The Hermit

Said the old man in pain:
 " We all go insane
every now and again"
We escape if we're lucky
cling to each other
sisters and brothers.
No Sons and Lovers.
Drowned in acid
we're vacantly placid.
The Hermit sits and watches the world go by.

Like marionettes
game and set
you ain't seen nothing yet.
Crying out for rain,
so tell no lies
of death before your eyes
or only second prize.
I just want to live..
Can you forgive?
The Hermit remembers days gone by.


Capability Red                aprox'  1984

An Industrial Disease Called Ballotitis

Think what you could lose,
the holiday and the HP on the car.
And, don't forget, the fridge needs replacing.
Think about it, now you've come this far.
Surely you wouldn't want to risk your mortgage to spite us?
Not now you've got ballotitis.

The prospect of a good job,
could be yours, if you act reasonably now.
Look at it "realistically",
we can offer you what our dividends will allow.
We're all on the same side.
So, what's the point in trying to fight us?
Especially if you've got ballotitis.


Capability Red                    1984

The Visit

Note: The 1990's were a barren period for my poetry. The Visit is a rare offering:

                                                       The Visit:

It's a long time since I came here; nearly two years.
Time tends to numb emotion; no longer can I shed tears.
Your plaque was noticeably unattended.
As I thought: I'm the only one that still cares.
In a consumer society of greed, death is the common denominator we all share.

A humble tissue to clean your plaque, tenderly I kissed.
Looking down at the inscription: 'Dearly Loved Sadly Missed'.
It was a warm autumn afternoon,
as it was if I remember, the day you died.
I looked up and simply asked "why?".
But nobody replied.


Capability Red            aprox' 1992

Is There a Way Out ?

Barren as a blank page. Still, as the poet's sword rusts.
As sad as the solo violinist echoing notes of mistrust.
The apprentice asks: Is there a way out?

Suffering descendants of the virgin Mary's family tree,
are welcomed to Meanwhile where words can get so lonely.
The lexicon asks: Is there a way out?
                           Is there a way forward?

Truth remains out of focus through the hired cameraman's lens.
24 hour closed circuit politics bewilder blind battery hens.
The terrorist shouts: Is there a way out/
                               Is there a way forward?
                               Is there another way?

In rationed desolation the schoolboy's dream still lingers.
No clenched fist will form from nervous, trembling fingers.
The backstreets echo: There is a way out!
                                  There is a way forward!
                                  This is the way.
                                  Follow me................



Capability Red       Oct 2016

Wo is the Neutral Observer

Wo is the neutral observer,
as he rises from his chair.
His column has to be tight,
it's expected to be fair.

Wo is the neutral observer
he can't be everyone's friend.
Dreaming for the pipe smoker.
Yawning for the latest trend.

Wo is the neutral observer,
as he downs one more for the road.
Remembering the last edition,
carrying a burdensome load.


Capability Red            aprox' 1977

There is a Happy Land

They say; there is a happy land.
But, for us it's out of reach.
When you're born east of Aldgate.
With an impediment of the speech.

I know there is a happy land.
I got turned away at the gate.
Y'see: I never had those cricket captain's eyes.
And I kept on calling people; 'mate'.


Capability Red          June 2016

Another Dream

Rising from the lake a ghostly haze.
I dreamed I saw my unborn baby.
To the well my spirit ran.
Heart to heart, clutching my hand.
Guinevere thy treachery spoke.
Upon my soul I never eloped.
The day had come.
The night must go.
All is revealed of the land below.
Through valleys.
Over stiles.
My dream wanders countless miles.
A trodden path.
A chorus to sing.
Prepare to meet anything.


Capability Red                aprox' 1978