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.

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

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.

INTEMPERANCE AND BUSINESS TROUBLE

In The City, sunlight turns the air to melted ice-cream
sending city bankers to the ale house for their lunch
to souse the fires with Staropramen. Thermometers pop
at the sound of the trading bell and seeping buboes 
weep in the underarms of short sleeved linen shirts.

This one, three sheets gone, makes a gamble he can drink
the afternoon dry. The afternoon responds with rain.