Jerome Betts: Catcher In The Wye
The outlook, he thought, was inviting,
Lots of salmon around, he’d been told,
But the wind was the only thing biting
And all that he caught was a cold.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
Steven Kent: To Kill With Kindness
I tried to kill with kindness, though I failed, I fear to say:
The victims of my wrath are all still standing.
But I’m not giving up—in fact, I’m kinder each new day
Since every other method’s too demanding.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
Russel Winick: Confined
With certain folks today,
I sense that I’m confined,
To knowing what they say,
But not what’s on their mind.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
Martin Parker: Memo To God
Tell me, what is Man’s meekness and piety worth
and who are You trying to kid?
If You plan that the meek shall inherit the earth
it’s time You ensured that they did.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
Richard Fleming: Robinson Crusoe Tries Online Dating
Tall, single, thirty, male and fit,
adept at catching fish, can knit,
perhaps some excess facial hair,
have eight great discs: would like to share.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
L. A. Mereoie: Ventral Heating
Two walkers, cold from head to toes,
Stopped at the only pub for miles
Where, as downed spirits quickly rose,
They gave each other big warm smiles.
Roger Beckett: How To Become A Judge
(For Claire)
I’ve heard there’s a lack of people to do judging
And so I plan to send in my CV.
What’s required? Latin and much practice in fudging
And no knowledge of popular TV.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
Tracy Davidson: Short And Sweet
My son is in love. He's seven.
Thinks love is a kiss on the cheek.
Actually, that sounds like heaven.
His father's not kissed me all week!
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
James B. Nicola: Since My Birth
Since my birth the world’s progressed,
Preparing my interment.
Meanwhile I have been obsessed,
Obtaining a deferment.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
Tony Peyser: For Struggling Artists
Someone underwriting your work
Would, of course, be peachy:
But this probably won’t happen,
So just be your own Medici.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
Terese Coe: Masquerade
Now that survival’s a medley
of circumventing the deadly
every conceivable danger
makes humans stranger and stranger.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
L A. Mereoie: Famous Last Word
He said “I’m lucky as a vet
My patients can’t talk back!”
But then the bird whose wing he’d set
Was heard to murmur . . .
