Nan had to move
from her council house,
the one with the cinders
and ash path,
a piece of which
we always took,
briefly embedded,
flesh-framed in blood,
in one of our scrapes,
after a trip, or push,
up to her door;
the sibling way of boys
let loose from a car.
…..
I am going to free-fall,
through thinned-out clouds,
a given, this booking,
for my charity’s pounds.
…..
Another slumped sofa stretch
of cushion-pushed impressions
…..
Pitch-side, shivered, we parents all cheer,
in debt to our coaches, these great volunteers:
Now it is time to thank ‘The Special One’:
Gary.. here’s some highlights of what you have done
…..
I found that place, I imagine it square,
your inch-by-inch patch, an emanation,
a waft of pool chlorine,
always there
…..
Your American Dream,
worn thin through decades,
your nightmare now risen,
waking politics of rage
…..
Three thousand
children,
some missing,
wishing to be
schooled;
but, still waiting
…..
Here stood desk-leant
now feeling fine,
knocking back left over
swigs of wine
…..