THERE WAS A SMALL BROWN BOY ALL ALONE,
MY TROUBLES WERE NOUGHT COMPARED WITH HIS,
A WAVE HAD TAKEN HIS FAMILY AWAY
AND HIS HOUSE, AND NOTHING WOULD EVER BE
THE SAME AGAIN - ALL THAT'S LEFT IS JUST
THE PAIN; BUT THERE WERE SOME THINGS I
COULD DO TO HELP, AS AN AID WORKER IN
THE WRONG PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME - HE
BECAME RATHER LIKE A SON OF MINE;
NEW PEOPLE TO LOOK AFTER HIM WITH FOOD
AND SHELTER PROVIDED WAS FORTUNATE,
GOD WAS WATCHING OVER HIM AND HIS FATE,
THE SCARS WILL TAKE TIME TO HEAL BUT
WHEN I SEE HIM SMILE, I'LL KNOW MY HELP WAS WORTHWHILE.

All I have to do is touch your
A, B, C, D or G spot more likely than not,
like simulation, a fake dive, fifty shades,
it seems to be too easy to gain accolades.

Credit where credit is due, I love you too,
I don't like engineered repetition,
lack of imagination, cashing in on a ride,
don't be incredulous at the unstoppable tide.

All's fair they say in love and poetry,
but there should be limits it seems to me
that we're lacking a little mystery,
where's your raw talent - lost so easily.

We don't all want to get too impressed,
because even you out there may not know what's best.

WHAT DO YOU GET IF YOU CROSS A ******
WITH AN ESKIMO? ANSWER: YOU GET A MASSIVE
VASSAL WITH A PASSIVE TASSEL AND A FRIGID
****** WITH WITH A RIGID DIGIT. COLD COMFORT.

DO YOU LIKE IT IN CIDER? THERE WAS A BIG
BLACK HAIRY SPIDER WHICH CHASED JUSTIN G.,
DON'T YOU SEE THAT'S SO COOL - SO APRIL FOOL!
OF THE NILE A JEWEL, NOW I'LL DROOL AT YOUR POOL.

I MUST BE EMOTIONALLY OFF COURSE, OF COURSE
IT'S NICE TO EXPAND YOUR HORIZON, PUT EYES ON
DIFFERENT THINGS, DIG INTO WHAT'S BENEATH, YOU
MAY NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT'S ABOVE YOU UNTIL
SOMEBODY SAYS THAT THEY LOVE YOU.

LET'S HAVE SOME NO SADNESS, LOTS OF GLADNESS
EVEN THO' THERE MAY BE **** IN MY MADNESS.

IT'S 7.5% SO IT SAYS, OKAY, MAKES THE DAY PASS AWAY,
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO DIE?
SIT ON THE VERANDAH, DRINK IN HAND LOOKING AT THE SKY,
OR TRY TO MAKE LOVE, AN ****** WITH ONE LAST SIGH;
NEVILLE SHUTE WROTE, 'ON THE BEACH,' NUCLEAR WASTELAND IN OZ,
THE NEWSPAPERS FLUTTERED DOWN THE STREET, SO HE SAID,
MAYBE THE LAST HEADLINE READ: 'ISIS DEFEATED IN SYRIA,'
AN OLD ADAGE: 'IF WE CAN'T HAVE IT - NOBODY ELSE WILL,'
GOD AND ALLAH'S PLANS BOTH DEFEATED - IT WAS ALL THROWN AWAY,
IF SOMEONE ELSE COMES UP WITH ANOTHER PLAN - GET IT RIGHT,
WE DON'T ALL WANT TO GO THROUGH THE SAME CRAP AGAIN;
THEY CAN'T TAKE AWAY THE MEMORY OF THE GOOD TIMES,
YOURS AND MINE; THE GOLDEN SUN IS SETTING HERE,
WE' LL ALL BE BACK REFRESHED, TO HAVE MORE POLSKI BEER.

NOW, WE DON'T WANT TO BE GLOOMY HERE,
DO WE MY DEAR BUT 'BOWIE' SAID : ' TREAT
EVERY YEAR AS THOUGH IT MAY BE YOUR LAST,'
THAT WOULD SUIT ANNE - SHE'D BE TRAVELLING FAST;
I'M MORE PEDESTRIAN, WHAT'S BEST FOR MAN?
SOME LADY ISN'T EVEN FIXING HER TV,
SHE SAID T HAT IT'S A START TOWARDS PRIORITY,
THE CHILDREN MAY BE LUCKY - WHAT ARE WE
GOING TO GET? THERE MAY BE NONE, OTHERS
IN THE NET MAY WISH THEY DIDN'T INHERIT,
HOW COULD THEY LIVE LIKE THIS?  WE SELL
AND THEN FORGET WE USED TO RING THE BELL;
SOMETHING WRONG - THAT LADY MAY FIX HER TV AFTER ALL,
SHOULD BE LIKE 'NESBO' IN THAILAND HAVING A BALL.

YOU MAY LEAD A HORSE TO WATER BUT YOU CAN'T MAKE HIM DRINK,
THAT'S BECAUSE THE POOR ******'S NOT THIRSTY,
A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTED,
ESPECIALLY AFTER HE'S JUST ****** FARTED.

YOU CAN'T MAKE A SILK PURSE OUT OF A SOW'S EAR,
THEY MAY NOT APPRECIATE THAT ANYWAY IN TYNE AND WEAR,
A BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH,
LISTEN MATE, I'M QUITE HAPPY WHEN SHOVE COMES TO PUSH.

AS YOU MAKE YOUR BED, SO YOU SHALL LIE IN IT,
I DON'T MAKE THE BED BUT STILL GET IN ****,
BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER,
MUST HAVE BEEN UGLY BECAUSE GOT A SLAP WHEN I TOLD HER.

PERHAPS ITS TIME FOR A MAKE-OVER FROM GOK,
BUT MAN IN SWING DOOR IS STILL GOING TO BANGKOK.

LIFE IS JUST A BOWL OF CHERRIES,
WHY NOT ORANGES, APPLES OR KIWI FRUIT ?
A PERSON IS KNOWN BY THE COMPANY HE KEEPS,
WHO  CHOOSES WHO? THERE MAY BE LITTLE YOU CAN DO.

BEWARE OF GREEKS BEARING GIFTS,
WITH THE STATE OF THEIR ECONOMY, THERE ARE NONE LEFT,
A WOMAN IS A WOMAN AND A CIGAR IS A SMOKE,
ANY TAKERS FOR THIS ONE - MUST HAVE BEEN A ***.

HE WHO CAN DOES, HE WHO CAN NOT TEACHES,
SO I DID MANY THINGS AND MY WIFE LECTURES ( ME ),
ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT,
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, ENOUGH.

LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME PLACE,
IT DID, IT DOES AND THE SECOND TIME WAS WORSE.

A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE,
BE AHEAD OF THE GAME - WHAT A PAIN,
DON'T PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE,
NOT ANOTHER ****** HORSE - DEAD OF COURSE,

THERE'S NO FOOL LIKE AN OLD FOOL,
THAT'S ME BUT I WON'T LIE DOWN EASILY,
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND,
WHO DREAMED THAT UP - I'M STILL WAITING.

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD (GOOD),
ESPECIALLY IF IT'S EUROPEAN 22 CARAT,
ALL CATS ARE GREY IN THE DARK,
THAT'S WHY I COULDN'T FIND THE *******.

DON'T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET,
AS IT'S EASTER - I'M GOING TO EAT THE LOT.

YOU  CAN'T  STOP  ME - I'M  GOING  TO  PUBLISH
BY  WHATEVER  MEANS  POSSIBE - JUST  YOU  SEE,
IT'S  NOT  TOO  MUCH  TO  ASK - I  DON'T  WANT  FAME,
THERE'S  NO  ONE  LEFT  TO  BLAME  -  ONLY  ME;
I  WASTED  TIME - YOU'RE  NO  FRIEND  OF  MINE,
AND  WHEN  IT'S  DONE  I'LL  TELL  YOU  HOW  IT  WAS,
I'LL  TELL YOU  WHAT  YOU  HAVE  TO  DO - NEVER
MIND  RANDOM  HOUSE,  OLYMPIA  OR  ANY  OF  THEM,
SUCH  A  RELIEF  TO  DO  SOMETHING  BEFORE  I  GO,
BEFORE  TIME  RUNS  OUT,  BEFORE  MY  LAST  SHOUT;
EVEN  THEN  I  WILL  NOT  BE  FAZED  -  I  KNOW
IT  WAS  GOOD;  I  KNOW  MY  SOUL  WAS  POURED  OUT,
WHAT  HAVE  YOU  DONE - IS  THERE  ANYTHING  TO  CRY  ABOUT?
NO,  THERE  IS  NOT,  I'M  HOLDING  A  COPY  IN  MY  HAND.

IT WAS STEAMY HOT WITH FANS SWIRLING ABOVE,
THERE WAS NO TIME FOR THE MILITIA OR EVEN
TO MAKE LOVE, JUST CONTINUE WITH THE
PIPELINE DAY AFTER DAY, FROM ONE CLEARING
TO THE NEXT ACROSS VAST TRACTS OF LAND,
DUST TO DUST TAKEN OUT NOW GRAINS OF SAND,
LOCAL LABOUR BROWN AS TEAK DOES NOT
FLINCH WHEN I START TO SPEAK - JUST
WATCHFUL AND DOWNTRODDEN BUT WILLING TO
LEARN, MAYBE IN THE NEXT LIFE IT MIGHT BE
MY TURN TO FACE HUMILITY UNDER JUNGLE SKIES,
WHEN IT'S ALL OVER , WORK IS FINISHED AND CONVERSATION DIES;
'ON THE ROAD TO MANDALAY WHERE THE FLYING FISHES PLAY,
THE DAWN COMES UP LIKE THUNDER FROM CHINA ACROSS THE BAY.'

WILL IT BE THE SAME? WILL I STILL BE THE ONE
THAT GET'S THE BLAME? WILL I SHOOT MYSELF IN THE FOOT
AGAIN AND 'THROW THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATH WATER?'
IF YOU COULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN - WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
ACCIDENTS COULD BE PREVENTED, FAILED MARRIAGES NOT INVENTED,
NO NICOTINE AND LITTLE ALCOHOL WOULD JUST BE ROUTINE,
NOW WATCH YOUR DIET - THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU TRY IT, DON'T FORGET
THE EXERCISE, LIMIT YOUR WEIGHT - IT'S YOUR BODY THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO HATE; FORGET ABOUT OBSESSION - THERE'S NO REASON FOR DEPRESSION AND IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY - HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU'VE GOT BECAUSE THERE'S NOTHING ELSE MORE LIKELY THAN NOT; THE HARDEST THING
OF ALL IS HAVING TO WITHSTAND SOME OF THE HUMAN RACE,
I DON'T LIKE YOUR PERSONA OR YOUR FACE,
BUT JUST THINK CAREFULLY - IS THIS RIGHT, BEFORE YOU PACK YOUR SUITCASE.

SOMEONE SAID 'THAT: 'I DON'T LIKE THE WAY YOU EAT,'
YOU'RE THE NICEST PERSON THAT I COULD WISH TO MEET,
NOW I HEAR PEOPLE ARGUING ABOUT SHOWER GEL,
ASHTRAYS, NOT ANSWERING THE PHONE AS WELL;
PATHETIC REALLY, EVEN THOUGH I LOVE YOU DEARLY,
WE SEEM TO GO THRO' ALL THIS NONSENSE YEARLY,
WHY DON'T WE EACH GET A ROOM ON OUR OWN,
THEN THERE WOULD BE NO MORE NEED TO MOAN,
NO MORE WORRIES ABOUT DRINKING AND SMOKING,
LIPSTICK ON YOUR TEETH - I WAS ONLY JOKING,
CLOTHES ALL OVER THE PLACE, A MASK UPON YOUR FACE,
IMPATIENCE WHEN WE CAN'T EVEN FIX A NECKLACE;
TO THINK THAT HALF OF US WILL NOT LAST TOGETHER,
TRIVIA BECOMES IMPORTANT - BEYOND ENDEAVOUR.

DO  YOU  HAVE  A  GOOD  JOB,  HOUSE  AND  A  CAR,
MONEY  IN  THE ­ BANK  AND  TRAVEL  FROM  AFAR,
GENTLE,  KIND,  COMPASSIONATE,  C­ARING,  AFFECTIONATE,
UNDERSTANDING,  READY  FOR  A  FAMILY  AND ­ CONSIDERATE?
LOYAL,  PATIENT,  TOLERANT,  GIVE  ME  SOME  SECURI­TY,
LOVING,  REMEMBER  MY  BIRTDAY  AND  ANNIVERSARY??
STRONG,  T­OUGH,  FIT,  NON - SMOKER  AND  NOT  TOO  ROUGH?
IF  SO,  THAT'S  FINE BUT  FOUR  OUT  OF  TWENTY  FIVE  ISN'T  ENOUGH,
THE  FIRST  FOUR­  ARE  GOOD  BUT  THE  REST  ARE  MINE;
LET'S  TRY  HOBBIES - DO  YOU  LIKE  ANIMALS,  DOGS
AND  CATS,  CINEMA,  PICNICS,  CLOT­HES  AND  SILLY  HATS,
SPORT,  WALKING,  TALKING,  LAUGHING  IN  ­THE  RAIN
BEING  READY,  BEING  THERE  WHEN  I'M  IN  PAIN?
THINK­  ON  THESE  THINGS  BECAUSE  I  WONT  ASK  YOU  AGAIN.

When all seems lost - take stock of everything,
there was a way which positive thinking might bring,
black became green, red became yellow and said hello,
God looked after you and monitored all you might do;

If you adjust your mindset you can gain success,
It's like a business seminar when more doesn't become less,
you see the guy standing there - saying: 'Yes, I was
like you once - suspicious, wary - solutions were scary.'

Do you know where your going to? Answers may vary -
so you took all these pearls of wisdom and then some,
and waited for manna from heaven, nirvana to come,
not always but sometimes fortune drifted into your kingdom.

Don't despair, help is at hand by strange means or fair,
whichever way it comes after all, someone does care.

SOMEBODY ONCE SAID, 'DON'T THINK EVERYTHING IS PUNITIVE,'
I DIDN'T LIKE THE BEGINNING, NEITHER THE END,
AND THE PIECE IN THE MIDDLE IS NOT WHAT FATE SHOULD SEND,
TIME TO GROW UP - NO LONGER BE THE SPOILT CHILD,
YEARS ARE ROLLING ON - STOP TRYING TO BE SO WILD;
NOW I KNOW THERE'S NOT MUCH LEFT BEFORE THE FAT LADY
SINGS - THE SECRET OF THIS LIFE IS TO ENJOY THE BORING THINGS,
THE OTHERS ARE A BONUS WHICH ARE GIVEN, LEFT FOR US,
LIKE ROSE PETALS SCATTERED ON THE BED SO IT'S  BEEN SAID
THAT GOOD FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE - MORE THAN TIME CAN SAVE;
HOW LUCKY WE ARE - FREEDOM AT THE SNAP OF THE FINGERS,
LACED WITH SANDALWOOD WHEN THE SCENT OF GOOD AFTER-SHAVE LINGERS,
HOW LUCKY WE'VE COME THIS FAR, LOOK AT THE FOOD IN FRONT OF YOU,
THINK OF AN UP-GRADE - GIVE YOUR ATTITUDE AN OVERVIEW.

REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE FLOATING IN THE SKY,
SO FAR ABOVE THE GROUND WHEN YOU COULD FLY,
THE COLOURS WERE GREENY BLUE WITH A LIGHT HUE,
YOU COULD NOT LAND, THERE WAS NOTHING YOU COULD DO.

REMEMBER HOW THAT YOU DIDN'T WANT TO WAKE,
NOTHING TO TOUCH YOU AND NO ONE TO SHAKE,
YOU COULD SEE JANE WATERING THE GARDEN FLOWERS,
IT WAS EASY TO GUIDE WHEN YOU HAD SPECIAL POWERS.

A WHISPER IN THE EAR PRODUCED A YELLOW BREEZE,
MADE THEM BELIEVE AND GET DOWN ON THEIR KNEES,
I BLEW A FLUFFY CLOUD AND GAVE THEM ALL RAIN,
IT PASSED QUICKLY AND THEN THE SUN CAME AGAIN.

I REMEMBERED IT ALL WHEN I WAS A BOY,
NOW THERE'S NO MORE TIME LEFT TO FLY AND ENJOY.

THERE'S A ROAD THAT WINDS DOWN TO THE BAY,
WITH WOODEN HOUSES AND BALCONIES THAT SWAY,
THEY MOVE IN THE WIND AND SPEAK OF THE PAST,
TELL ABOUT SHADOWS AND WHO WAS THERE LAST,
PEOPLE HAVE CHANGED BUT THE VIEW IS THE SAME,
THE SAME SHIPLAP, THE SAME BEDROOMS, SAME PAIN
AS WHEN I WAS THERE RUNNING FINGERS
THROUGH YOUR HAIR, WAITING AT THE LAMPPOST
AND LEANING ON THE CAR, WATCHING THE BOATS
UNDER A STAR WHICH HAD ALWAYS BEEN THERE
SINCE GOD PLACED IT IN THE SKY, MADE
SUNSETS AND WATER AND VIEWS THAT MADE YOU SIGH;
SLANTING SIDEWALK, STEPS THAT TALK WHEN
YOU ASK THEM - THEY SAY, THERE'S A NEW  DOCK ON THE BAY.

ROBIN REDBREAST CAME MY WAY,
HE COCKED HIS HEAD AS THOUGH TO SAY:
'GIVE ME YOUR LIFE, SO LONGER,
I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE LIKE YOU -STRONGER.'

I SAID: 'BUT YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL,
WITH YOUR FLASH OF RED,' SO IT'S SAID
THAT WE ENVY YOU AND THE THINGS YOU DO,
IT WOULDN'T BE THE SAME IF YOUR CHEST WAS BLUE.

PROMISE ME THAT YOU'LL LEAVE ME FOOD,
EVEN IF, EVEN IF YOU'RE IN A BAD MOOD,
YOU'LL NOTICE THAT I SAY SOME THINGS TWICE,
IT'S IMPORTANT FOR ME TO HAVE YOU NICE.

YOU'LL SEE ME TOMORROW THRO' LEAVES AND GREEN,
THEN YOU CAN ASK ME WHERE AND HOW I'VE BEEN.

I MET LEONARDO - 'SO, TERRY, YOU'RE NEARLY A WRITER,
I WAS AN INVENTOR, SCULPTER, ARTIST, MICHAELANGELO FIGHTER,
I THINK HE WON BUT HE DIDN'T PAINT THE LAST SUPPER
AND THE MONA LISA - I LEFT SOMETHING UNDERNEATH.'
'I BOW TO YOUR BRILLIANCE LEO, WERE YOU REALLY THE HEAD
OF THE MASONS AND THE ILLUMINATI? DID YOU HAVE BOYS IN YOUR BED?'
'NONE OF YOUR **** BUSINESS - YOU JUST STICK TO YOUR
HOMESPUN PHILOSOPHY AND TRY NOT TO BE SUCH A BORE,
YOU WANT SOME ADVICE? I'LL GIVE IT TO YOU WHETHER YOU
LIKE IT OR NOT: YOU'LL BE AMAZED AT THE THINGS YOU CAN'T DO,
YOU CAN'T ESCAPE THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD YOU POOR SOD,
YOU CAN'T EVEN WRITE, DON'T WORRY - I'LL GIVE YOU THE NOD,
I'M WATCHING, BEARD AN' ALL, I KNOW THAT YOU'LL MISS ME,
JUST REMEMBER THAT YOU WERE IN THE COMPANY OF LEONARDO DA VINCI.'

SO MANY STEPS IN SHADOW, SO MANY
PEOPLE DOWN BELOW, SOME BISTRO SAYS
HELLO AND COSY CORNERS WON'T LET YOU GO,
CO'INTREAU AND COFFEE DOWNED EASILY;
A PRIEST FROM SACRE COEUR HAS AN EMPTY
CUP AND LOOKS AT ME WHEN I ENTER - HE
INVITES ME TO JOIN HIM, TO PROBE MY SOUL -
TO SEE IF I'M REALLY WHOLE, IN NO NEED
OF SAVING OR PROTECTING FROM THE DEVIL,
I ASSURE HIM THAT I'M FINE BUT STILL
WAITING FOR A SIGN FROM GOD - HE TELLS
ME THAT IT'S WITHIN ME AS HE STANDS UP
TO LEAVE AND ASKS WHY I DON'T BELIEVE,
I SAY I DO NOW BUT DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW.

THEY SAY THAT WE'RE DREAMERS, MAYBE SCHEMERS,
COULD BE A HIDDEN AGENDA BUT I'LL LOVE YOU TENDER,
I'M DIVIDED INTO ONE OF A GROUP DRINKING WINE,
WHILE WE DISCUSS WHICH IS THE BEST STAR SIGN;
GEMINI IS TWO-FACED, TAURUS JUST A RAGING BULL,
SCORPIO HAS A STING IN THE TAIL AND FALLIBLE,
PISCES TURNED HIS BACK ON ME MYSTERIOUSLY,
WHILE ARIES GRINNED ALONG SO WONDERFULLY,
CAPRICORN COULDN'T MAKE HIS MIND UP SO WENT AWAY,
CANCER WAS TERMINAL AND ONLY SPOKE ABOUT THE WEATHER,
LEO HAD RED HAIR AND LOOKED AS THO' SHE DIDN'T CARE
ABOUT AQUARIUS TICKLING HER BEHIND, JUST DIDN'T MIND
WHEN LIBRA STARTED TO TREAD ON HER TOES AND
KNEW THAT WHEN IT CAME TO VIRGO - ANYTHING GOES

JO AND I ARE GOING BACK HOME NOW, IT'S DONE,
WE'VE HAD EVERYTHING FROM PHUKET TO HUMDRUM,
I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HEARTS, YOUR CALL,
I GAVE SOME, FOLLOWED AND TRIED TO READ YOU ALL;
I HAD CRITICAL ACCLAIM, PERHAPS STRUCK A CHORD,
I DON'T MIND THE ADMONISHMENT - MAYBE YOU WERE BORED,
BUT IF I MADE YOU LAUGH, EVEN MADE YOU CRY,
IT WAS WORTH EVERY MOMENT THAT I COULD TRY
TO BRIGHTEN THE DAY OR FOR THAT MATTER - THE NIGHT,
WITH THE 'REVOLUTIONIST' HOLDING COURT, GIVING US A FRIGHT,
'TITANIA' WAS 'ILL MET BY MOONLIGHT' IN AN EERIE GLOW,
I SAID TO LIGHTEN UP, ILLUMINATE, NOT LOOK LIKE INDIGO;
MAYBE SOME THINGS WERE WRONG BUT NOT IN THE MAIN,
I WILL RETURN TO ' RIGHT ' AND SEE YOU ALL AGAIN.

ONE IS TO PICK UP THE OPEN PAPERS ON THE FLOOR,
SHOWING EVENTS WHICH HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE,
TWO IS TO LISTEN AND POINT OUT HERE AND THERE,
THE THINGS I MISSED WHEN I COULD ONLY STAND AND STARE,
THREE IS FOR COMPANY AND JUST TO MAKE ME LAUGH,
I CAN NOT STOP, YOUR FACE, ONE VOICE, MY PATH,
FOUR IS SPECIAL, UNRELENTING WITH RARE TALENT,
HOW I MISSED YOU GONE WHEN YOU FINALLY WENT,
FIVE IS QUIRKY JUST LIKE ME BUT THERE'S ONLY ONE
SPACE AND SOMEHOW WE BOTH WRIGGLE INTO IT TOGETHER,
SIX IS THE MECHANIC WHO USUALLY GETS THINGS DONE,
ONE OF THOSE PERENNIALS YOU CAN REALLY DEPEND ON,
SEVEN IS TO LOVE AND GUIDE ME ON MY WAY,
GIVE ME MAGIC JUST LIKE HONEY SO THEY SAY.

I'M STOPPED AGAIN BECAUSE I'M BLACK,
THEY EVEN HIT ME ON THE BACK,
I WAS TOLD THAT I RESISTED ARREST,
THEN DRAGGED ME AWAY WEARING MY VEST.

THEY STOPPED ME BECAUSE I'M BROWN,
LAUGHED BEFORE THEY STRUCK ME DOWN,
DRUGS WERE FOUND ON ME - NOT MINE,
I WAS LOCKED INTO A CELL - SIX BY NINE.

THEY LET ME GO BECAUSE I'M WHITE,
WITH THE OTHERS - THEY DON'T GIVE A *****,
I WAS ASKED NOT TO SAY ANYTHING,
OTHERWISE, THEY'D ARREST ME FOR LOITERING.

WHEN WILL THESE RACISTS EVER LEARN?
MAYBE ONE DAY, IT WILL BE THEIR TURN.

Did you love me the way I wanted it to be
was I stroked and caressed diligently
or were you too tired to do things properly
It was just an excuse it seemed to me

I want you to hold me and lift my head back
then I can gasp with pleasure in the sack;
remember the passion and love long ago
you held me, we lingered above and below

There was the adrenalin rush, expectation
we couldn't wait to kiss, the magic and elation
now I have to remind you - am I a bore?
I just want the way it used to be before

Tell me you love me as tho' you really mean it
I want all of those good times back bit by bit.

How much sport have I missed because of you
why do you wake me up when I want to sleep
you say: 'Come and eat before the food gets cold'
'You don't love me any more,' I've been told

We have to go to the in-laws, the bores
I don't want to go on any more guided tours
you asked me to love you when I was mowing the lawn
all this veggie stuff - I don't like quorn

I was only joking - don't think it's real
why do I have to struggle thro' too big a meal
how do I look - you never look at my face
your clothes are fine - I know nothing about lace

You say: 'I'm doing it wrong - move your weight'
and I  get a real bollocking if I'm too late

THE RHETORIC IS FALLACIOUS, DOESN'T RING TRUE,
BUT SEEMS GENUINE WITH STRANGE REASONING TOO,
DECEPTIVELY PLAUSIBLE, THE EYEBROWS ARE RAISED,
NO MATTER WHAT YOU MIGHT SAY, HE'S NEVER FAZED;
WHEN PHAEDRUS CAME ALONG, HE SCURRIED AWAY,
HE KNEW THAT HE WOULD BE 'SHOT DOWN' ON THAT DAY,
HE STOOD BEFORE THE GREAT SCHOLARS - SOCRATES,
ARISTOTLE AND PLATO WHO TOLD HIM TO GET DOWN ON HIS KNEES,
WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH THIS MAN? EDUCATE ANEW,
OR LET HIM CARRY ON - WHAT WOULD BE YOUR VIEW?
BUT WHAT IS THIS - HE ROSE FROM THE BARREN GROUND,
HE LEFT HIS ACCUSERS MUTTERING, WITHOUT A SOUND,
NOTHING HAD CHANGED, EVEN WHEN DAY TURNED INTO NIGHT,
WHATEVER THEY SAID, HE KNEW THAT HE WAS RIGHT.

THERE IS NO  POINT TO THIS - REVENGE
HAS NO MEANING - WHY DON'T YOU ASK ALLAH?
NOTHING WILL CHANGE - THERE IS NO CALIPHATE,
THERE IS NOTHING FOR YOU TO DO EXCEPT SURRENDER;
LIFE HAS DEALT YOU BLOWS WHICH YOU MUST LIVE WITH,
WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE - WHAT WILL YOU LEAVE BEHIND?
ONLY ENMITY AND SCORN WILL BE YOUR REWARDS
AND A FAKE PARADISE PROMISED BY MENTORS;
PERHAPS I SHOULD JOIN YOU - **** MY FELLOW MAN,
UNDERSTAND YOUR MINDSET, NOTHING TO LIVE FOR,
ONLY TO DIE LIKE A BULLIED PUPPET IN BLOOD,
TO HAVE YOUR LIMBS TORN APART FOR NO REASON,
THEN YOU DECIDED THAT YOU COULDN'T GO THROUGH WITH IT,
A MAN ON THE RUN WHO DOESN'T EVEN DESERVE DEATH.

I CAN WITHSTAND ANYTHING THAT COMES,
I'VE HAD MY RATION, IF GOD'S DONE HIS SUMS,
ANY KIND OF STORM, POWER CUT OR BLACK,
SOMETIME'S YOU WONDER IF YOU'RE EVER COMING BACK;
I'VE BEEN SNOWBOUND AND WITHOUT ANY KIND OF SOUND,
WHAT'S IT LIKE WHEN YOU'RE DOWN TO YOUR LAST POUND,
SACKED, RETRENCHED, HUMILIATED AND IGNORED,
YOU THINK YOU'VE BEEN FORSAKEN BY MY SWEET LORD,
ONCE I COULDN'T EVEN SEE WHAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME,
HOW STRONG ARE YOU IF YOU LOSE YOUR HOUSE AND FAMILY,
I'M TIRED, CAN'T GO ON ANY MORE IT WOULD SEEM,
YOU LOSE FAITH, RESILIENCE - YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN;
BUT THERE'S ONE THING LEFT - COUNT A BLESSING AS YOU DO,
HOW LUCKY I AM TO HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOUR POINT OF VIEW.

Someone's speaking rhetoric - do they want
an answer? Maybe not and when you ask them
they seem to have forgot, in denial and afraid
of being on trial; biting sarcasm reduces one

To a spasm, two into a chasm and three has 'em
in a box, cornered like a nervous runnig fox
I'll hold off and have some compassion - I think
today I've given all my ration: greatness is

Born from tolerance, modesty, knowledge, intuition
and honesty but most important is knowing when
to administer a degree of each - am I good enough
to teach this homespun philosophy - of course not

Keep your thoughts to myself, don't bore you and me -
come back one day when you have your PhD

IT WAS A PITY TO SPOIL A SUNNY DAY,
TAKE THE SUN OUT OF THE SKY SO THEY SAY,
THAT YOU CAN NOT QUELL A SPIRIT EASILY,
OR BELIEVE THAT YOUR LIFE DOESN'T RUN BEAUTIFULLY;
YOUR SOUL MAY BE LIFTED, WARMTH ON YOUR BACK,
THE RETURN OF SUMMER, NOTHING YOU MAY LACK,
DON'T LOOK HEAVENWARDS TO IMPROVE YOUR STATION,
IT'S RIGHT HERE WAITING TO GIVE YOU INSPIRATION,
LOVE IN THE WINTER, LOVE IN THE FALL,
SPRING LEAVES YOU CAREFREE - NO DISSENT AT ALL,
YOU MAY SEE NO LINING, NO SIGN OF REPRIEVE,
REMEMBER THE HOLIDAY YOU DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE,
I'VE TAKEN THE WARM, BLOWN DOWN THE STORM,
THERE'S NO MORE SPACE FOR CLOUDS TO FORM.

TAKE ME AWAY TO WHERE THE WEATHER'S WARM,
WHERE YOUR SPIRIT CAN FLY AND BE QUIETLY RE - BORN,
YOU HERE THE MUSIC, REMEMBER THE TIME, FLOODING
BACK LIKE THE SCENT OF EUCALYPTUS TREES AND GOOD WINE;
I HAD A LETTER FROM A FRIEND LIVING IN THE ANTIPODES,
HE SAID THAT HE WAS BUSY PREPARING HIS SUMMER WARDROBE,
I IMAGINED WHITE SHORTS WITH THE INEVITABLE GARISH TOP,
WHILE I WAS SHIVERING IN THE MOTHERLAND MORE LIKELY THAN NOT;
I HAD MY REVENGE - I SENT HIM A LETTER FROM AFRICA
SAYING THAT I'D SELECTED A LIGHT BLUE SUMMER SAFARI SUIT
IN POLYESTER - ALL I NEEDED WAS A PANAMA HAT AND A WHIP,
IT WAS WONDERFUL WITH THE ENSEMBLE COMPLETE WITH A STIFF UPPER LIP;
NOW WERE TRAVELLING FIRST CLASS - THE FORMER THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY,
THEY ASK ME IF I'M STILL THE SAME - IT'S NOT POSSIBLE SO THEY SAY.

SOME PEOPLE MAY SAY: ' I DON'T CARE WHAT HAPPENS
TO ME,' BUT IRONICALLY - YOU MAY HAVE NO CHOICE,
I'VE JUST READ A MIND - BLOWING TREATISE -
THERE MAY BE NO ESCAPE - OUR BRAINS COULD BE
DOWNLOADED ON TO THE INTERNET AND WE WILL
CRUISE AROUND CYBERSPACE FOR ETERNITY - NEWS TO ME!!
MAYBE EVEN TRANSPOSED INTO NEW BODIES - WHEW!
HUMANS DUMPED? POST - HUMANS TRAVELLING -
WHAT IS THIS THAT SEEMS TO BE UNRAVELLING?
WHAT HAVE WE DONE? WHAT'S BEEN UNLEASHED?
I DON'T KNOW BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE A 'DUMPED' HUMAN,
SO MAYBE I'LL JOIN THE POST - NOT EVEN A GHOST,
'STAR WARS THE FORCE,' LOOKS TAME - IT'S NO LONGER A GAME,
IT LOOKS LIKE THAT WE'VE ARRIVED BEFORE WE EVEN CAME.

THERE WAS OTHER WORK TO DO - FOR ME AND YOU,
PEOPLE TO HELP, RESCUE FROM MAKING RASH DECISIONS,
TO LIFT THEM UP WHEN THEY'D FALLEN DOWN, TO MAKE SURE
THAT EVERYTHING WAS TICKING OVER NICELY AND IN PLACE;
YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN ANGELS - DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE?
YOU'RE HERE - NOT AN ACCIDENT - YOU'RE FOR ALL TIME,
YOU'RE SACROSANCT, BESPOKE - BUILT TO WITHSTAND ANYTHING;
TIME FOR THE WEEKLY MEETING AGAIN - 'WHAT HAVE WE
GOT TODAY? NORTH KOREA, IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN AND SYRIA,
WHEN WILL THEY EVER LEARN - I COULD DESTROY THEM ALL
AND MAKE THEM BURN - BUT THAT IS NOT THE ANSWER,
I CREATED THEM AND THEY WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO ME,
THEY CAN NOT CHEAT BY DYING - ONLY SUCCEED BY TRYING
TO BE AS THEY WERE INTENDED - REAL MEN - GO TELL THEM.'

I CAN BUILD YOU A DREAM BUT YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT',
I'LL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU DON'T REQUIRE - MAYBE A SPIRE,
YOUR REQUESTS BECOME THE OBJECT OF MY DESIRE,
IF YOU'RE HAPPY, THEN MY FANTASY IS FOR HIRE;
WATER FEATURES ARE MANDATORY, TRANQUIL, PLEASING,
WE CAN EVEN TRY SOME QUANTITATIVE EASING - RIGHT?
AND GIVE YOU SOME NOOKS AND CRANNIES WITH WHAT'S LEFT;
NOW PLANTING SOFTENS THE BLOWS, BRINGS DOWN HIGHS AND LOWS,
WHY YOU NEEDED A PURPLE AGAPANTHUS - GOD ONLY KNOWS,
A SOUTH - FACING VIEW IS THE LEAST WE CAN DO,
WITH A JACUZZI IN BEDROOM TWO, COLOURS WILL BE
MAUVE, PINK AND AUBERGINE - ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU A MIGRAINE;
I CAN ONY HOPE THAT YOU LIKE THIS WONDERFUL *******,
BECAUSE ALL OF THE MATERIALS WERE A NATURAL SELECTION!

God gave out parts to play - so they say
that there has to be a lover, a villian and a mother
someone moaning, groaning and lost out to another
It was time, the curtain rose - never to fall again

Scene one saw someone taking a bite out of a fruit
the beginning and the end because evil was the root
Instruction was given to go forth and multiply
when it was realized unstoppable God gave a sigh

Scene two began with someone waving a fly swatter
relating stories and tales of when empires began to totter
God thought about bringing the curtain down quickly
he considered all of his work - what of the outcome finally?

The last act returned to the way everything was before
except that there was no tree with apples any more

MODERN DAY SOCIETY FOSTERS NEW BREEDS,
WHICH SEEMS TO BE CONVENIENT TO YOUR NEEDS,
RESPECTING OTHER PEOPLE'S BELIEFS IS ALL VERY WELL,
TRUE OR FALSE IDEOLOGY - EVEN YOU CAN NOT TELL;
YOU LACK EXPERIENCE OF LIFE - AND, OF COURSE, DEATH,
YOU WILL NEVER KNOW ANYTHING UNTIL YOUR LAST BREATH,
EVEN THEN, YOU WOULD WISH US TO GO TO NOTHING,
CAN'T YOU GIVE YOURSELF A MORSEL OR AT LEAST SOMETHING?
SUCH A FATALIST - YOU WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE,
IRONICALLY YOU WON'T BE - UNTIL YOU DROP LIKE A STONE,
I COULD ASK YOU ABOUT ACCIDENTS AND DISASTERS,
BUT I WON'T - YOU'RE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT  MISFORTUNE INFERS,
YOU BRING THE WORDS UPON YOURSELF - A COP - OUT IS DERISORY,
IN MY OPINION, YOUR EXISTENCE IS NOT RANDOM - THAT'S AN IMPOSSIBILITY.

There was not a lot to worry about so
nothing could be held up without it being sold
Faberge' brushed shoulders with art deco pieces
money paid guaranteed immediate releases

The reps had phones to their ears getting the nod
there was a clown's outfit which was rather odd
because the clown was still inside - did the body come too?
or was it to be stripped naked like me and you?

We have lost everything - it's all in the room
there was a smile from a man leaning on a broom
I want my sofa back, my favourite armchair
the bed we made love in where you lay bare

Even your smile was for sale, admired from afar
golf clubs, personal effects, my teeth in a jar

THEY CAME TO THE MARSHES WHERE THE WIND BLEW THE REEDS,
WHERE THE DRAGONFLIES SKIMMED AND THE HERON FEEDS,
WINGS FLAPPED, HANDS CLAPPED AND FISH DARTED LIKE FIRE,
OF SUN FLASHES AND SHADOWS, UNSEEN GHOSTS - YOU COULD NOT TIRE;
CAUGHT IN A NET - MY FREEDOM IS CURTAILED,
TO REMAIN AT LARGE I HAVE FAILED AND BECOME SMALL
IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS - NO LONGER, 'LORD OF THE RINGS,'
BUT THERE IS A GAP I CAN HEAD FOR - AN ESCAPE TO THE SKY -
YOU MUST ENJOY YOUR LIFE = PROMISE ME YOU'LL TRY,
PROMISE ME YOU'LL HELP OTHERS IF I LET YOU GO,
PROMISE ME TO SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE YOUR SHADES OF INDIGO,
OTHERWISE I'LL CATCH YOU AGAIN WHEN YOU'RE RUNNING SLOW;
WHEN THEY WENT - EVERYONE WAS SETTLED = ONLY AN 'ADMIRAL'
WHO HAD LOST HIS PARTNER WAS SO SAD WITH IT ALL.

EVERYTHING HAS TO BE LOOKED AT, SQUEEZED AND PRODDED,
NO POINT IN BUYING IF IT LOOKS MISERABLE - SO MUCH TIME
IS SPENT - IT'S IMPORTANT IF YOU CAN SAVE A CENT,
SO MUCH FUSS -IT JUST HAS TO BE, 'FIT FOR PURPOSE,' DOESN'T IT?
THE COLOUR IS WRONG, THE FIT TOO LONG, WE BOUGHT IT FOR A SONG;
DON'T MENTION BIRTHDAY CARDS - SOMEONE'S READING EVERY WORD,
THE 'BROWSE' IS ON - IF YOU ASK A QUESTION, IT WON'T BE HEARD,
THIS IS TOO HARD, THIS IS TOO SOFT, THE CONTAINER IS DENTED,
WHEN WE'RE IN COSMETICS -THE DEODORANTS ARE TOO STRONGLY SCENTED,
THIS MUST BE OLD STOCK BUT I DON'T WANT TO LOOK AT ANOTHER WOK,
WE RETURN SOMETHING BECAUSE IT'S FADED - NOW I'M FEELING JADED,
FORGOT THE POINTS, FORGOT THE CARD - DON'T FORGET THE NEXT ONE'S FREE;
WE'RE IN THE LINE, IN THE QUEUE - HOW MUCH LONGER MUST WE WAIT,
I CAN'T HELP IT IF I'M PAST MY SELL - BY - DATE!

SHE WAS SMALL WITH A LARGE RED BOW IN HER HAIR,
IN A HURRY AND NO TIME TO STAND AND STARE,
I ASKED HER IF I COULD COME WITH HER NEXT TIME,
SHE SAID THAT SHE MUST ASK THE QUEEN - HERS NOT MINE;
WHEN WE WENT, WE WERE JUST IN TIME FOR A TEA PARTY,
MY FRIENDS WERE ALREADY THERE AND THE *** WAS EMPTY,
THERE WAS A MAD ONE, TWO KNAVES AND A SLEEPY ONE,
THE QUEEN SAID, 'BE QUIET,' BEFORE ANYTHING HAD BEGUN,
SLEEPY WAS NOT PAYING ATTENTION - 'OFF WITH HIS BED,'
SHE SAID AND BEGAN TO SCATTER PETALS IN SHADES OF RED,
'WHO IS THIS? SHE LOOKED AT ME DISTASTEFULLY,'
'IT'S JOHN, YOUR MAJESTY,' ALICE SAID WISTFULLY,
'YOU SHALL BE HAPPY IN MY COURT,' THE QUEEN SAID,
'OTHERWISE, I WILL TELL THEM: OFF WITH HIS HEAD!'

I MET THE 'UPTOWN GIRL' IN A DOWNTOWN BAR,
BILLY AND I SPOKE AWHILE ACROSS MANY A JAR,
NEW YORK BUSTLED AND HUSTLED AND WE WHISPERED
ACROSS THE TABLE, LAUGHED ABOUT McCARTNEY'S THIRD MARRIAGE,
RINGO'S STILL WITH BACH AND WALKS IN CENTRAL PARK,
BILLY SPOKE ABOUT THE 'PIANO MAN,'LIT HIS CIGARETTE,
SAID THAT THERE WAS ALWAYS SOMEONE WHO HADN'T BEEN FULFILLED YET,
HE ASKED IF I'D SEEN ELTON LATELY - HE STILL USED
SOME SUNGLASSES THAT HE'D BEEN GIVEN AT A WILD PARTY,
ASKED ABOUT ANNE - I SAID THAT 'SHE'S ALWAYS A WOMAN TO ME,'
HE LAUGHED AND SAID THAT SOUNDED FAMILIAR, SIMILAR
TO THE LOVES IN HIS LIFE BUT YOU CAN'T BEAT A WONDERFUL WIFE;
THE SECRET HE SAID, WAS 'HONESTY' WOULD ALWAYS GO FAR,
THEN SHE'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, 'JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.'

It was time for a messenger from above
not with malice but surprisingly with love
there were things to do - new guidelines to set
people to reassure when they peeped over the parapet

Depression was lifted, everyone told they were gifted
reminded that they had drifted from God's plan
I am different from you therefore I do not approve
you are the same, there is no change in your mind

There are games - even then you fight, I will raise
your tolerance to a new height: you will laugh
when you lose, even embrace when you see joy in a face
that sets the tone for more serious things -

Removing hate, historical discension, time to move on -
now I'm gone, my work is complete - don't let me down

AS I APPROACHED THE DOOR, A FROG CROAKED AT ME,
THE NOVELTY THAT PEOPLE HAVE IS A REAL MYSTERY,
I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD PICK IT UP - PUT IT IN MY BAG,
MUST HAVE BEEN ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT YOU BUY FROM A MAG,
MY WIFE TOLD PEOPLE THAT TERRY WAS GOING TO NICK A FROG,
BUT IT WASN'T ON MY MIND WHILE I WAS WORKING LIKE A DOG,
THEY HEARD ME COMING - THERE WAS A MUFFLED CROAK FROM
A STRANGE BLOKE LIKE RIP VAN WINKLE WHO FINALLY WOKE;
MY BAG WAS FULL OF SUNFLOWERS, POTS LIKE SNAILS,
WINDMILLS, GARDEN LIGHTS AND MEERKATS WITH EXTENDED TAILS,
PLASTIC SIGNS TOLD ME TO KEEP OFF THE GRASS, CLOSE THE GATE,
IF YOU WANT ME TO COME TO THE DOOR - YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT,
WHEN I GOT THE FROG BACK HOME, I PLACED IT BY THE DOOR,
IT JUMPED DOWN THE PATH AND CROAKED, 'I BELONG AT NUMBER FORTY FOUR!'

I USED TO THINK THAT DOGS THOUGHT IN ENGLISH,
BUT, OF COURSE, IT COULD BE GERMAN OR SPANISH,
IF YOU TELL THEM TO SIT, THEY MAY NOT RESPOND,
JUST RUN AWAY TO THE BACK OF BEYOND;
I'M LOOKING UP 'SIT,' IN RUSSIAN, 'GET OFF
THAT ****** CHAIR,' IN CROATIAN AND 'COME
HERE, THERE'S A GOOD BOY' AND 'WELL DONE,'
PERHAPS WE JUST NEED AN 'ESPERANTO' SO
THAT THEY WILL ALL DO AS THEY'RE TOLD,
OTHERWISE WE WON'T LET THEM COME IN FROM THE COLD,
'STAY,' IN SWEDISH COULD MAKE THEM PEEVISH,
'FRIEND,' IN SWAHILI COULD MAKE THEM AN ENEMY,
WE DON'T WANT THEM TO BARK, MOPE AND PINE,
DON'T FORGET THE MAGIC COMMAND - 'NEIN, NEIN, NEIN!'

I've just seen a house worth a million pounds
but not every thing is as rosy as it sounds
I have no sour grapes or jealousy - only
wistful thoughts it seems to me - that,  

My sad longing is only for what I
already have: a small space, a friendly
face that doesn't carp and amusement
over things that will not work, I don't need

a deck as an extra perk, the crunch
of gravel that sounds like the beach
is there anyone who wants to teach
me a new style? Perhaps, when I've made

my pile; I'll wear my best cothes on a
Sunday afternoon - if you want to impress,
give me the moon.

MY  WIFE  SAYS  THAT  I  LOOK  LIKE  A  MEERKAT,
LIGHT COLOURED MOUSTACHE, GLASSES AND QUIZZICAL LOOK,
TO GET TO THIS STAGE - YOU WOULDN'T KNOW HOW LONG IT TOOK,
I'M ALWAYS 'COMPARING THE MARKET.COM', LOOKING FOR DEALS,
TO SAVE MONEY, TO SAVE ANYTHING, ALWAYS APPEALS,
NOW INSURANCE IS ALWAYS A PAIN BUT EVERYONE
IS LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL GAIN, AGAIN AND AGAIN,
IF IT'S NOT MY CAR, IT'S THE HOUSE OR SOMETHING ELSE,
THE BOILER, HOME CONTENTS, ANYTHING THAT MAKES CENTS,
BUT I'VE GIVEN UP - EVEN THO' THESE ANIMALS MAY HAVE GOOD INTENTS,
I'VE TAKEN ALL THIS SAVED MONEY, HAVING A BALL,
IF SOMETHING BREAKS DOWN - I KNOW WHO TO CALL,
I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR BOW-TIE, THE IMAGE RANKLES,
JUST LEAVE ME ALONE, PLY YOUR TRADE ELSEWHERE - 'SIMPLES!'

WRITE YOUR OWN RESUME' - THEN I'LL SIGN IT,
MY MENTOR SAID TO ME, ALBEIT FLIPPANTLY,
SO I DID: PHD IN PHILOSOPHY, A FIRST
IN ENGLISH LIKE ALDUOS HUXLEY AND
PROFESSOR OF ORIENTAL STUDIES AT LONDON
UNIVERSITY; A NUMBER OF NOVELS, POETRY
AND WHITE PAPERS COMPLETED A BUSY LIFE,
NO TIME TO TAKE A WIFE, RATHER ARMED
WITH A KNIFE TO PUT INTO PEOPLE'S BACKS,
A REPUTATION MADE AFTER NUMEROUS ATTACKS,
KNOWLEDGE WAS PASSED ON, STUDENTS CAME
AND WENT, ANYWAY WHY SHOULD A PROFESSOR
NEED TO BE HEAVEN-SENT? THE LIFE WAS MINE,
NOT GOOD ENOUGH - MY MENTOR REFUSED TO SIGN.

I saw the planets on the wall -
a horse, an elephant and a snake magical
they had numbers which were important
one to five, two to nine, five to eight heaven sent

My birth date, car and house number put down
added, reduced, disected by a master of renown
I was told that there were bad and good dates
the best times for which everyone waits

I was given hope - told not to be concerned
there was more to come after things you'd learned
after God working in his mysterious ways
there was good fortune ahead in future days

I had my share, plenty, now it's your turn
your best interests at heart are our true concern

Some may have stood here better than me,
there were winners and losers fading history,
some were so good - they brought a tear,
they brought laughter, beauty to everyone here.

I've tried to keep up, tried to go beyond,
amazing what comes when you wave your magic wand,
stardust becomes a must - something you can trust,
the result may not always be right but just.

Strangely fair that you should arrive at a solution,
in the beginning there was light beyond evolution;
I salute my fellow writers, their determination,
their bravado pursuing heights for so long.

I am with you - will be forever, you know me,
and one day you may achieve immortality.