When the pen takes control.

In days of old we would snap these stalks

and ignoring the milky sap that flowed

we held the spheres of fluff up to our lips

and with a gentle puff we blew until each

tiny frond detached and left us holding

a soft green tube bereft, bareheaded

wandering if the time was as it told

or perhaps was just an old wives tale

then later remember as everyone said

that later you would surely wet the bed.

The mainsail is rigged and the anchor weighed as we set sail on the middle passage of this  infernal trade for the auction in New Orleans course is laid and where the greatest profit is to be made when into the harbour once again we will offload our sad living cargo whether it be child, man or maid and even though no passion may be displayed for most proud Englishmen and true it is a voyage we hate.

Well, I think this is a really nice place to build a new house after the sad loss of our last one in the fire, pity the kids won’t be around to enjoy this lovely spot, strange they never did come back.

The wrath of God can be vengeful and severe for those who listen but choose not to hear

As benches fill families sit with expectant hum in rapt anticipation of the evening to come, the oval sawdust floor now smoothly raked before the animals begin their grand parade the trumpet sound of elephants above the lions roar, the lights grow bright and from each entrance pour clowns from wonky cars and happy tunes are played before they are replaced by glittering acrobats and galloping ponies who in circles race, a top-hatted figure in red and black enters the ring and doffs his fine top hat, in his hand a whip he cracks and so the show begins.

An act of cowardice in October last

has invited the one true god’s wrath

and as the chosen people justly retaliate

their actions could easily reverberate

if more state sponsored terrorists join the fight

then the whole of the Middle East may ignite

Although there are some of you quite perturbed

by every member of the insect world

but I am sure the reason for their success

is their power of metamorphosis

if they are not happy in their bodily shell

they just swap for another that does just as well

A visit to the country fair

often there’s a bodger there

see one working at his trade

masterpieces all handmade

When upfront you will have to pay

you can often hear helpful people say

it’s easier if you can find a way

to spread the cost or if impossible then defray