Grumpy Pants

Yes, I'm in a bad mood
It was a horrible day
Well that's the excuse I'm sticking with
What of it, anyway

I'll moan and stomp if I want
No matter what I do
Nothing will please me, not a chance
I'm intent on being blue

Shout a lot
Stamp my feet
Temper overflows
I'm a 40-something big kid
And that's just
The way it goes

Bash around the kitchen
With lots of huff and puff
Don't you dare attempt to make me smile
I just want to be all gruff

Don't care
That it's a school night
I want booze
If you refuse me
Whoa betide cause
Then the plot I'll lose

I'll complain that I'm so upset
It's the truth, I swear
I'll get angry if you try to tickle me
Don't, don't you dare

Whine a lot
Shrug some more
My shoulders are so tight
But sometimes
Just occasionally
The grumpy pants fit just right

BFF

They chatter, they natter
Full of excitement and ideas
Laughter abounds, happy sounds
Till it's time to go, then tears

They share almost everything
Dreams, toys, and food
And they feed off each other too
In act, and deed and mood

It's good to see them so close
Hope it will always be that way
Someone to revel in the thick and thin
That life brings every day

When they stop to reminisce
A good few years from now
I trust they'll still be side by side
BFF, somewhere, somehow

We talked and talked endlessly
Long in to the night
Our plans, the future, where we'd be
How we'd shine so bright

We shared almost everything
Drink, and cars and song
We fed off each other too
Until it started to go wrong

It was good to be that close, you know
Why did we drift apart
Was it some of me, and some of you
No chance for a fresh start

Should I stop to reminisce
Too late now I've penned this verse
Not even the promise of BFF
Survives for better or for worse

Fallen Angel

I read the words
And could feel your pain
My message seemed empty
Can't explain

Your gift was gone
That you wanted, you know
Could see it in your face
When you told me so

How you waited, waited
And waited some more
Through tests and trials
Every way to explore

A chance for this miracle
Through luck or science
The wait for fate's hand
To bring an alliance

I hope that all that remains
Is not shadows and dreams
What might have become
And all those might have beens

I hope what will linger
Once the terrible thing's past
Is something, forever
A memory that will last

Of your fallen angel
What ever it might be
Staying close to your heart
Eternally

I pray that you'll remember
The happier times
Smiles and the laughter
Often, or sometimes

I know you won't forget
All the things you had planned
For your fallen angel
I'm sure they'll understand



For SY, with love

Routine

Regular as clockwork
Alarm bell rings
Dragged from the peace
That slumbering brings

Shower then shave
Choose and iron a shirt
Make sandwiches while radio plays
But pass on a dessert

Forget the blues, polish your shoes
Grab keys and shut the door
It's gotta be done, school/work run
Enjoy or just endure

Morning passes somehow
In a blur, my be a blink
Conversations merge endlessly
Have no time to think

Brunch, lunch
Is there a chance to pause
Feel oppressed, no time to rest
Or soak in a good cause

Afternoon drags so slowly
Clock hands stuck again
Home time laughs in your face
Taking your name in vain

But somehow it's comforting
The endless endless days
Everything repeated
In the same old same old ways

Sometimes it's excruciating
Seemingly without end
You'll never understand it
Or the dullness comprehend

If you choose fight or flight
Just don't make a scene
Your time will come, when you'll become
Captured by routine

The Hill

Excitement starts in earnest
Expectation in their eyes
Wonder, hope, a little fear
Something they can't disguise

Jump aboard, the car's been cleared
Ready for the thrill
Wheels spinning on the snow
Heading for The Hill

As we get close we see them
May be a hundred gathered there
Black dots amongst the white stuff
Coloured by hats or hair

Park up now, we're very close
Their voices are quite shrill
As we walk the last few steps
Now we're on The Hill

Sit down
Shoot off
Racing fast
Shouting
Screaming
What a blast
Laughing
Smiling
Such great fun
Who needs
Sand
Or warming sun

Tired legs start to take their toll
And fingers start to freeze
Trousers sodden from the snow
I hear shivering knocking knees

Pack up, trudge off, smiles abound
For today they've had their fill
There's stories to be told at home
See you tomorrow on The Hill

Fresh

Tarragon bites
Parsley's smooth
Peppery basil
Tries to make a move

Relaxed oregano
Lazy sage
Mint takes the hint
Then lasts an age

Whatever your taste
There's the perfect herb
Fresh, complimentary
Gives a touch of superb

The guy looks over
Not a hint of shy
Wants you, knows it
Captures your eye

Not so relaxed
Now you're hunted down
Can you take the hint
Without fear or frown

Whatever your taste
There's the perfect one
Fresh every single day
Can never be undone

Does time bite
After countless years
Peppered with laughter
And occasional tears

Relaxing is different
There's a comfort unsaid
No need for hints
Things not often misread

You know your taste
The years have defined
Fresh stands before you
In the most vintage of wines

Spotted

What was it that caught you
From the corner of your eye
That made you turn and look and stare
Initially, no reason why

And as you gazed, wondering
Were you noticed too
Did eyes meet yours and hold you there
For a second or two

And then the tension starts to build
When should you turn away
Don't stay too long, it's not polite
The first time, anyway

But you know if you don't linger
For just the right amount
Of seconds, ticking slowly by
Your look they'll just discount

So be brave, be bold, be resolute
Your focus please maintain
Don't see it as something there to lose
Only something you can gain

Look away, look away, look away
Then return and bide your time
When their eyes find you once again
The emotions are sublime

Feel the warming deep inside
They've spotted you, rejoice
Now prepare for your next big hurdle
When you have to use your voice

Will you come
And wait in line
Whether sky is grey
Or if there's shine

Listen to words
Written by unknown hand
Smile, or laugh
Nodding and understand

Shed a tear
With the rest of the throng
Mumble the lyrics
To the chosen song

I wonder
Would you, by my side stand or fall
No, because
You don't know me at all

Look at the messages
Well up inside
Feel a pang
For the kids or bride

Celebrate
Raise a glass or two
After all
It's what I'd expect of you

Remember the something's
We never quite had
When things went well
Or if they turned bad

I doubt
The memories would enthral
Because
You don't know me at all

And when day is done
You tumble in to bed
I'll imagine the thoughts
Running through your head

Pull your loved one close
Hold them tight
Every chance you get
You know it's right

Save all your time
For the ones that are near
Most cherished, adored
Those truly dear

At the end
Will I stand tall
No, because
You don't know me at all

Forgotten self

There's something I've been pondering
For the longest while
About enjoyment, entertainment
Things that make me smile

It used to come so easily
Second nature, without thought
But now it's really hard to find
This peacefulness that's sought

See, I've forgotten one small thing
And that's how to relax
How to chill, have my fill
Of sitting still in my tracks

While the kids watch a movie
I'm kind of out of sorts
Internet has lost it's pull
Don't feel like watching sports

Music won't talk to me no more
And reading's lost all appeal
Am struggling to stop and find
The real and proper deal

So what happens next I ask?
I really have no clue
Am at a loss, out of ideas
What can drag me through

Even this, this verse I write
Is merely killing time
Guess I'm not even now
This man called three in rhyme