Coke and crisps

PM left daughter aged 8 down pub

The Sun, 11 June 2012

Our old Hillman’s dumped on the grass

outside the Barley Mow

with us in the back, me and my brothers

and our flatulent mongrel dog.

The shadows of trees are sliding east

even before Mum returns

with Coke and crisps for three, the crown

tops already prised off.

This tithe passes in through the window,

one hand nicotine yellowed

pinches a lit cigarette in its crook,

there’s no water for the dog.

We let him out to drink from a ditch

and excitedly break salt over our crisps.

(c) 2012 Slush Poet

David and Nick

Obama’s support energizes gay activists worldwide

Seattle Post, 10 May 2012

“You’ll have heard about Baz?”

More an accusation than a question.

“Why mention him now?

It’s not like we’re close.

Just met him the once or twice,

and anyway he’s got a wife.”

“He wouldn’t be the first,”

(pausing to fold one of Dave’s shirts).

“Listen,  Nick, don’t spoil our day.

Queenie’s coming out later

and it’ll all look better then, vows renewed,

the parties put behind us.”

“Those parties,” Nick sighed, “aren’t for queers.”

He’d seen Dave change among his peers.

(c) 2012 Slush Poet