Widely published over many years in numerous magazines, journals, anthologies and competitions, most recently first prize in the Brian Nisbet poetry award.

DEFINABLE SILENCE

The remains of the night
peek through the curtains
not sure if duty is over.

Suddenly the sun gives orders,
defines territory for occupation,
inspects new conquests.

I balance a tray of tea
into the floodlit bedroom,
reclaim my side of the bed.

Your warm arms hold me,
and we find ourselves ready
for a coming ceremony.

Drinking tea in bed
in a silence made for two
is a valued, shared rite.

Total communication
in a wordless language
of definable promise

is fixed by love
and who we are.
The grammar of our silence

excludes the world.

IT’S STILL LOVE

I’ve committed the sin
of upsetting her mood
without knowing why.
She’s choosing a face
to suit the occasion
with matching tears.

There’ll be no words of blame
but silence will explain
an invisible line crossed,
a trap with my name.

An imagined transgression
is nurtured into betrayal,
and she’s an artist
when it comes to portraying
the depth of her pain.
She feels she’s right
in always being right.

Therein lies the punishment.
Until she displays forgiveness,
I will take her distress
for made-to-measure guilt.

It will weigh down my shoulders
and broadcast my contrition,
just like a sandwich board. 

Every lover
gets a partner
they deserve.

MY CREMATION

I won`t actually be there of course,
such is the nature of these events,
but my spirit will join you
to prove so many words useless.

Not that I`m looking for silence.
You may tell a few lies
if it stimulates communal smiles,
and sombre faces must be banished.

Just remember the knowing clock
and its reminder of stopped laughter.
Don`t shed your tears for me
and drink something intoxicating

to toast my inspired mediocrity.
Merge slowly with the early hours
to make a celebration worthy
of the warmth of my departure.

Please party until your eyes close,
dance until you drop.
I will just hope Death
is not catching.

Even after the end
I shall still be laughing
the other side of words
and juggling stars.

I’ll be less then, and more.