A deep tender ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude

don’t forget the washing

if it rains don’t forget to bring the washing in;
the responsibility is more than I can bear
so I stand in the kitchen watching
our elderly neighbour struggle with the prop
and her one good leg, thinking
somebody should really try and help her.

Rodin’s Kiss
for Laura

he poured his soul
into one perfect kiss

and the world
loved him for it

so I stand apart awhile
away from the crowds

with their harsh looks
and opinions,

to think of you -
for I am Rodin

and I only ever
think of you

PCW 2005

reading Larkin in a whisper

she sits naked
in my old arm chair
with the Chinese cushions
reading Larkin in a whisper
and her long legs are curled
beneath her


a strange lament

I used to like to write about romance
had a girlfriend and she had me
would send her little cards of poems
And bring sunflowers to the station
one day she said we would be married
the future held its breath
she went home for Easter

back to her place amongst the hills
I took the train
two hours through the city and away
for just one day together
and so it was
that on our last night of pleasure
she killed all that I’d come to hold so dear
and sent me home again