Sunday 18 August 2013

ILL TREATMENT BY HUSBAND

The first bowl of porridge was too hot.
The second bowl of porridge was too cold.
The third bowl of porridge was never right.

He sat in a chair that was too hard.
He sat in a chair that was too soft.
He smashed a chair over her head.

In the bedroom he treated her roughly.
In the bedroom he kissed her neck tenderly.
In the bedroom he near-half strangled her.

One night three bears broke into the kitchen
and disturbed the contents of cupboards and bins
and nobody has seen him since.




Friday 16 August 2013

HEREDITARY PREDISPOSITION

genome twists the 
follicle makes the 
melatonin whitens the 
balance falters the 
heart quickens the 
life shrivels the 
penis squirms the 
scrotum tightens the 
diaphragm hiccups the 
hand grasps the

Monday 12 August 2013

KICKED IN THE HEAD BY A HORSE

i.m. IT

A police horse. Horseshoes. Metal. A riot helmet. Hooves.
Knock, knock. Broken jaw. Fetlock. Mane. A splintered fibula.
Minor injuries. Bruises. A booted shin. Accident & Emergency.
Temporary loss of vision. Stroke. Strike. A heart attack.
Knock. Shattered humerus. Who's there? POLICE. A bust Yale lock.
Fingers in a door jamb. A fat lip. Torn eyelid. Lesions.
These are polished heroes on parade. Medals. The door on the chain.
Community trust award. Shield. Riot squad. Boots. Stampede.
Bust. A police horse. Halter. Stirrup. Bit. Neck. Reins. Noose.