The Breaking Down of Bernard

This is the breaking down of Bernard:

The fascia glows for all to see,
sombre spirits run bewildered.
Bernard resents his therapy.

Mother's in the corner, knitting to the wireless,
drop one, pearl one. She really couldn't care less.
She always made sure that her fledglings read their bible.
But Bernard grew up a teenage bone idle.

Act one, scene two. Bernard going down the pub:
The expanding skyscape of improving machinery,
is it exciting? or nauseating scenery?

Dull curtains glow in tower blocks high, concealing;
stubble, boredom and collars and ties.
working class fathers signing open cheques,
just to receive their daughter's respect.

Sister's got a good job working in the City,
see's little of the family, more's the pity
Bernard kicks an empty lager can.

The pub is half empty, a sign of the recession,
but no sign of his pals, man what depression.
Bernard sups a terminal pint to quench his terminal thirst.
This infuriating ailment seems only to get worse.

This is the breaking down of Bernard.

Bernard overhears a private conversation,
they're analysing pay and the current situation.
It seems they're not frightened of being overheard,
But Bernard only catches every other word.

Working normal hours? very inconclusive,
Bernard stands alone at the bar, looking unobtrusive.

It's as well he's not involved, he wouldn't know what to say,
Bernard thinks there are twenty four 'normal hours' in every working day.

This is the breaking down of Bernard.

Slip out around ten thirty, to catch the last bus.
But he finds the service is cut. In whom do we place our trust?
What are our leaders' fantasies? Thinks Bernard as he hurries home.
On a cold January night he finds comfort in being alone.

This is the breaking down of Bernard.
The message is clear for us to see.
Sombre spirits reign triumphant.
Bernard resents his therapy


Capability Red aprox 1986