Finchley Boy
SYNOPSIS
A collection of poems brought together whilst living in Finchley. Many of the poems were written in the local coffee bars and cafes.
BACKGROUND
The poems are largely based on local observation. However, there are also a rump of older poems included (for example, Electrical Therapy, Snapshot, and Cutting). These were added because of events during this time which served to remind me of them.
It is difficult to write purely from observation. There is a temptation to overlay text with added interpretation, or to bluntly spell out a meaning already implicitly held.
After much pain, I have found the old KISS adage applies (Keep It Simple Stupid). Actually, this applies to all forms of writing. And life in general.
SAMPLE VIDEOS
SAMPLE POEMS
Theological Pamphlet
Words linked purposefully together
explain the unavailability of bliss.
A treatise on the highs and lows
of emotion, how we can miss
any subtle signs, reject
what might be our sole chance
of paradise here on Earth.
Further, how we preserve distance
between a hard or easy life
subconsciously, to spur ourselves on.
These are central arguments
the work was based upon.
I do not believe any of this.
Hairshirt not a garment
I would have chosen; less, still
to wear with muddled intent.
Motorway Service Station
We have arrived
despite a myriad of wrong turns
and slip roads mistaken
for the shortest way.
When parking
again, I go astray
to be put in my place.
This is the longest day in history
and slop
in metal tins
labelled home cooking
does nothing to alleviate
my sense of foreboding.
Prices here a heart attack
in waiting.
What crap.
You need a mortgage to buy
a fun size bar of chocolate.
A man has just fainted.
He was browsing and found a bargain.
It was that unexpected.
Testimony
Imagine the treat!
Bearded English master
waving another
poetry book disaster
to be landing soon
in our vicinity.
Buckle up lads!
Words only seen in a dictionary
coming our way.
Pass the books around.
What’s this?
The Mersey Sound.
Shock
of recognition
complete.
Suddenly a lesson
alive
with scraps of thought, poems, scribbling.
Imagine – verses that use the language
we are speaking!
Sod classics,
sod Latin,
we have Henri, McGough,
and Brian Patten.
Events
not always constructed logically.
Elements may come together
accidentally
as if by chance.
A teacher
way off curriculum,
a bored class and three Scousers
meet.
Later,
no matter
how much my life alters,
places change, perspective shifts,
incredibly
that encounter decades ago
still inspires me.
Listening to a Transistor Radio
Music runs through life
as a thread.
Pull it.
See the first shred
of teenage angst
or rebellion
etched in some
long forgotten
vinyl single,
through to today’s slicker
video fests
who flatter
to deceive.
Sound and fury.
Pull harder.
Step between the memory
of a garage band
bound to fail,
speakers and drums jammed inside a Leyland mini
to tales
of school bands
with instruments blagged from the Salvation Army.
Amazing how a tune or song
can instantly
remove years
to a time or place.
Can remind you
of a face
or particular event
and is woven
around
the very same emotion
you felt then.