Mr Dives

Mr Dives

Mr Dives sat drinking liberal tears

Joked with the wealthy and laughed at the poor,

In the company of Conservative peers,

And an atmosphere of Eton haw haw.

He gave a grand speech, his goodfellows cheered;

All raised a glass, in a toast to the queen,

And Thatcher, but especially revered,

Were hedge fund tycoons and riches obscene.

A log fire alight gave plenteous heat,

The Champagne (liberal tears) freely flowed,

And the victuals only the richest may eat,

Were consumed by all, with honours bestowed,

As temperatures fell in the street outside,

Children went hungry and Lazarus died.

November 30th

November 30^th

There’s a bed

Of leaves underneath

The canopy

Of a willow tree

That weeps as if in dread

Of winter’s teeth

And soon to be

Barren scenery

The sun shines

Mingling with rain

And doesn’t fail

To warm the air

Though divers signs

In the main

Mark the trail

To colder fayre

Leaving November

Bereft yet majestic

August poplars

Overlook scenes

Of pre December

Shades of fantastic

Yellows coppers

Browns evergreens

A blinding light

By the river reflected

As children run

Squirrels race up trees

Dogs bark in delight

Seemingly affected

By a welcoming sun

An absence of breeze