They asked me not to break things, first.
After I deconstructed their careful blockade.
They asked me not to eat them.
And I wouldn’t.
They asked me to have mercy.
Not that they needed to.
Whispers of ‘that man’.
Rang in negative ears.
Him, the naysayer.
Him, the irrepressible.
They pointed at me.
They asked me not to change them.
But I had at least to even the odds.
Break the bonds and
untie Potential.
Invite Belief
back to the fold.
Have a word with Power
just make sure he was on both sides.
When I, Inspiration, struck.
Boredom cowered.
Distraction frowned.
And the playthings of
Idle were sent to their corner.
‘There’s a time and a place’
I said. And, ‘you’ve had your fair share’.
And they asked Inspiration to be gentle.
And he just winked a smile.

Democracy and Poetry (not necessarily in that order).
Carol Ann Duffy, who is really impressing me with her constant, creative variety in the role of Poet Laureate, has written the following piece in light of the General Election. It’s delightfully sharp, quick-witted and delivers verse with plenty to debate in admirable brevity.
Here’s a boat that cannot float.
Here’s a queue that cannot vote.
Here’s a line you cannot quote.
Here’s a deal you cannot note …
and here’s a sacrificial goat,
here’s a cut, here’s a throat,
here’s a drawbridge, here’s a moat …
What’s your hurry? Here’s your coat.
On the subject of poetry, if you happen to be in North London tomorrow, the arts collective I’m part of – Lazy Gramophone – is holding an event called Lazy Sunday.
Full details can be found at the facebook group here, and it should be a lively and entertaining event, equally mixed with Sunday cool.
Readings by William Conway (from sections of his Tastes of Ink) as well as performances by the top gent (and excellent poet and musician), Joshua Idehen, The Sea Kings and Jem Cooke will feature.
I’ll be there milling about and chatting to peeps as well. Not as part of any performance, just to have a bit of a natter. Maybe see you then. And let’s hope that – for the good of the country – whatever is to happen, happens quickly in Westminster.