Danielle

You don’t’ create, this house of spirits, Oceans dance in your place, if you’re at home, your bones in bits, laughter sealed in a room, engage or brace, when taken to your limits, she who hesitates, bolstered by unending hope, even love becomes visible, happiness is not a trope, tides turn in every way, escape on a cargo ship, always find the decent shape, never one to slope, the sea might writhe and twist, you’ll never be alone, the moon’s in your gift.

Clarice

Who’s your next mate, my lover asks me, I shudder at empty space, I’m sat here thinking, can’t you see , the trace of my feeling, makes my thoughts not great, at such infidelity, but I dance away again, freedom is not for shrinkers, or those who wannabe, gazing down some river, what I have to explain, is to let her know subtly, the sky has changed, see those who are burning, I point along the beach, they are not for turning, 'You' she screeches.

Bethany

What keeps you moving, a crescent moon at Easter, a sail that fits a groove, an arc of scurried waves, why try to flee, do they know your trade, your flight to water, by troubled season, by map or distant laughter, makes you keep to morning trains, look out towards the sea, don’t push us away, when love lies spooling, it guarantees no sweetness, find a place with rules, you sing of gain, that's no eternity, join in our embrace, it will set you free.

Ava

Who will tend our bones, listening to the rain, does a river run alone, let our song ring, on suburban trains, the thrush we hear sing, herring gulls that soar, may we see again, hear their eerie moans, their cries a broken thing, these winter days, driving before the sea, swore we’d never go, just to count our gains, birds already know, when we fight with everything, they always find a way, drain all our suffering, Spring will come again .

Zizi

Stumbled steps at evening, heart beats like a hurricane, stripped of an Ocean breeze, at times a summer whistle, by some haunted door frame, a drumming metal twisted, a wish, more than anything, how different is your game, Oh we missed those scenes, the sight of you forgetful, leaving from the station, a face torn and fretful, your fame on cafe' ceilings, a portable serenade, now you adjust our feelings, you arrive again by ship, blown in like any freighter, rake us with your lips, give us back our names.

Yolande

She hates the dull why, the pleadings for freedom, in sought after light, but what is she doing, making chocolate marina, painting yellow fascia’s, a drink of the wine, fire tunes her seasons, she will be fine, night boils her troubles, afternoon's her reason, it makes her days frozen, who knows the time, the walls of this prison, christened by a child, the kids will get through, regular as the heating, lilac as an evening tune, their faces awry, beneath a moon’s steeple, to chant without crying, all of love’s leavings.

Ximena

My security and hope, stretches out on lovely days, I know I’ll always cope, will go home soon, in a sun that flays, all the pockmarked yellow stone, down New York’s City slopes, can feel its rays, splice all of Brooklyn’s ropes, when evening’s blue, debt are paid, so many with their dues, do my parents know, how I pray, indifferent skies unfold, clouds chase by like schooners, who needs a quota of praise, I am not a loser, to wonder at my gains.

Wyona

Your tunes still trace, patterns on shimmering trees, from my blue pathways, add them to a shipwreck, a pirate roving sea, I’ll spill a golden confession, on swollen straits, I kick my heels, down cluttered seaways, can't feel my knees, but I still see dreams, you cry too easy, before a mass one Sunday, bread, wine victory, torn netting wood and sail, your privateer schemes, billow before me, like a broken creed, your howl is lovely.

Vicky

Dancers are ill at ease, with spiritual gain, it molests their release, with ladies, girls and women, I feel their technical gaze, am sweating like an oven, Our Lady holds the beam, on cold lit Sundays, no matter what they sing, my Ma is all scorn, lost within her ways, forgets what I adore, she'll invite herself along, chant without praise, my most precious songs, on trips to the sea , you won't wear grey, no need to argue, where love has no shame.

Una

Can you love me, your eyes like fireflies, in the way you sing, look at me, I whisper, they dance like satyrs, say what you think, you make believe, two bottles gone by, this Sunday on the lee, one side of the river, our thousand nights, made you quiver, dancing on the beach, exploring all you like, you buzz like a bee, do you want to live, and not ask why, this side of the Ocean, where we collide?

Tahlia

All these constant issues, that decry our needs, raise other burning issues, they hang like skeletons, with lip sticky greed, and ride in a peloton, standing by the beach, who says let it be, love’s just out of reach, it’s not particularly elegant, our frugal solidarity, has to share this dance, a pocket full of tissues, lay scattered at your feet, a manifest delicious, we waltz to earthly creeds, between our shore and distance, salty tears run free.,

Stanley

Was I worth that night at Faro, a lighthouse stripes the beach, smells of sardines from boats, at the raging café’, I smell rain and sea, warm against the beams, when she eats alone , I bring her tea, her eyes fill with stone, she wants to dance and dream, but her opacity, splits me like lightning, cuts me to the bone, above my pressed dungarees, birds from Africa fly home, will she ever see, there’s always a happier reach, if you can just let it be, we’ll all be happy?

Raffina

You laugh like Camus, but it’s not the heat, deserts don’t delight you, you can’t escape, when olives lose their leaves, or autumn scrapes, you’d say that fools, always miss the beat, looking at winter ruins, poverty yellow and grey, shatters any dream, even on the hottest days, you are like Petrus , brown and seventeen, sweet and bitter as almonds, inside you conjure a train, turn your head serene , hope it comes your way, smell once the salty sea.

Queenie

Am pretty sure of what to do, around your knees, a tattered sheepskin to warm you, birds cling to the jetty, passion doesn't need me, it hardly did on holiday, your lover sings the blues, she makes me feel uneasy, I’m not the best crew, when orange lights the sea, all my turbulent dreams count the chimes of liberty honest but uncool, you'd never fight for me, which is sad but true water boils seething, we drink absinthe at tea, drunk to pass the crudites, set our spirits free .

Patty

The weekend sings, when everyone comes near me, especially the silent pings, stars fall beneath my shadow, can’t anyone see, how my thoughts close follow, in the yellow light of Spring, this is a dream of the sea, it shakes me up like Disney, sometimes I can act callow, beyond the pine trees, the sand is stony hollow, petrol station things, smears diesel on my jeans, it soils my wedding ring, forget bogus tomorrows, I’ll take holidays and fling, salt water on the doldrums, time's here for everything.

Marie

She’d gamble anything, her daughter says, including unforgiven fights, drains you like a river in Spain the times she swayed, in falling snow or rain, within her blue eyes, could you ever retain,, the time she most prized, letting go as you came in, was she always that way, smoking her full strength Capstan, makes you smile anyway, chuckle on her Saint’s day, dissolve each other’s loss with gain, unhook the gas ring, boil water on the range, dogged by such things who else is to blame ?

Lara

You stroll off the meter, but you don't see me, dressed for the cashmere theatre, blow upon your polished fingers, at the Salon du Te,', hear policemen whisper, discuss suitable places to be, sip Darjeeling, don’t turn on your heel, guaranteed protection, your blonde hair conceals, an invisible connection, and all of those parties, you gave by the sea, a desperate fleur de Lys, did waves rise in rhythm, do you remember our street, where you twisted in rayon, laughed at our screams.

Our Cargo Party: Sorry Folks Away Now until the 14th December

Our Cargo Party: Sorry Folks Away Now until the 14th December: Hope you have enjoyed the poems; we will resume again in 6 days. Best wishes to you all.

Katherine

We dream of justice, defeated, tossed away, images of a love resistant, do we think of Solomon, who never sought that reign, what were we thinking of, will our insolence, our keeled remains, enslave and imprison us, calendars we’ve only one, it stays on a single page, shows how far we’ve come, uncertain questions, lie unborn every day, none of them unscripted, cigarettes smoked and gone, try to have our say, love frittered on our sons, is this our saving gain ?.

Irene

The ice cold Diva, makes no sense to me, when she sings Ave Maria, face tragic as your bones, a poem helps me sleep, source what you have shown, the love you gave to rivers, to seamen and Cafe's, stunned you made us shiver, your laugh is for dreamers, like sunshine on the breeze, yet hard as coquina, in circumstances of our own, can we ever make history, when each morning’s disowned, no one lives Scot free, or owns their own scene, praying only for Bollinger, your soul flies released.

Juanita

Don’t talk to me and pause, give one of those sighs, I've heard these tales before, this is my home now, not your own interesting life, God you’re so slow, while you made good causes, I was barely alive, all your conditional clauses, Recife, Manous, a church door, Is this where you expect to die, you want me to follow, here’s what I won’t, despite the way you cried, who needed comfort, sun kissed beaches skin glow bars, boys, such easy delights, I always stayed below, praying for a tide.

Hermoine

When love is a clumsy dare, three missed trains, makes my face solemn , red is a wonderful flare, that love should stay, instead of being forgotten, lines going nowhere, the drink I splashed away, nights of ached for care, play them like a solitaire , I’ll never change, always pay at dealing, on the cafe' square, trees in the cold rain, cigarette smoke catches, my mother at her worst, rushes me through each day, that I should be someone, It's better my way.

Graunia

Old men who want women, eat calf’s liver and greens, something clings to them, the coming night groans, a wind hushed chill seizes, skin that clings to bones, worried they appear timid, by the city's muffled seethe, their desires know no limit, say they’ll make their ladies glow, bestow love every evening, bars are their road show, cognac turns their breath bitter, doubt what talk has gleaned, all a disco ball glitter, beneath their boasts, they know what Goya’s seen, richer, older,a softer pillow, wine, bread, falling leaves.

Graunia

Men who want women, eat calf’s liver and greens, something clings to them, the coming night groans, a wind hushed chill seizes, skin that clings to bones, worried they appear timid, by the city's muffled seethe, their desires know no limit, say they’ll make their ladies glow, show love every evening, bars are their road show, cognac turns their breath bitter, they doubt what love has gleaned, a silver disco ball glitter, beneath their moans, know what Goya’s seen, richer, older, a soft pillow, wine, bread, falling leaves.

Fara

Who removes the cast, do only children look to home, across the singing grass, The Café’ du Pris, why regret my tone , pray for the doctors release, Verde across the terrace, Campari , dark glasses, soda, visits here begin with a fast, deny the need, shield me from my woes, I aim to please, sourball summer Maria Callas, who am I to moan, whisky colours sooth my chances, sea birds screech and wheel, their nests are honeycombed, look again and believe, am I beyond this loan?

Emily

The poetes maudit, you always loved, keep me in the garden, is this what you call home, beside your son, who goes back to his mother, the one who scatters easy the fruits of men, while daylight fades released, 'I ache for a baby' I moan, what have you begun, to kiss when he’s gone, salt claims an early warning, maybe it’s a dry run, for your evening with me, dicey laughter comes in jolts, birds at dusk settle and thrum, is it by reading Whitman, my waters run

Carmen

There's times I wish, I’ve waited so long, on this wretched bridge, my taxi’s gone, now leave me alone, I’m not twenty one , what makes you think, I don’t know what I’m doing, getting jealous in drink, splashing on eau de cologne, the water looks cold, standing in the metal folds, let the moon shrink, my ship's coming home, curtains start to twitch, see me put lipstick on, an unsteady sojourn, to meet my splendid one, he’s majestic and swish, brown as an acorn. he’s my sailor dish, not just some old bojo.

Deborah

Do we think of others, while screaming down the phone, the cross we bear for mothers, pray for all of those, whose thoughts are blown, in forgotten summers' blue clothes, drums across a cornfield smothers, the dance we do alone , men flit like dung uncovered, we can only suppose, by water and lakeside pheromones, what they try to echo, our days filled with lovers, Guggenheim, Tate,Jazz trombones, throwing dice for trouble, our hands a signalled force, more than we ever know, a river runs its course, asks us what we know ?

Betsy

It’s hard to measure distance, looking down a bottle of beer, when you think it’s crystal, the tremble of your bones, a river washes clear, a time to be explored, the hawk above the rushes, now hunts across the weir, along fast tides of winter, are you my lover frozen, somewhere close to tears, when I say it’s over, knees and face seek penance, a trapeze of wasted years, your eyes like an infant, should I record each tone, of your faded artists gear, a memory in each zone, If I appear listless, silver cups my ears, I’ll try to be different, bring me happy years.

Anne

We stand with her remains, sworn at by the jetty, she'd lie awake awaiting trains, if she could hear our moans, would diss our useless levies, scatter instead holy water, thank these blessed days, neither disturbed nor easy, by a morphine driver’s flame, the manner of her tone, another Liverpool tributary, a voice calm without stones , more a silk worm trail, mass cards from yellow monasteries, a promise to return home, money given was not a loan, just as she crossed the estuary she’d never ask for more, we bow to the morning ferry.

Anne - The beginning of winter poems

We stand with her remains, sworn at by the ferry, she'd lie awake awaiting trains, if she could hear our moans, would diss our useless levies, drink instead holy water, thank these blessed days, neither disturbed nor easy, by a morphine driver’s flame, the manner of her tone, another Liverpool tributary, a voice calm without stones , more a silk worm trail, mass cards from yellow monasteries, a promise to return refrain, money given was not a loan, just as she crossed the estuary she’d never ask for more, we stand at the morning jetty.

Anita

Sat in a blue light, my lover dozes alongside me, I know everything is all right, sunrise over Cologne, Benny’s café serves mint tea, as good a vista as our own, warm clothes a decent fire, no iron kettle by a tree, we applaud the coming sky, salt cakes a global warming, swallows cheat an early need, birds sing in the combing, we exhaust a bottle of wine, it makes for a jamboree, brings us delight, will we return home, go back by boat and sea, I don’t think so, cold brown days pass by, we’ll work and save and be, everything we try to like, it’s so good in Germany.

Tanya

How do I take this scene, looking sweet on vodka, as if it will protect me, off my face with anxiety, mascara pushed down the sofa, eyes looking furtively, fix this place like a firefly, red and yellow dark cellar, her hand waves Hi, my greatest days contained, she loosens first my collar, we sit side by side restrained, she's a gift from the sea, brings me Rioja, at my next epiphany, doesn't bother with history, has neither sou nor dollar, explores my territory, I’m not going to stop her.

Toni

Who will tend our bones, how beautiful her kiss, will a river wash the stones, my wrists around her straining her body pallid, limpid face open to the daylight, pink Lupins nod and bow, their noses to the wind, birds sing and sing alone, their song has a keening, a hawk sails across, winter fields unseeded, we drive along the road, the babies she’s missed, grey coat her eyes older, she whispers for a ciggie, remembers broken missions, smiles before she’s leaving, her soul to the mist..

Tammy

More than any laughter love seeps around her knees like broken water inflated or in despair she can cry when she pleases if absent she doesn’t care it’s not a slaughter compared to that other disease a damp smiling river she stands at the fair swears she’ll never release the name of that man it’s a matter for daughters to know what they’re leaving close the door after get out of that scene.

Selma

From starboard you wail to me, ‘where is the baby’, a terrified moan across the sea, a crescent moon at Christmas, we don't know where to be, the radar off the mast, surrounded by auxiliaries, coastguard lights blink officially, wind hides our folded dreams, they lead us here to Sicily, please lady hold her fast, these Garden of Gethsemane, no matter who says what, indifferent or responsibly, she is warn and snug at last, robbers have fled the scene, but God will find a way, in the cold light of spring, he will have his say..

Sasha

Who brings a lie, to a thirteen’s year old life, one you can't deny, smoking endless cigarettes, chasing numbers across the sky, they carry the same distance, the river in July, the cool evening light, are debts ever untied, they killed Papa in Tashkent, I performed for Stalin terrified, anxious to avoid his gibbet, Tass reported my flight, it was good for Philliskaya, they didn’t ask me why, my handsome pirouettes, love measured nights, to dance without regrets, I was only a child.

Siobahn

A crescent moon at Winter, I know why I’m loved, but always be a sinner, surrounded by icy streets, I turn my face towards, the freezing gentle sea, if the cold light kills us, my time is one of trouble a life with different runners, are they out of reach, Our Lady holds a dove, no matter what I preach, by the dun lit rills, my shadow like a moth, I climb toward the hills, a Catholic flame and keeper, my Da stands good enough, but cannot get the reason, why I act so tough.

Sara

Isn't it good to know, by travel, wine or gourd, when our brim fills over, you may wonder, what you dream of doing, when it’s gone, will we resist all moaning, wooden planks nail us down, light dancing on the combing, when you stand by water, sunlight in the ponds, Sunday in late October, in the luminous flow, your lips show the marks, how beautiful you are, my passion never flounders, as long as birds are flown, eyes bright in the darkness, love’s' always around

Sophie

Do we ditch or burn, a love like gas, the flame turned down, crack enough jokes, so your Da won't collapse, somehow he'll recover, you won’t need an urn, now time has passed, he’s over the Meths, in smoky bars and broken homes, his words so crass, they never travel alone, all you did was keep them, to hold you fast, made them dance, now you’re on your own, celebrate the past, care for his bones, look forgive and laugh.

Stella

When you talk coastlines, when you smell rain, who pays the fine, smile in the mirror, wait for a dismal train, stand here and shiver, don't waste my time, nearing home you say, all your words are lies, proud of your honour, a bridge across the plain, you act like a sinner, for our youngest child, who suffers more than pain, behind your terrible why, you ask who delivers, his birth right a highway, light up a Marlborough, shadows cross your face .

Rita

On long days says a blessing, for the drinkers and vagrants, all those others gone missing, a mind awash with waves, she rushes to this oasis, ignoring tourist games, on the island there's a mission, behind where cruise ships lay, she makes it her monument , she hears the wails, sees beach people like wraiths, dance by sun and caves , belayed by sons with issues, they are not to blame, she skirts around the kissing, makes an unlit foray, feels the convent's sweet gaze, its scented loving faith, touches ancient flame.

Rabiah

Please don’t let them see, why you ring my feet, I only asked for freedom, your consoling love, village soul and shady tree, here in this crowded boat, I sing of the sea, a bitter chant of make believe, in your eyes is destiny, they have courted blood, this swarm of human seed, given only what we could, the terrible wounds of territory, Lesbos and a moonlit scree, broken what we can't retrieve, these ships bear our crud, hands with sullen greeting shout, 'let's make our push,'we bow again to history.

Raymonde

Before you turned to me, carried me on your flight, I knew how to be free, who asked for that load, love you thought was right, the fire in my bones, ships famed for their speed, cram more sails at night, you were my every need, a sunlit garden in Cologne, the power beyond my sight, you left me dancing alone, these days I weep inside, whole cities hear me cry, knowing a song’s denied, removed from our island home, spare me your legitimacy, I walk a strong road, the siren is my smile.

Queca

Across my forearm lover, my skin a chance number, I point to the others, my face a sweet mirror, an astonished wonder, that this could happen, I feel myself crumble, how the world slumbers, at such illicit silver, night winds sting like leather, whip the daily stumble, our days become longer, fighting over what’s gone, fire and distant thunder, the way we have to run, one unwashed sign above us, they make us walk under, some won't make sunset, scattered, broken.

Queenie

If I’m not too late, I’ll see it through, each evening by your gate, down fallen roads, my mother states be true, but she doesn't know, your love traits, our trips to secret venues, the odour of purple grapes, I’m lucky to allow, by church reason and virtue, all you won’t swallow, in this land of hate, make me swoon, trust me to say, I melt by your bones, swept lemon blue, everywhere I’ll follow, in times of this trouble.

Pilar

Can you love me, like a runaway horse, the way it wheels, look at me, I whisper, I’ve heard this tale before, do you think I'll resist, am I going to seed, without sorrow or remorse, betting that you’ll walk free, in this game of trespasses, I'm not your whore, journey of a thousand vespers, I need time to speak, bellow across marble floors, sing at stations and plead, I’m not for the cloister, you know the score, don’t kid me sister, don’t kid me anymore.

Paloma

My time goes by unspoken, afraid of family especially Da, our farm closed and broken, it doesn't take much memory, chime or beat of bell jar, to awaken lost pity, which hand will you hold, inside the smoky station bar, sunrise leaves me cold, you steal away like a refugee, chase some foreign star, I deal with infidelity, the days scatter and unfold, no one seems to care, or hear my silent roar, the crime is seen as comedy, they say to me tu voir, let it go take it easy, we never travel far.

Paula

Does my hardness mock, white faced curl your lips, the sheets we rocked, then hung out to dry, crowded bars, wine to sip, like geese they flap and cry, startled by the river song, a sound of ships, Nana used to pummel, cigarette papers you roll dry, smoky pictures that skip, across a crowded sky, my Ma boiling socks, making bath house trips, while you sit there blocked, are you happy with me, will we live in sin, do they make me lie, eyes adrift.

Patricia

I walk without fear, down lilac evening, mother's words hush dear, wondering what I know, or who I've seen, never bring one to this door, that photographer so clear, who Dada used to tease, the image comes with tears, he's in California now, they lived along our street, their house bought, Protestant souls, he went to buy our father beer, Sunday suit, collar at ease, who said don’t come near, large hands, still calloused, they made him feel uneasy, it wasn’t me he troubled, I loved the magazines.

Ola

Like a wreath of flowers, disguises a family ruin, lace covers your arms, you glide past me, do rocks and palomas, dance to your beat, treat you like a dower, swung you by your hubris, other animals cower, do you shout and heave, brighten with alarm, at the presence of defeat, a lover here and now, make you feel cooler, dance light or never, rage about your feet, an absence of charm, the sky full of showers, a rain washed calm.

Octavia

Will she drop me now, make me drink more drink, sit and wonder how, if i should wait near, glean what she's thinking, if her intentions are bare, her eyes a vibrant brown, they dance at my blink, this Summer long, the heat off her appears, to drain the sun’s sinking, what she demands disappear, like an artic ship's bow, that groans like a clinker, to the frozen horizon, don't need eyes of a deer, nor even a shrink, to tell me what’s clear, love is an ice rink.

Ophelia

She says a dawn novena, and worries about her feet, dancing who will see her, love is a trapeze door, unknowing what secrets to keep, it glides the floor, every tune floats bigger, the dust shuffles her conceit, wood yards and blonde singers, rise along the shore, but when dawn turns green she prays alone, wondering if heaven’s trigger, will replace a depth of need, no bet is ever even, perhaps with a communion order, even a retreat, she’ll know the score, stuff to make her dream.

Oona

Living here's no paradise, it’s always in the news, people aren’t very nice, might as well be jail, pavement’s are like glue, love’s a broken grate, all I want's a better life, show what I can do, need a little respite, my songs are well regaled, the arias too, pity I don’t escape, this cesspit full of lies, little pieces made of you, don't ask me why, what has been created, boils away like stew, know I’m not an easy play, home’s for me no searchlight, when it beams on truth, this time of early night, sheds no pretty hue.

Noelle

A painter of religious scenes, she dabs around a glaze, a thirty-year-old dream, regards the work she’s honed, abandoned to this game, it’s never set in stone, yellow days of sunbeams, she always feels the same, images not what they mean, the canvas lets her roam, a stretch on wooden nails, in many ways she's gone, a matchstick in the sea, bobbing without a flame, floating for eternity, work is hard to own, drinks come day by day, in this ocean town, her head cries for relief, sunken eyes flay, a mind that’s never easy, she wants another name.

Nika

Give me demon jewels, and let me laugh through tears, I will dance with fools, under cold white stars, golden gowns stroke my fears, I can't believe this farce, his lover turns a churlish hue, a citizen comrade brought near, I'll give mercy its due, smile and depart, to those ached for years, where there are no charts, turn my head, shrug so cool, don't want anyone to hear, or provide more fuel, love is a poisoned dart, her perfume costs me dear, my life a punctured heart, now it's perfectly clear.

Madeleine

When did I start crying, was it going back to Ireland, or when my son asked why, Nana loved the horses, you who poured sand, on that first course, like the ferry, kids playing, in how my life was crammed, anchored by your chains, you say Ma is forlorn, a martyr to her chip pan, did it ever dawn, you are the one who lies, somehow run aground, you ask me to try, through these hissing storms, masking the wounds, in troubled dust forcing, all that can’t be found..

Nidia

What you would never do, stuff you swore, ride horses in fields of blue, dance again to the sun, rage against broken laws, coax a saddled broom, my partner droops, what are you saying this for, only fools live out of tune, it makes me want to run, take holy orders, drown our days with rum, rage at every heirloom, divined by whores, leave her here to brew, certain hopes I shun, therein lies a heavy score, my almond eyes are ruined, love is raw

Maria

You whisper love, on throwaway 'phones, your ravaged face a moon, you wear a hooded cowl, like saints hide their bones, it massages your soul, your hands like pearl doves, a lifetime learning to moan, fly to those who give, luminous as a snowy owl, above the hunting zones, you search to earn a crust, is that why you glove, linen and eau de cologne, when men need a shove, what are the sacred vowels, when you pray alone, far beyond the police sirens, your star on its own.

Molly

Could you love me, would you dare, the way she turned wheels, look at me I sneeze, is it my grey hair, that makes you dream, drunk on glossy magazines, would you care, the nights we spend easy, with someone's being, you have to have flair, even at fifty three, blowing like steam, your eyes flared, get ready to believe, there’s no has beens, to make you scared, I’ll get some fresh teeth, you’re my new Queen.

Leticia

The turn of brighter days, scour my great freedom, towards the river’s estuary, the café’s and streets, awaken my sense of ease, solace would you believe, not a real home Journee’, shivers at my knees, but eyes love to stray, where all debts are released, beneath cool trees, drinks float over me, I adore my quiet navel, in the high cold seasons, whenever luck has its way, no matter the law decrees, the water still leads, to the open sea, sisters, other countries.

Lucy

Who wants to be free, says my lover , I do, she lifts her hand easy, nothing between her and home, the breeze is kind on the peninsula, it’s not right to be alone, her bright swelling sea, is not given to anyone, paints her toenails bright green, crimson she straightens my bones, she s a fun one, the bright colours of her clothes, wine caresses me, she says no one's told her, about hopes of eternity, God knows where she's from, it's a short step to clarity, to tell me what’s gone wrong, marriages and symphathy.

Lara

She sees the creep of moon, yellow as the easy night, rise again too soon, gleaming black cars beckon, and kids who drink wine, from bombed out glasses, men who love to cruise, seek meaning of their life, like women to swoon, she smiles but doesn’t reckon, lemon checks or July sunshine, will hide their come on, but on a white sailed schooner, she’s destiny’s child, hoisting festoons, she laughs and tries one, what makes her frightened sings a defiant paeon, everything brightens.

Kathy

Absolved of troubles, I've wrapped in time, she passes me my book, uncertainty arrested, how we’re still alive, my tears flow at rest, delivery, testimony, doubled, love flows down the line, it hangs on leaden pillows, believe me a life connected, to the stuff of wine, buckles many a song ingested, the poems speak of rivers, lime trees, water, sunshine, worries fold in their pictures, nothing disturbs her requests, the lines accept our decline, but somehow we are blessed and know we’ll be fine.

Katie

Do you see me like this, am I just your snout, who doesn’t need to fuss, powdered lightly you emerge, a shadow of light on your mouth, the fragrance of cold purges, others play at being missed, like those who travel south, all day long my body twists, I don’t quite sing a dirge, or be waylaid by roustabouts, but I am hurt, are you not my sister, a coquette with every pout, no one contains your laughter, a lover of great splurges, poets bite their fists, waters part and merge, before your famous gifts, .

Kaira

The track is midnight blue, her smile doesn’t show, what has been refused, strangled by swaying men, she'll flash a lovely No, a dancing smile at best, she isn’t looking to choose, to take their tales and blow, the sorrowed lands of truth, that smile is the test, a young woman free to bestow, love on a journey’s crest, the train’s and its crew, ascend by mountain furrow, outside she sees the moon, and warms herself at rest, snow outside the window, she knows failure or success, love won’t make her yellow.

Joe

Smoking a cigarette , a lover's old face appears, fulsome not lonely yet, geese rise and sail, haunt the sky like deer, I knew her after jail, a snow blanket carpet, she always cheered, cold blue like the rest, colours of the mail, no-one could get near, where she had bailed, a woman who wouldn’t let, flame fold into fear, who shared jokes and bets, absorbed all the claims, that brought her here, a place she couldn’t fail, to make crystal clear.

Jonie

With your love of horse, a needling desire, it brings no remorse, the tide's never easy, how different midnight, to shoulder burdens we carry, the offerings of a catechism, an ice cold fish knife, cuts my dawn resistance, the demons need feeding, on starlit signs, but who hears my pleading, we play off the Bourse, our situation dire, who’ll show us the course, at ourselves as we scream, love breaks the line, friends play mean, do we ride the lightning ?

Judy

She hears a strange whisper, the sound of a removal van, thinks is that my sisters !!! each move smoother now, no one faults her tan, every tune she’s known, she wears a woollen hair clip, the bars are full of men, happy from their last trip, they rise like ghosts to greet her, she walks the streets with them, each sea green evening, but barefoot prays alone, her dancing done, she'll miss a place to show, rather than hear the whistle, a place to call a drum, she wonders if she’s driven, if that day will come ?

Jade

The wind blows silent, across our fences, who cares of its caress, it starts in darkened cellars, what cast as we bend, flowers to the mad jealous, do armed enemies jar us, encouraged by friends, like jackals to the rush, across our coffin lands, nothing is sensitive, to a gangster’s brutal stance, the world still wants us, dressed to offend, their stupid advances, we carry a naked tread, and bear no indebtedness, to the inventive West, our life is our breath.

Janine

Don't make a fuss, she carries yellow lists, do not try to love, your heart within her bones, or rail against her fits, a place she calls home, if you need a crust, be prepared for this, or believe me she is dust, go or take the load, drag or get a grip, knowledge never sails alone, ride the semell of musk, keep the middle distance,, simply do what she insists, or leave on the road, surmount another hill, the sea hears your moans, from a house of whispers,.

Isadora

In days of autumn fire, night rides black and cold, stars come out like ice, the love of dreaming, even at home, to dance across the sea, no matter what desire, winds are fierce and bold, they know each gleaming lie, our love is not for scheming, om smart ‘phones, they don’t give us memory, won’t replace the tides, tell us we're not alone, no matter who conspires, in the yellow evening, you appear condoned, a name for every leaving, written on a stone.

Izzie

Who do you want to suffer more, me or your blessed lover, outside the Cafe' Du Bourse, it’s a perfect sunny evening, kids looked after by mother, love’s not done by keeping, all your little more’s, a life between the covers, needs an open door, if you think you’re cheating, wiser than the others, forever in your peeping, sourballs on blue dance floors, September smothers, our time just before, moonlight keeps us drinking, the softest smells of summer, friends are somewhere sleeping, will you close the shutters ?

Irene

What if the stars are great, my lover slowly fades, lonely flown off to Spain, doesn't matter my happy tone, the walls are limpid grey, my head is still alone, watch my hands shake, it’s difficult on the phone, when a voice gives way, the kids have grasped the bone, confined within their days, furious now he’s gone , the moon is on the break, the seasons roll away, I’ve seen them happy, they play their school trombones, say he was always a flake, they wonder if I’ll cope, and each night pray..

Holly

Sometimes you can’t explain, the hurt you feel inside , the way her face fails, my lover, proud, unbowed, no longer hails the sky, but dances in the clouds, nothing in the way, but retreating light, or how her eyes play, a woman of rage unbowed, she beat out her time, but hated crowds, once she jumped the rail, found places safe to lie, plenty of times the jail, when she’s down, behind my confessional sighs, her face blue as dawn, did I once ask why ?

Hannah

She knows what's been around, an unbroken sky, leaves a naked mound, a rose broken tree, when others fly, she makes her great leap, a kid from our town, she promises to try, to break all her bounds, although born and weaned, and raised by signs, she misses yellow fields, now she dances on the brow, city lights bring pure delight , away from cattle sounds, but her homely dream, still demands a reasons why, little ones and fireside scenes, make her want to cry.

Gabriella

You shouldn’t spit, in this house of spirits, Oceans dance on your lips, be like someone at home, whose bones are in bits, all laughter sealed in domes, you’ll engage or quit, taken to your limit, that tourniquet really twists, bolstered by unending hope, even love becomes visible, happiness is the climbing rope, tides turn at every instant, escape on a cargo ship, cry in the middle distance, never one to mope, watch the sea glimmer, not yet alone, the moon your silhouette.

Georgie

What keeps you moving, a crescent moon at Easter, a sail that fits a groove, an arc of scurried waves, why you want to flee, do they know your trade, your flight to water, by troubled season, by map or distant slaughter, while you keep the morning star, and look to the sea, consider us from afar, your love of freedom, guarantees no sweetness, a sky to dance upon, you sing of truth, this island's a prison, light the carribean, lce pirate's linen.

Greta

Who will tend our bones, listening to the rain, does a river run alone, let our song ring, on suburban trains, birds we hear sing, herring gulls that soar, we maybe see again, hear their eerie moans, their cry a broken thing, these September days, driving before the sea, swore we’d never go, just to count our gains, birds already know, struggling with everything, they always find a way, drain summer’s softening, before autumn stays .

Frederica

What's wrong with dreaming, let horizons redeem, your love of the sea, like luck or a number, brightens your features, when other stuff crumbles, time for you to seize, don't wait for a reason, one fine green evening, see it in your slumbers, splash out and believe have a little fun, life is always a tease, so help yourself get free, forget moments of panic, water is not encumbered, it embraces everything, look at it and wonder, waves surround your feet.

Freya

The security of hope, stretches out in lovely ways, I know I’ll always cope, I'll go home soon, in a sun that slays, all the pockmarked yellow stone, down the New York slopes, I can feel its rays, splice Brooklyn ropes. the cool evening due, is when debt are paid, no one's surprised or snoops, do my parents know, how I pray, indifferent stars unfold, clouds chase like schooners, burdened with quotas of praise I’m not made to atone, to wonder at my gains.

Eva

Can you love me, your eyes like fireflies, in the way you sing, look at me, I whisper, they dance like satyrs, say what you think, make me believe, like two summers gone by, this Sunday by the sea, two lives by the river, a thousand nights, when you quivered, dancing on the beach, exploring all you like, laughing at my creed, will you want to live, here and wonder why, this side of the Ocean, our poles side by side ?

Elsa

All these constant issues, that deny your needs, raise other issues, they hang like skeletons, with lip sticky greed, ride out in a peloton, standing by the beach, you say let me be, love’s just out of reach, not particularly elegant, our frugal solidarity, but money starts its dance, a manifest delicious, waltzing to its earthly creed, between shore and distance, salty tears continue , your eyes gaze out to sea, a pocket full of tissues, lay scattered at your feet.

Ella

The light swinging at Faro, green evening stripes the beach, smell of sardines from boats, at the raging kitchen, I smell rain and sea, warm against the beam ends, while you eat alone , I bring you tea, filled with words of stone, don't try to insist, another happier reach, I don't fit in , she wants to dance and sing, but her opacity, splits me like lightning, cuts me to the bone, above my frayed dungarees, birds from Africa fly home, will she ever see ?

Delilah

You laugh like Camus, but it’s not the heat, deserts delight you, you’d say that fools, always miss the beat, when looking at ruins, you are like an almond, brown and seventeen, before the sun and wind, will you sail away, like their leaves, when autumn scrapes, over poverty yellow and grey, hurt dreams, Spring returns on hot days, inside you hum a tune, turn your head serene, ignore the blues, your spirit runs deep.

Dee

Am pretty sure of what to do, around your knees, a tattered sheepskin to warm you, birds cling to the ferry, passion doesn't crease me, we hardly went on holiday, your lover and your son, say I'm not easy, well, what's done is done, interesting but uncaring, you'd never fight for me, water brings another yearning, which is sad but true, when orange lights the sea, I’m not thinking of you, this night of coming liberty, we’ll drink Merlot at tea, drunk en famille pass crudites, set our lost ghosts free.

Diana

Great swollen days, without your care, makes me want to say, yes, go on, watch me dance, you know about mares, you've never had to ask, you smoke without craving, drink fino from a chair, like you’re some player, white faced dinero, dark glasses, you breathe thin air, shout mas vino, tapitas, clap, are my legs your craze, this tail end of an affair, music drifts away, no wonder you should chance, to live without prayer, like being tasked, with no love to spare !!!

Cresta

Standing by the beach, she says don't leave me, I’m only crying for the sea, can anyone retain, that unforgiving need, when you've derailed a train, I say take it easy, what do you want me to be, she shrugs at our destiny, dunes shift in the evening, in her eyes a steel, she says 'you’ll bleed', I hum an innocent refrain, how to enjoy freedom, when no promise is made, a life of dull marriage, is not for me, pretend they don’t matter the could have beens?.

Carrie

You'd gamble anything, your daughter says, including unforgiven fights, draining you like a drain, the times she swayed, in falling snow or rain, within your blue eyes, could you ever retain,, the time she most prized, letting go as you came in, was she always that way, smoking her Capstan, make her smile anyway, chuckle on her Saint’s day, dissolve each loss with gain, unhook the gas ring, make tea on the range, dogged by such things is no one to blame ?

Clara

You stroll off the meter, but you don't see me, dressed for the cashmere theatre, blow upon your polished fingers, at the Salon du Te,' hear policemen whisper, discuss suitable places to be, sip Darjeeling, no need turn on your heel, guaranteed protection, like a bushel of wheat, they whisper Blondie’s singing, and all of those parties, you danced by the sea, a desperate fleur de Lys, did waves rise in rhythm, do you remember our street, where you skipped in rayon, twisted to their screams.

Catherine

We dream of justice, defeated, tossed away, images of a love resistant, do we think of Solomon, who never sought that reign, what were we thinking of, will our insolence, our trawled remains, further enslave and imprison us, calendars we see only one, it stays on a single page shows how far we’ve come, uncertain questions, lie unborn every day, none accepted, cigarettes smoked and gone, try to have our say, time frittered on any son, our saving gain.

Baila

Many an ice cold Diva, makes no sense to me, when they sing Ave Maria, your face pale as the tide, a poem makes me weep, dream and ask why, can we ever make history, each morning released, like love we gave to nights, to seamen and Cafe's, stunned beneath the lights, your laughter a delight, like sunshine on the breeze, a taste of the sea, in circumstances we believe, but who makes us decide, demand our own scene, scream out only for Bollinger like angels released ?

Billie

Don’t talk to me and pause, give one of those sighs, I've seen these looks, it's where I live now, not your own interesting life, God you’re slow, while you make good causes, I was barely alive, all those conditional clauses, Recife, Manous, Matta Grosso, Is where you expect to die, and you want me to follow, here’s where a story ends, about the way you cried, when I needed comfort, sun kissed beaches skin glow bars, boys, warm easy delights, you course is always below, carried on the tide.

Bet

When love is only, three missed trains, your face is solace lonely, is it only wishful flare, that love should stay, instead of slipping at the bar, those lines going nowhere, the wine you gave away, nights of ached for care, wrap them in a solitaire , you’ll never change, riding high at the fair, on the cafe' square, trees in the gentle rain, cigarettes thrown in the air. my mother used to scold me, why rush through each day, stations of your litany, one car's just the same.

Banya

Trees of a green oasis, that freedom always boosts, the produce load for freighters, gentle winds on the Karasu, a banshee bleat of roosters, it will slay your mood, your lies and protestations, your cries for food, wine become a dissipation, a raw supply of senses , shatters the sunlit pools, makes a mirage of defences, it's hard to explain, what you've been through, so why now start shaking, camels stand at their stations, hrummp and wait for crew, on yellow sand awakening, love will not betray you.

Bella

Men who want women, eat calf’s liver and greens, something clings to them, as the coming night groans, a wind hushed soul freezes, it chills to their bones, worried they appear timid, by the city's muffled seethe, their desires know no limit, hope these ladies might glow, make love every evening, white hotels like a road show, breath bitter as almonds, leaves what love has gleaned, salted as caramel, between golden tones, they see what Goya’s seen, richer, older, needing pillows, wine, bread, falling leaves.

Annie

Who removes the cast, do only kids look to home, the singing grass, Verde across the terrace, Campari , dark glasses, soda, a city wakes from fast, The Café’ du Repas, I regret my tone , pray at the border with France, deny the chasm, shielded from your woes, loving other women, sourball summer Maria Callas, who am i to moan, whisky colours thrum and sing, sea birds arc and prance, in summer of their tour, look again and offer thanks, for cadence of your loan.

Anneka

The poetes maudit you always loved keep me in the garden is that all there is beside your son who goes back to his mother the one who scatters easy the fruits of men day fades uneasy salt claims an early due is this just a dry run for your evening with me 'i ache for a baby' I moan what have you begun to dance me again dicey laughter jolted kisses birds at dusk settle and hum is it just by listening waters run?

Alicia

Do we think of others, while screaming down the phone, the cross we bear of mothers, prayers for all those, whose thoughts are blown, on summers' blue clothes, drumbeats on marshlands smothers, where we dance alone , men flit like flies uncovered, we can only suppose, by water and evening’s pheromones, what they try to impose, our days filled with lovers, Guggenheim, Tate, Prado, playing cards for trouble, our hand a signalled force more than we can know a river runs its course, questions how we grow ?

Azira

Why beseech the mothers, set afire their wooden frames, steal our way home, cotton, gold and spices, what games we play, the infinite knots to splice, sunlight rings with drums, we return the people’s hail, these islands of sweet summer, to settle here or fly, draw away from this place, a seething nest of lies , leave this port for others, inscribe it with our name our names on bloody visits, it’s the reason why, we forage the Spanish Main, our troubles turn to light, we won’t forget to smother, a life in joyous phases, a careworn cache of lovers, dance among our graves.

Aurore

There's times I wish, I’d never been born, on this wretched bridge, my taxi is gone, now leave me alone, in this third interregnum, what makes me think, I know what I’m doing, getting jealous in drink, splashing eau de cologne, Spring coming on, standing by the road, then the clouds shrink, a ship's coming home, curtains start to twitch, they see me walk, an unsteady sojourn, to meet the other souls a ship majestic and garish resplendent in the sun. white funnels red carriage a time to be gone.

Abira

Do you measure distance, looking down a bottle of beer, as if polishing a crystal, the tenor of your bones, a river washes clear, a time to be explored, the cormorants we saw flippant, flap in a broken weir, last tide before the winter, has my lover frozen, somewhere close to tears, when I say please go, knees and face seek penance, a trapeze of wasted years, eyes crying for an infant, do I record each tone, of his faded artists gear, a presence in each zone, I’ll never appear listless, silver will cup my ears, I shall be effervescent, there will be happy years.

Aaliyah

Sat in a lemon light, my lover sleeps alongside me, I know everything is all right, sunrise over Alexandria, Cavafy’s cafés serve mint tea, as good a vista as Thessinger, Arab clothes a desert fire, an iron kettle by a tree, Bedouins in a daily fight, salt cakes a global symposia, swallows thrum an early creed, her solitary dance is Latina, it exhausts bottles of wine, at last night’s soiree, she tires with no respite, will she come to Assyria, dawn brings the early disguise, faces at the port’s dominion, hot brown days go by, we will live on the sea, everything I try she likes, birds are flying to infinity

alex begins the equinox poems 2021 - and the north shore plus 3 lines

Alex

Your house beyond the dunes, roses bloom beneath the sky, money doesn’t bring you truth, or laughing girls with grace, however things may lie, you try not being fake, even God is not immune, there's still a love inside, he won't be duped, fire burns in the grate, don't tell me how you cried, anchors bind the spate, just believe you fool, crying in the tide, don't you know he loves you, all our different hates, left hanging out to dry, all our lovely days, we hear them moan and croon, they make our troubles light, a relieved and laughing moon, drags doubt from our eyes.

Ally

I'm not a fool at dawn, to feel an utter mess every way the wind blows, I should be at sea, on a wooden raft, where there's time to dream, summon ancient forms, erect my little mast, sail with perfect calm, speak evenly, not roar out in distress, where you pay dearly, if you’re torn, living a life like this, my time isn't done, I shall range the Ocean, fix my shiny compass, judge life heavenly, navigate Cape Horn, live without duress, heaven’s crown of thorns, makes me immaculate.

Anna

When we begin to crave, you glance up and sigh, for lands far away, it's a lonely path alone, not having a light, an Iliad far from home, we sit out the fray, anchors hold the bite, ride the tide and wait, listen to the songs, it’s better than to cry, soon we’ll soon be gone, not just on holiday, so let us not fight, find reasons more to say, our horizon’s honed, lead us from this café’, safe in our bones, there'll be no stain, the moon is our right, it will bring good days, warm easy nights.

Michelle

Look at the moon, a spring tide today, everything comes around too soon, the birds who have flown, seeking away, singing as they go, your eyes don’t fool, say wouldn't it be great, to find somewhere new, a place for the soul, where paradise reigns, forget mortgage loans, somewhere not cruel, but poised and sedate, where no rent’s due, problems with ‘phones, emotion’s just a name, for all that we know, your good parts are true, that’s why I paint, but why do you argue, high on my name?

Olly

My smile makes you prance, no fear of being caught, dubbin for our smart chat, I’ll take all of that, show you ‘round the course, smoke and act daft, what others have found, singing myself hoarse, is any lack of balance, I just drink and dance, but you make me worse, in your fresh cotton clothes, you hold hands and ask, is this what we're taught, if love’s such a blast, then rip up the past, you know about horses, how to turn them out, why not take a chance, draw a toil of water, rock me with a cadence, show me more.

Khalila

My star is coming home, a wonder of the sky, in shelters you lie prone, why whisper about love, rolling in a death vice, face ravaged by the moon, Saints show me their bones, a poem makes you cry, you can’t afford to moan, doves in sunlight crash above, a lifetime of men’s sighs, I fly to those who give, fresh linen and eau de cologne, makes you wonder why, blossom always chokes, I’m not disguised by fits, money only lies, just get me through this shift, don’t weigh like a stone, I’ll dance alone on wire, see before me shining roads, before I kiss goodbye.

Benny

A prognosis out the blue, I read the lines, ask what's wrong with you, act like I already know, ties that bind, blow hard on my bones, hope brings a certain glue, what can be put right, if you provide a clue, you’re not up there alone, in this rosy light, there’s always my home, It’s warm near the flue, and nowhere’s a crime, for fire to fashion, how to keep going, through evening and night, when the kid’s phone, I have to act fine, coffee gets me through, this crazy time, what else can I do?

Chris

The year Lady passed away, couldn't get past the blues, was shrunken day to day, I wanted to be alone, not see anyone new, on the street or Metro, but you became my angel, I didn't have a clue, you washed my thoughts away, arranged all the loans, bought me different costumes, put jelly on my bones, before this game, I didn’t think of you, only what a waste, where would I call home, my head went loopy loo, I acted like a drone, then you began to erase, all my bitter tunes, more than any mate, got me on the crew.

Dave Brown

Face down any claim, your stars won’t refuse, once more outrageous fame, you who wonder why, worldly canons of virtue, always make me sigh, this is no mug’s game, TV blares fake news, chases me through my days, spins the constant lie, let them sing the blues, for all their crass disguise, hardships on the way, nothing’s here to rue, catch them on the make, only fools rely, beyond the swollen hype, look them in the eye, always meet their gaze, this lottery card’s for you, I’m tired of talking plain, heavy with some truth.

Iain

All of you make jokes, don't disturb my waves, worry if I’ll cope, never stoop to choose, or firmly swim away, think how much you’ll lose, you are not dopes, to encourage easy ways, as if you had no scope, if you want good news, let others stand and gape, what I say is true, because you moan and mope, note every bitter phase, down every coming slope, it won’t separate the numbers, for distant tides or sail, ships can leave without you, some things can’t be undone, never is too late, to face you here alone I would call it grace.

Roberta

Forget all the clowns, that come to woo you, half of them in chains, as loud as your woes, ships blow hooters, every song sings of home, not just in their dance, but down each avenue , who can fault your elan, a queen without a throne, bars are full of losers, you’d rather be alone, nothing comes by chance, your chimes maybe fewer, but forget about the past, barefoot walk on stones, you would never refuse, a game of Bingo in yellow stripey clothes, aboard a Yankee schooner, no need for ballroom gowns, to make them swoon.

John

Say your life’s so unfair, many a seed is sown, then again what’s shared, if you bring the sea, to face the bright unknown, you’ll find what’s meant to be, in someone’s loving care, drink it down and feel, what you need is more, is this fixed image real, were you ever born, to feel such loving need, when someone makes a dare, do you moan, dance unsteadily on chairs, throw away your keys, mask with scorn, any wanton creed, give us your daily prayer, make us warm as toast, don’t be scared, talk always has a cost

Carney

Your face set like stone, asks how it’s to be, tell me all you know, chipped away by time, the daily useless commentary, I try to answer that, neck splashed with shaving foam, problems hang around me, stretched out like a photo show, on Sunday's I drink wine, until time freezes, when your turbulent mind, plays tunes that suddenly echo, and dance inside me, struggle now to focus, my house on the train line, the bottom of a road, where I smell the limes, as my body loudly groans, as if carefree, makes an appeal to microphones, watches morning TV?

Marky

Dream tunes won't hurt, enough to crack, our happy café’ world, silken tents you've thrown, never collapse, held fast by metronomes, plates you sometimes hurl, nothing keeps me back, sweet talk makes you curl, this life is not our own, in many ways it's crass, consider that part gone, I’m not perturbed, how much time has passed, which flags are left unfurled, restraint is constant hope, will you hold me fast, nothing's worth the slope, old songsters sing or burn, set me on the path, turn the flame down, make it last.

Lynchy

The part of you we knew, used to play it short, raged at life around you, in this consumer light, you’re gone without a call, not very wise, nothing gives us a clue, no print or written law, if your trail’s well used, did we know your plight, or try to stop you go, with your cards so slight, we’d never be so rude, to bleat of others' woes, hard to make the rules, what we know of you, let us not postpone, stuff that’s hard to do, when you face the Court.

john Lynch

You say that you rule, working on the bread line, regarding the fools, think you're so great, before other's demise, stop before it's too late, it’s making you cruel, regard what’s going on inside, the face of Mr Cool, once again, your eyes dance like fireflies, you’ll have your way, but a poor gruel, overcooks these lies, if it’s all you do, lost in this game, strike before the time, of who holds the reins, burnt out mules, may offer you insight, but what's a greater wisdom, than being kind?

Karina

The love you sow, never goes to waste, everywhere you sound its echo, you have no need, to circle each new day, or save enough to flee, in garments sewn, by a drunken oblate, this is all you know, songs, flowers, pieces, to keep you engaged, don’t need to be free, you’ve already flown, away from his name, makes you sing as you go, a house by the sea, tides and winter and flame, make you happy, brilliant songs, whisper your fame, you are the full show, stars shape your passage.

Puffa

Do you remember the sea, the swell and the spray, our dance of Thebes, now the kids have flown, gone away, have their own homes, we dance on the beach, at the end of Sunday, our loving done within reach, each part of the gloom, is suddenly drained, somewhere in the blue, you touch my knee, show me the way, my troubles cease, I'm windblown happy, I hold your face, love this soul café, catch moments like these, listen to what I say, buy me chips and mushy peas, watch my eyes dilate

Eugenia

Would you even care, in breaking up the pattern, It’s gone beyond a dare, have you read the news, with your open wallet, I'm not in love with you, your talk around me squares, squeezes like I'm fattened, despite the way things turn, carry on that eager you, under dreams of white satin, you'll never know what's true, stones won't light this girl, ships can sail forgotten, I’ve so much more to learn, it’s warm on this avenue, God is not for mocking, not part of your crew, blue sourball summer swirls, you won’t see me rocking, it isn't me you've turned, lost among the blossom.

Lawyer Murphy

We claim and duly swear, first to hit the spot, is the one who gets them in, no drama or lucky stars, boring debts and mounting cost, we’ll always buy a jar, under the sun’s bright stare, the sidewalk lit with dots, no one hides in here, anyone who makes their mark, another folds the cards, there are no easy documents, perfumed tables lay bare, rusty nails our lot, we always have to share, danger near or far, before any cop, Has Been or Jack Tar, sheds a tear, from streets sweaty and hot, we’ll defend our turf, it’s all we’ve got.

Patrick

It sometimes works a treat, sitting stunned around a pool, vodka tonics daiquiri cherries, what your head can't undo, your bones won't fool, the wish to denude, on yellow sand redeem, all that hides from you, scrubbed white by the sea, you can’t shake this mood, until you hear the news, just how much you lose, it's hard to be discreet, what you've been through, so try to murmur easy, when your fire turns blue, let trees haunt the avenues, they can’t disguise the truth, all that now’s left empty, will fill the hole in you, you’ll find sudden energy, no one casts you loose. we'll never fall apart, beside these walls.

Peter

Sober enough to ask why, this way’s been chosen, before anything we can deny, more a sombre space, your mouth frozen, by tired phrases, sing your favourite lines, the time done with roses, made better when you try, wave all the great stations beyond a life hopeful, shrunken or awakened, even at the graveside, witness love's cloaking, clouds sail the sky, what settles on your face, neither time provokes, nor blows away the traces, a paper at your side, an accountant’s notebook, more a wish to verify, what truth gets spoken.

Mathilde

If trouble's in your blood, in this place of whispers, who says it does much good, rivers you can name, don't need a chorus, repeat them just the same, times they say you should, be prepared for this, or go nuts, they'll find another way, don’t do what they insist, their knowledge drives you crazy, maybe you need a hug, go away without a ship, rain that falls like dust, when you're free again, push the middle distance, make the Ocean your frame, ride their cool diagnosis, the worry in their lists, blow for tugs, choose to live.

Greens

Easy enough to ask why, we've been chosen, so much here to deny, laugh at all the crazes, they try to impose us, invoke stupid phrases, ask what’s our favourite line, act as If well spoken, will the world catch fire, they wonder if we’re lazy, in work shirt and overcoat, sweet days of praying, roll out the usual lies, verify love's soaking, clouds lower the sky, green in our furious phases, we bow in cold assurance, dance away the traces, a flower lifts our smile, just some little token, more than any pride, we stand here unbroken.

Fiona

Don't forget you're better, red lipstick on your lips even if they stick together, you don’t come here to booze, kissing your fingertips, there's even more good news, love is not forever, when you laugh and skip, time at all or never, kick off Monday’s shoes, roll around your hips, now’s the time for truth, nothing beats duress, giving liars a clip, an artist’s hope at best, who needs a little dress, when you paint like this, his songs play your request, would you be lesser, if you stood there stripped, binned all his letters, wise in what you miss?

ciaran

You like strong tea, tears lachrymose, fill up the breach, never one to blow cold, you won’t let it go, face crowned with thorns, jokes your repartee, might have once been so, your thoughts start to weave, littered with scorn, why beat that drum, this café’s your home, it replaces uncertainty, the moon in your dome, wants to believe, now the kids have gone, you and her alone, whisky the scouring stone, when they leave, do you try to atone, walk back to your seat, admit that you're wrong?

Tony

I'm forever beat, even with a common air, but hope rescues everything, I need to buck up, heaven is a place to share, sometimes needs a little shove, when I’ve gone to seed, have a go at taking care, it's not easy being free, get dressed feel the bug, never short of prayer, a signal to those above, I know how to keep, a house and wooden chair, drink is my sole conceit, fire brings on the tug, lovely faces dance on stairs, lamp lights shine with love, can everybody see, the gaps between my hair, do I need new teeth, will my smile fit anywhere?

laura

Working here's no paradise, it’s always in the news, people aren’t very nice, could as well be jail, coffee and cake like glue, love’s a broken gate, all I want's a better life, show what I can do, need a little respite, my songs are well regaled, the arias too, a pity I don’t flay, this cesspit full of lies, little pieces made of you, don't ask me why, what has been created, boils away like stew, I’m not an easy play, home’s for me no searchlight, when it beams on truth, this time of early night, sheds no pretty hues.

Lauren

I live in a haze, sheltered from the wind, pinned here like cellophane, best not to moan, or set a new trend, please give me a loan, I won’t jump the train, disappear from the land, find a wicked way, in my best clothes, but enjoy being kind, even on my bones, make a whole life change, show how it could be, In love more than trade, when someone groans, I’ll shoot them a grin, move out of that zone, stoke up a blaze, break free of Gin, call out your name, you’ll understand.

Writers

We can sometimes squeeze, from each breath taken, a moment that's easy, that makes me swoon, face washed happy, in this bohemian room, outside is a sycamore tree, cars mark the way, sunlight parts the breeze, they’re playing our tune, forget lovely holidays, a lorry goes vroom, writing feeds our frenzy, the bed is a cradle, above is eternity, we’ll dance on this avenue, each thought castaway, tell our good news, till the house timbers creak, we’ll try and create, some lovely speak, say love is what stays.

Maria

In a café’ that’s dark, her lovely face shadows, she thinks of supermarket yards, dressed for night’s presence, across trolley she’s heard, they’ll take any bet, spirits with some spark, she comes here to allow, herself to carry on, it’s a rare clerk not cut to the marrow, when clearing her park, she can’t forget that lot, they don’t soar like arrows, precise in their movement, but feels their dreams makes lists when off clock, poetry’s her scene, if there’s ever a chart, to enumerate forebearance, then think of no-marks all of us vagrants.

Sasha

Here in an empty Saloon, I play this sad game, It does me no good, shadows make strokes, across the dirty bus lanes, shocked again I'm broke, songs of melancholy hue, drift from a guitar playing, they hang in the blue, down this long road, they say loss’s net gain, but when you need loans, who calls the tune, above wooden tables, it seeps into my perfume, better exist alone, with him off the rails, I’ll carry the load, due north are the Dunes, lying over the lake, what happens to truth, does it make waves?

Sophie

I'm not your latest grip, nor big sea, the yellow light hid, you ask about my lovers, with all their surly needs, they don’t have my number, what I want to live, to break belief, is fashion all my limits, find a place of wonder, witness the creed, like my denim sister, red nails and paper ribbon, showing is enough to bleed, it really is within my gift, enslave or encumber, a lifetime crossing ferries, the smells of sweet summer, you make me sound limpid, by title or deed, a matchstick in the river, so much more to me.

Christos

I need another home, somewhere else to stay, now that you’re gone, what I need to do, ship out all the waste, forget that other Dude, in troubled zones, find comfort in every day, try not to feel alone, the sea is lemon blue, cafe's swell with rain, I’m feeling nothing new, here in my bones, but know there’s a way, to take control, something in my mood, that doesn’t laugh and say, I want another you, brilliant pheromones, whisper your name, my waters hold firm, I'm moving OK ?

Caitlyn

A cold wind blows, it stokes a fear, suddenly in the shining snow, pearl doves arch above, nothing else comes near, their blazing breasts of love, shimmer on my work clothes, my smile is not dear, here are no antipodes, singing along my weather front, even if I take a beer, fly to those who give, their visions blown, I need no leers, a lifetime left to moan, I have the will to shove, that barrel of heartless cheer, into this marshmallow, I do design you know, love these killer years, a woman from stern to bow, let me make it clear.

Jacky

Why is it always you, that makes it seem, every day brings good news, not meant to live alone, lucky I don't know unease, especially in my café home, if the wind blows cruel, it won't stop our dreams, even if we shed a few, come over here dead slow, dance that twisted beat, reach me with mellow tones, sing when I need a tissue, now is just our history, one golden avenue, even on the days you moan, you're always easy, forget those blue notes, laugh the way you do, it's never just your solace, nothing frightens you, you make me believe.

Martha

Nothing’s left to stake, sing any song you choose, seek eternal escape, say like on a throne, he won't be wanting you, tell him you're not alone, reason says too late, to heal the broken dues, like a brigand seeks escape, you'll find a rolling stone, make all of life a tune, don't worry if you'll cope, find some tide or sail, any sea will do, another lover surely waits, a knife to the throat, sail across the blue, what is left to hold, except yours anyway, be captain of the purview, Oranges and the Spanish Main, your greatest muse.

Sarah

It's quiet here now, after years of the need, my face smooth as stone, I still see the place, where praise be, my soul will be saved, we arrived on the blow, to this shiny new café’, why God only knows, grant me the days, where I can act carefree, not hemmed by ingrates, men with barren tones, say have one on me, cry on my shoulder, plead for a stay, they’re here for a reason, to me it’s the same, in the blue dawn, bells ring exclusively, I make my way home, over there is the sea.

Rowena

You smile across the beach, a flash that lights the bay, salt hangs on the breeze, danger flashes in your eyes, something in your gait, no need to question why, you dab perfume for the heat, walk with a serious mien, smell the pine trees, you won’t toe the line, be tamed, no-one needs to cry, love has set you free, seaweed your cocktail, silk from a silken sea, red tiles shine this paradise, men chant your name, one step is just fine, speaking truth is never easy, when drink is the flame, no place for an Odyssey, the water’s your escape.

Matty

Now and then she’s right, am I just skimming, froth glitters on this pint, like the river off Burbo Bank, shining, arrowing, twisting, me a dark room crank, she loves the sunlight, knows her own following, if someone make her cry, lungs open like a tank, she knows how to fight, when everything turns black, next to me like a bride, her eyes moist and filling, she’ll give a loving sigh, tobacco blonde dank, her whole life is swimming, she’ll make out I’m slack, dance in the tide, her fame is just beginning, her smile like a knife, fresh, alive, skinning.

The First Chef

Will you be the same, a smile beneath the trees, each time we separate, the dollars and the dimes, bars stacked like wheat, we sit drinking wine, now it's a morning shame, not just my feet, that walk this tired frame, No I'm not fine, come back to me, don't ask me why, what does it take, a dawn novena, to have you back again, spiky as a porcupine, your body a litany, now is the time, why can’t you remain, where the sun rises even, cars fill up their lanes, and I hear you singing.

Malena

You who own the night, the wind hushed sand dunes, do you wonder why, I keep a cheerful romeo, beat away the blues, always on the go, forget the bitter times, all the brute untruths, the thought of infant’s sighs, dreams of flying solo, always glad to see you, since last time you phoned, the air plashes by, the evening's getting cool, some wait all their lives, others touch the stones, let them set the spume, what they had before, men whistle passing by, I laugh and hum a tune, say it's stupid to lie, my heart’s an open room.

Monica

Love holds the door ajar, my hair falls down unkind, nowhere gets me very far, I sit on a high stool, drink a little wine, God knows I need a few, you ask about my Da, Oh he’s fine, stuck as usual on the Bar, the money he blew, in a poor easy light, just to please some other fool, cruising in her fast car, he rocks around her lies, no wonder I’m scarred, there’s nothing cool, about the hurt inside, except that other part of you, viewed from afar, that sees each morning rise, like the northern star, knowing it’s my time.

Kevin

He reads and hums a tune, says its stupid to lie, he’ll enjoy this view, like a dog far from home, he doesn’t want a fight, just let him be alone, the elephant in the room, trumps another sigh, the grandkids make him blue, always late coming home, their ask’s a constant why, he worries where they roam, if they blow the juice, he’s sick of denying, what’s left to all of us, guilty people do atone, but this same snuffled exercise, like any runny nose, speaks some truth, her bum supplicates the light, what else is he to do, take up flying?

Jenny

I won’t say no , or ask you to sign, brush away those bitter tones, I know what’s at issue, when you burn like fire, set dreams loose, chances are I’ll follow, a chef dancing on a tyre, nowhere I won't go, you play the fool, echo what is right, pull out a tune, others dance fandango's, in morning’s cold light, rooms without windows, places smoky blue, where you can lose sight, of what is before you, please let me know, if I’m on your mind, riding high on the blow, checking out the time.

Corys

Who needs a shrink, when a lover somehow, always wants a drink, one day he might stroll, down this road like a clown, other times rotten lie low, I know what they think, he’ll always miss the furrow, his head down a sink, a display all his own, show them what he’s sown, outrage now he’s gone, I shudder at the stitch, a whole investment blown, work and strain and stink, who will want me now, face like an ice rink, heavy as jeans I’ve sewed, politics dull pink, sweat shines on my brow, ride away don’t blink, Chagall’s in the saddle.