Author Archives: grahamswords1962

For my friend and comrade Gary May 18th O, poor snubbed soul, will no one hear your chimes? Is your cachet so invisible now? Why does blind ignorance fill blinkered times? Are you the sacrifice; unholy cow? Did you not nail our colours to the mast? And vow yourself to be selfless and true? HowContinue reading “Nigel”

For my fellow story teller and daisy lover, Maria May 17th A flotilla sits anchored at sea, A chain-link of unfurled white finger sails. Bobbing gently on a brine of wax green, Golden pillowed life rafts with pearlesque rails. They demand only deserved attention, Serene these vessels with cargoes of hope. Beauty in simplicity, doContinue reading “Daisy chains at sea”

For Michael, and me May 16th Tick, tock, tick, tock, delicate hands of time, Silk shuttlecocks carry fine memories, Of forever days, carefree ways gone by, Slipped between clasped fingers like sand-soaked sea. Cupid’s mercurial ballerinas He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me. Blown on the wind, innocent, no danger, Floating o’erContinue reading “Clocks”

For Jen, who needs only one faith May 15th Ancient, unchanging, benevolent face, How mournful behind it your soul must be. Ahimsa faith lost on a “master race”, Nirvana unreached by humanity Celebrated image, icon of peace, Now faded, jaded, like Lindisfarne walls. We reject dukkha – you promise release, But higher disciples rejected yourContinue reading “Faded Icons”

For my dear friend Geoff May 14th The house expands, cracking stiff mortar limbs, Kettle rumbles against a sulking sky. Blackbird and Robin harmonise their hymns, As Sparrow chirps interject keeping time. A baritone dog barks, when car engine stirs, Boilers play steaming trumpet fanfare blasts. Blue Tits, in stuttering staccato chirrs, Duet with tapContinue reading “Matins”

For Haitch and Tina May 13th Twixt Beltane and Litha, harbinger blooms, Offering blessings, sweet tokens of love, It’s violet whorls with heady perfumes, Gifts to honour those crossed and above. Childhood reminders, the dawn of warms days, Innocent laughter and damming of brooks. Revered by mothers, in warning they’d say, To welcome you inside,Continue reading “Syringa”

For Julia, as it’s the one holiday she would not take May 12th A patio, a quartet unspoken, Four black backs turned, inviting collusion. Their quiet contemplation unbroken, Exhausted, slumped at the table; all in. Perhaps they’re mourning the soon coming day, Or maybe ruined the previous night? Preferring their silence, they do not say,Continue reading “All-Inclusive”

For Joyce and Ada May 11th, In preparation for my mum’s birthday today, I spent a number of days repairing a photo of her sat with her mum when she was about 16 I reckon. It took ages to finish, it was a labour of love that inspired the following poem. Sepia tinted memories, goldContinue reading “May 11th”

For too many to mention May 10th Heavenly blossoms borne on floating stems, Heady, delightful bouquets like incense. Empty promises, no garlanded gems, Unperfumed evenings, fragrance, is not scent. Tended with such care, those slim tender limbs, Hold lime leaves in May, where great hope is laid. Year after year, expectation grows dim, As kindnessContinue reading “Waiting in Vain”

For no one in particular May 9th If science allowed it, what would you ask? What am I, what’s the point of existing? Is there a toad god, maybe, what’s my task? Amphibious philosopher thinking Does loneliness wash with you in your tray? Does the sun in you deep thoughts elicit? Perhaps you contemplate inContinue reading “Mr Toad”