School Night

Stumbling through forbidden streets
Rainbow stripped matchstick legs
Encased in oversized boots
(German Para Troopers turning in their graves)

With a bleary eye and not a thought for the world
We gave chase to the fat, heaving bus
Too late! It belched and farted on its way

Two fingered salutes were thrown to the shrinking minions
As they rejoiced at our obvious dismay

Delving into stale leather pockets
Housing worldly possessions (Black eyeliner, scribbled phone
number)
Bronzed faces of our Queen winked up from coppery palms

To the satanic rhythm of the dark streets we marched
Disembodied voices shouted out, demanding last orders
Under the Birmingham illuminations
With giant feet we trooped on home

Out side Moby Dick's chippy our pathways were split
My protective shield fell shattering to the ground

I walked through the fifteen year old shards
Bravado retreating like the coward it was
On up to my house I trudged
Only Kurt Cobain draped across my chest as company

As I infused my hair and wrists with White Musk
(Vain attempt to disguise Marlboro Lights)
I notice with childish fear
The angry gorilla, incensed with rage
Hanging expertly out my bedroom window

I await the hot blast of air and spittle
Hitting me full force in the face
As with eyes nearly imploding in their sockets
My dad bellows:

"WHERE THE BLOODY ELL' HAVE YOU BEEN ON A SCHOOL NIGHT?"