Words For A Rainy Afternoon

Wry and ironic observations on life in general and the people who have populated my world.

THE DECORATOR GIRL

This one's for JD, possibly the most precociously talented girl I've ever met. So when did you say you were coming round to paint my boat......

A VERY IRREGULAR HEAD

If you're very lucky at least once in your life you'll meet someone who'll make a real difference. But they're not always who you expect them to be.

NOREEN IS ALWAYS RIGHT

In praise of the most precociously self-confident girl it has ever been my pleasure to meet.

THE GIRL WITH THE TECHNICOLOR SMILE

Inspired by a young lady with a natural beauty that many aspire to but very few achieve. A truly unique individual.
Cherry

FESTIVAL HEAD

An affectionate tribute to the Freaks, Heads & Dreads it's been my pleasure to hang out with at the many festivals I've got my head together at. Cheers!

SISTER BROADWAY

Lyrics written from my days in a long forgotten band. Eno-era Roxy Music meets early Psychedelic Furs in a Film Noir nightmare.

HER WEDDING, MY FUNERAL.

A conversation over coffee and banana milkshake that pits the optimism of youth against the ennui of middle age and which features the young lady from A Very Irregular Head.

THE MAN ON THE LEDGE

A 'planned accident' poem inspired by William Burroughs' cut-up's linked around the theme of watching your life pass in front of your eyes before you step out into clear air.

SHE GATHERS RAIN

A poem in praise of one who is a constant source of inspiration. Words are like precious flowers that require constant cultivation and, as any gardener will tell you, nothing grows without rain.
Cherry

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

A poem in praise of the eternal angel - the barmaid with a heart of gold. Thanks Wendy, I think I owe you more than a drink!

THE ABSENCE OF SHADOWS

A lonely man grieves over the death of his father and the loss of an anonymous stranger.

ODE TO A LOW FLYING BIRD

After attending a school reunion a middle aged mum gets a text out of the blue from a former boyfriend who, having made a packet in business, suggests a little get together across the English Channel.

THE THOUGHTS OF EMILY JANE

I was reading Clinton Heylin's 'All The Madmen' while listening to Florence & The Machine while thinking about Syd Barrett and 'See Emily Play'.

EVEN A DOG CAN SHAKE HANDS

I was listening to Grinderman and reading Wired magazine while watching 'Songs Of Praise' with the sound turned down. Go figure.
Poem of the week

THE DAY I FINALLY ABANDONED MYSELF

Written a couple of days after my mother passed away and I officially became an orphan. Sometimes we walk a thin line between sanity and what lies beyond.

JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL

Lyrics to a song about The Factory banged out on a battered Telecaster with only five strings and a dodgy pick-up. My Hustler meets Marquee Moon.

EVERYBODY SMOKES IN HELL

Memories of being stranded in the jungle that was a fleapit hotel on W46th Street and running the gauntlet to the New York Port Authority Terminal back in the wild days of '79.
Cherry

We’re In Touch With Your World

Imagine if Lucifer could advertise on afternoon TV between the no win no fee lawyers and the easy to fit stairlifts. It might go something like this...