Paul

We live in a haze, sheltered from the wind, as stuck as cellophane, best not to moan, or set a new trend, life's just a loan, do we buck the rain, scour the land, for our perfect train, in our worn-out clothes, enjoy being kind, we're not on our bones, make a step change, let crying lie in, love's more than trade, when someone groans, says hope's in the bin, move out of that zone, chained to our days, we break free of sin, in greater ways, to understand?

Esme Three

If there are any good parts, I hear her say, they're in your heart, I look at the moon, a spring tide today, everything comes too soon, I'm cool but my eyes spark, wouldn't it be great, to make a new start, to live somewhere new, she listens but waits, doesn't need more truth, a psychiatrist by starts, emotion's just a name, I'll sell the car, she'll let it go that far, smiles and hesitates, kisses me beneath the stars, she tears me apart, I'm the fool you state, you're not so smart, she holds my face.

Esme Two

Water runs softly, there's a need for grace, to ease my swollen feet, strained in my moans, I settle at this place, heart against bone, have to leave the city, blown here by the rain, carry all that's with me, alone in this grotto, there are words to say, how to atone, for all the grim testimony, given me this day, that price is offertory, when fatuous jokes kill me, all the useless games, discretion becomes inventory, I want to receive, to throw away the cage, delighted to believe, the sunshine on my face.

Esme

Tunes jingle and she sways, my insides screech, need to make my case, between home and missing you, help me to say, what I most rue, my tear-streaked face, lemon blue by the sea, shows it's the way, we kill the truth, our own conceit, through constant hoops, other thoughts'll come late, eager to squeeze, memories from my lovers face, they echo my disgrace, a coward's retreat, without hope or shape, maybe there's a way, I can still feel easy, wiping clean the slate, claim my release.

Olivia

She laughs and hums a tune, says its stupid to lie, this is just what we do, like a dog with a bone, you don't want a fight, just leave it alone, we skirt what’s in the room, she gives another sigh, kids give her the blues, late at home, they carry a tortured why, don't let them roam, more like a whispered ooh, her failing highs, are what’s left to rue, guilty people do atone, but the same snuffled exercise, is a running nose, her shape in ruins, she beseeches the sky, what is she to do, take up flying?

Ollie

Brilliant stones, whisper your name, waters shift and groan, in trouble all you need, is solace every day, make sure you never feel, totally alone, cafe's swell with rain, best not to moan, hold onto your creed, don't fall for gain, take holidays by the sea, Calcium's good for bones, try to stay sane, no one really atones, that bird who has needs, says it's not a game, sings that she's free, just let her go, dance amongst flames, problems the wind blows, no love without pain.

Francine Three

You're going nowhere, she doesn't want to gloat, paints her face dead slow, she has scraped my bones, has an Italian home, doesn't care for show, says she's suffered you know, in Paris or New York, keeping up this cheerful tone, since our time in Rome, men with iPhones, makes crowds at her door, we are leaving Palermo, Linguini and exorbitant loans, it takes energy to go, she's such a generous soul, working the blow, everyone she meets is Joe she fastens the rope.