What a week we had last week- live poetry back in Folkestone after all these months. I took part in two events, and was glad to be using my voice again in front of an audience. Unmasked; hugging people! That is what I like doing. Here is one of the pieces I read- a recent poem on an old theme of mine. It is called ‘Commonplace Episode’.
You asked me back for coffee and I came
You put some music on at such low volume
I could hardly hear it, but the background hum
Was pleasant, as was the indoors of your home
You boiled the water and told me about your dream
I made myself pretty snug in your living-room.
******
We liked each other well enough that night
When morning came we woke up to the sight
Of ashtrays, stains of wine and Coffeemate
You busied yourself with putting things back to rights
Your mum was coming at ten to take you out
I had to go and couldn’t find my coat.
******
Yes, I think that’s more or less how it went
I wish I could remember your dream, but I can’t
For a while I lived inside your exquisite scent
We loved all the places and the time we spent
(Though dawn over Zagreb was a non-event)
We came back with a taste for Crème de Menthe.
******
I knew it was over before you finished it
Nonetheless, it was hard not to feel hurt
Your home was warmer than mine, I liked your cat
How we’d moved from Iggy Pop to Arvo Pärt
I’m not sure I still loved you after that
But I got over it, bit by bit.
freeversefolkestone 