
in bed. He watches as Grimes
sits against the trench wall,
smoking a cigarette, then
stands up and goes to the steps,
and looks over the top; smoke
from his cigarette floating
about his head; a whine, splat
and Grimes falls back dead.
Georges stares and mumbles.
Grimes lies staring into the
blackness as if an answer is there.
George gets out of bed, walks
to the wall to tend to Grimes.
The chair by the wall where
the nurse's coat lies stands still.
George talks to the coat, talks
to Grimes. The coat is silent
and unmoving like one dead.
George sees Grimes lying there
in his broken mind and head.
Nov 28, 2016
Nov 28, 2016 at 3:08 PM UTC
On his bed
in his room
George sees the remains
of Gilmore laid out
****** and foul smelling,
Polly tries
to get him
to lie down for a while
to rest
to calm his mind
and nerves,
Gilmore's remains
are laid there
he says
pointing to the bed
with a shaking finger,
Polly looks at the bed
where George's pyjamas
fresh cleaned lie
ready to put on,
George stares at her
move them
put them
some place else
he says
his finger
shaking faster,
Polly removes the pyjamas
and places them
on the dresser
over by the wall
and turns back to George,
I have laid them to rest
she says taking hold
of his shaking hand in hers
and taps it gently,
he mutters about
the stench of the trench
about the young soldier
who shook so much
when the whistle
to go over the top blew
he ****** himself
and shook so much
we left him there left him,
George stares ahead
at the bed holding on to
Polly's hands and mutters
left him there,
Polly wishes George
was his old self
and would take her
in his bed as he had
before the War came
now he shakes and stares
as if all around him
were explosions and flares.
Oct 25, 2016
Oct 25, 2016 at 3:13 PM UTC
George's father stares
at the nurse,
young thing,
blue eyed,
he wants her
does he?
Yes,
the nurses says,
calls her name out
and won't be calmed
until she's there,
but Mr Dudman said
not to bring her,
the father stares
at the nurse,
then out the window
showing the trees
and fields beyond,
if George calls for her
go get her no matter
what Dudman says,
the nurse nods,
feels relief,
George's hard to manage
once he's in a mood,
anything else?
The father says,
no all well otherwise,
the nurse says,
wishing she was back
at the hospital
caring for wounded soldiers
from the front
whose injuries
she could see,
not this mental type,
she leaves the study,
the father back
at his desk writing,
she walks along
the dark passageway
and up the wide staircase,
she sees George
by the open window
in the chair,
he stares out
at the view hands
over his eyebrows
as if seeing
through binoculars,
he doesn't turn around
when she enters
he stares
at the enemy soldiers
advancing,
Polly see them
coming?
He says suddenly,
pointing at
the field ahead
(cows slowly walking)
the nurse stands
behind him,
hands on his shoulders,
see them Polly?
He repeats,
She's not here George
she's not here,
get her now
I want my wife,
George says
turning round,
the nurse nods
and leaves the room
without a sound.
Aug 12, 2016
Aug 12, 2016 at 6:54 AM UTC
George sits
by the window
of his room,
there are rooks
over the far trees,
over some field
cows moo
on the air,
he stares at the horizon
expecting explosions,
seeing the enemies' trenches
over by Tenet's farm
teem with life,
the nurse behind him
watches him sit
his head to one side
mumbling words,
George doesn't want
to turn round
he knows Wilkes' head
will still lay on the floor
mouthing words,
the nurse offers him
a cup of tea
brown and now warm,
he sees a ******
walking along
by the drive
rifle over his shoulder
getting bolder,
you must drink George
the nurse says
putting the cup by his elbow
on the small side table,
Mitchum's hand lay
on the trench floor
at his feet
the wedding ring
still there
muddied gold,
where's Polly?
he says not looking around
in case the ******
crouches out of sight,
she's busy
the nurse says
(having been told
by Dudman the butler
not to bring her),
bring her here
he says
I need her to see
the ****** fellow
to see for herself,
the nurse looks over
his shoulder
along the drive
the gardener walks
with ***
POLLY
George bellows
POLLY
he shouts again
causing the gardener
to lift his head and stare
who was there,
the nurse puts a hand
on his shoulder
to calm him down
she'll be coming soon
she says in his ear,
his eyes gaze
as the ****** disappears
into the door
the driveway is empty,
an explosion of rooks
hit the sky,
George wide-eyed
begins to cry.
Jul 24, 2016
Jul 24, 2016 at 1:05 AM UTC
The nurse,
whom George's parents hired,
begins to settle him down
in his room,
after his parents and Polly
had left.
Where is she?
George says.
Where is whom?
the nurse asks.
Polly,
where is she?
The nurse is unsure
who Polly is,
so sits him
in a chair by the window,
which looks out
on the grounds and drive.
Is she your wife?
the nurse asks.
George looks at her:
I don't know,
maybe she is,
he says,
looking at the nurse puzzled:
who are you?
I am Nurse Willows,
sent you look after you,
she says.
Where's Polly?
he says.
I'll find out,
you relax and sit quiet,
the nurse says,
and leaves the room.
He stares out
of the window;
it is still,
no bombs are blowing up,
no bodies are out there
in trenches,
the trees are whole,
not splintered
and blown down.
He looks into the room:
Wilkes's head
lies on the floor
by the bed,
the eyes gazing
at him questioningly.
An explosion in his head
stirs him to jump
from the chair,
and run to the wall
where he stands shaking,
staring at the head.
Be careful Wilkes,
be careful,
he says.
He looks at his writing desk
large eyed,
a hand lies there,
palm upwards,
a finger bloodied
points towards him.
No no,
I can't,
he says.
He turns,
and the door opens,
and he shouts:
GET DOWN!
******
The nurse and Polly
stare at him,
then go to him.
Calm down,
the nurse says.
Polly takes his hand
and holds it:
it's all right George,
no one
will harm you here.
He looks at her childlike:
Polly,
you are here.
he says,
and holds her
close to him.
The nurse looks
at them uncertain
what to say or do.
Has he a wife?
she asks.
No not yet,
Polly says,
looking at the nurse
over George's shoulder,
as he hugs her
tight to him.
The door opens
and George's mother
enters in:
what is the noise?
He is unsettled,
the nurse says,
and called for Polly,
so I got her
not knowing
who she was.
The mother goes
to George and Polly:
settle him Polly,
then get back
to your work.
Polly nods.
Come on,
George,
his mother says,
you are home now,
time to rest.
George looks
at his mother
over Polly's shoulder:
who are you?
he asks.
I'm Mama,
she says.
He looks at Polly:
is she?
he says.
Polly nods:
yes George,
she is,
Polly says.
George turns away
from his mother,
and stares at Wilkes's head
on the floor by the bed,
the eyes gazing at him.
Get Wilkes's head
off the floor,
it can't stay there,
George says
pointing by the bed,
unable to get
the eyes gazing, out
of his mind and head.
Jul 12, 2016
Jul 12, 2016 at 2:27 AM UTC
George had gone
from the house.
His parents
had sent him
to a place
for treatment
for the state
of his nerves
broken up
at the Front.
Who told you?
Polly asked
when Susie
had told her.
Old Dudman
(the butler)
just told me,
Susie said.
But gone where?
Polly asked.
Didn't say,
said Susie,
secretly
she was glad
that Polly
would not now
be able
to go sleep
in his bed
as she had
times before.
I must know
where he's gone,
Polly said,
and rushed off
quickly to
find Dudman
and ask him.
Where's he gone?
Polly said
to Dudman
who was in
his small room.
Where's who gone?
He asked her.
Master George,
she replied.
He eyed her
quite sternly;
where he can
be assured
of treatment,
Dudman said.
But where's that?
Polly said.
I can't say,
not to you,
he replied,
back to work,
and forget
your dealings
in the past,
in his bed,
Dudman said.
Mar 16, 2016
Mar 16, 2016 at 1:42 PM UTC
George Elmore
opened up
his tired eyes
he had dreamed
of the Front
barbed wire
loud gunfire
human cries
mud and blood
quiet now
his old room
his own bed
curtains drawn
sunlight bright
and she there
gazing out
at the view
the house maid
what's her name?
Is it you?
He uttered
Polly turned
quite startled
you're awake
Master George
how are you?
She walked next
to the bed
and stood still
I don't know
how I am
am I home?
She nodded
yes you are
in your room
in London
and you are?
I'm Polly
a house maid
she told him
uncertain
what to do
this is home?
He uttered
uneasy
yes it is
it's your home
where's Gwyer?
He asked her
who's Gwyer?
My batman
he was here
not seen him
Polly said
are you sure?
Yes I'm sure
she sat down
on the bed
took his hand
Sanderson
is lost now
George informed
he was there
beside me
in the trench
then was dead
I'm sorry
Polly said
and Gwyer
where is he?
George asked her
I don't know
she replied
who are you?
I'm Polly
the house maid
who am I?
You are George
George Elmore
Polly said
he lay down
closed his eyes
leave me here
he uttered
and beware
of the shells
Polly sat
and watched him
still holding
his cold hand
and he thought
he was in
the war land.
Mar 2, 2016
Mar 2, 2016 at 3:13 PM UTC
Captain George Elmore
watches the trees and fields
pass by as the car
moves up the drive
to his parent's house
and his home,
sky blue,
birds in flight,
the driver is silent
and he is glad,
no noise,
no talk,
nothing but silence.
In his mind
part of him is still
at the Front,
sights seen,
sounds of guns,
rifles,
bombs,
men's screams
and moans,
echoing in his ears,
sights of dead
and legs and arms
and waste and heads
and eyes.
All is dead all dies,
he murmurs,
watching the house
come into view,
the windows,
the roof,
the doors.
A servant girl walks by,
head down thought held,
not Polly,
he muses,
not her,
he feels tears well
in his eyes,
all is dead all dies,
he murmurs soft.
The driver pulls up
outside the front doors
and there is a moment
as if time has stopped,
as if he is stuck,
cannot move.
Dudson's head
is staring at him
from the side of the trench,
no body,
just the head,
eye open,
one gone.
The driver opens the car door
and stands gazing in,
Captain Elmore,
home Sir,
he says softly.
The door of the house opens
and his mother walks down
towards the car,
followed by the butler
and a servant girl.
His mother stands
at the car door and stares in,
George, are you all right?
She says unsure why
he sits so still,
his eyes looking
but unmoving,
watery as if washed
and undried.
The butler stands behind
the mother,
gazes in
hands by his sides,
the servant girl stands
behind him,
looking by his side.
George you are home now,
his mother says.
George stirs,
eyes move about him,
not focusing,
he moves and steps out
of the car and stares
at the sky,
all are dead,
he murmurs,
men die.
Jan 26, 2016
Jan 26, 2016 at 3:44 PM UTC
Case Spadet!
Look at all of the beautiful stars,
(yea, get a flashlight, it's too dark)
Look at the way I float so high up!
(the affects will wear off soon enough)
You are my chief of tactical officer!
(I'm also on your own, that makes two of us)
We are rank 2 divisions finest, and this smore's for you!
Nov 14, 2015
Nov 14, 2015 at 4:26 PM UTC
Y e s o f f i c e r I c a n r e c a l l
l a s t n i g h t I s a w M i s s K e l l y .
S h e w a v e d t o m e f r o m ,
i n t e r i o r o f f i n e c a r r i a g e .
I n s i d e s h e s u p p e d o n w i n e
a n d f e d o n l u s c i o u s g r a p e .
a n d t h e m o n e y s h e w a s p a s s e d ,
d i d n o t d i s p a r a g e .
B u t s h e p a s t m e v e r y q u i c k l y
a n d f u l l y d r u n k w a s I .
I f i n d i t h a r d t o
r e m e m b e r a n y m o r e .
B u t t h e o w n e r w a s a m a n o f w o r t h ,
f o r h i s c o a c h m a n w a s w e l l c l a d -
a n d t h e r e w a s a g o l d i n s i g n i a ,
p r i n t e d o n t h e c a r r i a g e d o o r .
M y f i n a l r e c o l l e c t i o n ,
w a s t h e s m i l i n g f a c e o f s h e .
I d o b e l i e v e s h e t h o u g h t
t h a t s h e h a d m a d e a d e c e n t s c o r e .
B u t t h e t h o u g h t o f h e r t r a n s p o r t e d
t o h e r d e a t h b e f o r e m y e y e s .
I a m o f m i n d t o c h a n g e m y w a y s
a n d n o l o n g e r s h a l l I w h o r e .
T h i s w a y o f l i f e i t s e e m s
h a s o f t e n p u t u s g i r l s a t r i s k ,
I t h a s a l w a y s b e e n t h i s w a y
f o r a l a d y o f t h e n i g h t .
B u t o n s e e i n g M a r y K e l l y
c u t u p a n d l e f t f o r a l l t o s e e
h a s m a d e m e w a n t t o l e a v e
m y L o n d o n a n d t a k e f l i g h t .
I a m s o r r y t h a t I h e l p y o u n o t
w i t h w h a t I r e c o l l e c t -
f o r I p r a y y o u c a t c h t h i s f e l l o w
a n d h a n g h i m u p o n h i g h .
B u t I t r e a d t h i s p l a c e n o l o n g e r ,
i t s n o t w o r t h i t n o w I s e e .
S o a l l t h a t I h a v e l e f t t o s a y ,
d e a r P o l i c e m a n i s g o o d b y e .
I f y o u n e e d t o s p e a k a g a i n t o m e ,
h e r e i s m y n e w a d d r e s s .
I w i l l n e v e r m o r e s e e L o n d o n t o w n ,
n o t e v e n a s a t r i p p e r .
F o r I k n o w t h a t M a r y K e l l y ,
c o u l d o f e a s i l y b e e n m e -
w h o h a d f a l l e n t o t h e b e a s t ,
c a l l e d J a c k t h e R i p p e r .
Mar 18, 2015
Mar 18, 2015 at 6:06 PM UTC