Widely published in various countries over many years in numerous magazines, journals ,anthologies and competitions, most  recently first prize in the Brian Nisbet poetry award. His latest book ‘History Doesn’t Die’ came out in August.

DON’T ASK

Sometimes the news

leaves shrapnel

with a stamp of meaning

embedded in your identity,

and you don’t know how

to cry properly anymore.



The shutter of your eye

records this image

as a locked door

behind which

is something hidden

which needs to be told.



Later your TV set

hisses in your ear

the command 

to be happy,

just words falling

off the edge of the world. 



The living side of death

is constantly reminding

that every beginning

is only a sequel.



There is no answer 

to a rigged world.

VOTERS

Yes we were

more than voters

less than winners,



They were

more than a question



We were

more than a suggestion

less than an awareness,



They were

more than the past

less than the future,



They were

more than a lie

less than the truth,



They were

more than certain

less than right.



Yes we were 

more and less

than the rage

of a decision



We saw the face

that walked trust away.

SATURDAY NIGHT RAVE

They go looking to belong,

to find others like them,

even to find themselves.



Conversation is minimal

against the background noise

of the latest, deafening hit.



Unsteady on expensive drinks,

they prop each other up

to hold a dance floor place.



This is the haven of escape

from working week drudge

before the Sunday recovery.



These are the flashing lights

carried through next week

after names are forgotten.



This is the lost night,

happy but meaningless,

that won’t make a speech.



This is the night

that closed its eyes

and turned into flesh.



These are the people unaware

life disguises itself,

tells the biggest lies.