To the sound of a gentle snore

One hour slowly turns
To two then three
The sound persists softly
Beside me
The house remains almost silent
Traffic calm
Only 'mares will bring malice
Or threats of harm

No sign of a rescue
That will come with dawn
No saviour to save me
From this endless yawn
Close up tumblr
Leave the sport app alone
Click everything to standby
Put down that phone

Try as I might
Sleep just won't come
I'm immune to it's calling
To it's powers I'm numb
Just as the light
Bangs it's red rising drum
I might relent
And finally seccumb

All to the sound of a gentle snore
In your dreams I hope up high you soar

Time ticks as I type
Darkness still pervades
But slowly now the traffic
Sound invades
Four thirty nine it is
I woke at 2am
Certain that tomorrow
Won't be any less mayhem

Try as I might
Sleep just won't come
I'm immune to it's calling
To it's powers I'm numb
Just as the light
Bangs it's red rising drum
I might relent
And finally seccumb

All to the sound of a gentle snore
In your dreams I hope up high you soar

City of........

In the mood for writing poems
I am not
But here's a short train journey
That I've got
Whizzing through the city of Brum
Where posh-ish place preceeds dirty slum
Embankments filled with leaves of brown
In that travellers perfume I may surely drown
So here's my thoughts laid bare
To see
The ramblings and musings
Of dropfor3

Mr Ticket Inspector seems
Gruff and hoarse
As we roll along, on time
On course
Out of the tunnels in to light we glide
The city fans look right with pride
Past depot and factory, busy all
Their greyness does little to inspire, enthral
On and on, now Spaghetti's
In sight
Speeding on in the dimmest
Of light

In the mood for Birmingham
I'm not
There's a lot about this place
I've forgot
Home of my birth you may be so
But my heart does not adore, you know
It's tired and dull, lifeless and sad
I see so little good, and too much bad
But that might just be my
Eyesight failing
Second city, for me your
Train's derailing

P-faf (Poem for a friend)

Eight hundred and thirty one days

The time that I've known you

It has simply flown by

And now you're off to pastures new

Our early days occupied by

Endless training schemes

Bearing no real relation to

Their ways, routines and means

But you soon showed yourself

Tough, relentless, made me smile

Wouldn't give even an inch

Let alone a long and lonely mile

You're dizzy, often ditsy

The worst sufferer of the sugar rush

But you know all the guys

Would describe you as positively lush

You have the worst case

Of the dropsies I've ever known

In meetings it's endless crashing

Of pens, notebooks and phone

How many phone screens you've busted

Is just beyond belief

But you'll always have the tech guys

Crawling at your feet

I'll miss you Miss Keatley

And Vicki Tatters will too
Keep up with the Instas
Of Tower Bridge and London Zoo

I'll miss you, Josephine Keatley
*wipes a small tear from his eye*
Time for you to spread your London wings
And fly, my pretty, fly

The Hidden

There's someone hiding
By the pool
No love in their heart
Intentions cruel
Someone is lurking
Behind bush or tree
Without shadow of doubt
Clear as can be

Their purpose selected
Volunteer has a name
In this most twisted
Of twisted game
They wait, they're waiting
Breath held tight
For the perfect moment
When the time is right

I feel you there
Know where you stand
Can read you mind
See the blade in your hand
Put it down, please
And just walk away
No need to provide misery
On this glorious day
Put it down, please
Leave well alone
Show me your heart's more
Than cold cold stone

That someone's still hiding
In the nature reserve
Hell bent on delivering
Something no one deserves
Lurking, ever lurking
Biding their time
I can't stop them with action
Nor reason nor rhyme

Put it down please
Leave well alone
Show me your heart's more
Than cold cold stone

While there's still time

While there's still time
Amends must be made
Wrongs must be righted
From this, I'll not be swayed
What ever barrier stands between us
Will be swept away on the tide
Of reparation and reconcilliation
Not hampered by my silly pride
Angst, anger, lasted far too long
There's a chance to bring it to an end
I want to stand before you again
And say 'Hello, my friend'

While there's still time
I'll devise my perfect plan
Work on that lengthy bucket list
Before I find myself a tired old man
I'll take you all along with me
Together, the journey we'll share
Tick things off one by one
We'll be adventurous, debonair
Always looking forward
Barely stopping to see what's gone
Racing so fast to the next highlight
I'll struggle to hold on

But right here, the here and now
I'm gonna stop and pause
Breathe in the beauty around me
Accept my many flaws
I won't say to my children
Give me a minute or two
Don't you know just how many things
That daddy's got to do
I'll stop, share, let them exude
Every cartwheel and chant in rhyme
I should make the most of them
While there's still time
While there's still time

.....in the rain

The park's a lonely place in the rain
Tears falling from the sky
Like the weather's in pain
Everything is muffled, there's barely a sound
The swings are deserted
No one else is around
It's solemn, dismal, devoid of excited din
Almost quells any emotion
That runs deep within
But, I love the park in the rain, no doubt
It's where your soul can be soothed or scream and shout

A caravan's a strange place in the rain
Lying in the darkness
The sound pulsing in your brain
The noise is enveloping, encompassing all
Some say no chance to sleep
In to dreams you can't fall
Disturbed, never ending restless nights
Not what you wanted
For your holiday delights
But, I love being in a caravan in a huge downpour
The comfort and solitute is something to adore

Lunch sitting in the car is noisy in the rain
Watery spots on the windscreen
Form again and again
Radio stations can't quite drown it all out
It lingers in the background
Continuous, throughout
Drumming it's rhythm precisely to beat
With my internal thoughts
It's trying to compete
But, I love being at lunch, in the rain, in the car
My thoughts and wishes can carry me away far

17 stairs

I start every day with enthusiasm
Bubbling, full of fizz
Ready to take on the whole wide world
With style, and grace, and fizz

Brimming over with great ideas
How to sort this and that
Resolve all the issues before me
With a smile and wave of my hat

I'll shout across the car park
I've arrived, don't you know
Morning, come on colleagues
Where's your get up and go

But once through the door
And up those 17 stairs
I'm assaulted by all the doom and gloom
Wracked by grey despairs
When I've finally reached the top
It's not in fact a peak
It's the bottom of a horrid trough
Dull, and dark and bleak
Please bring my motivation back
Rid me of these waking mares
I beg, implore, beseech you
Don't make me walk those 17 stairs

Life is a minestrone, say 10cc
A mixed up bowl of soup
Steve Winnwood takes me to the high life
Drags me away from this gloop

That takes care of lunchtime
A quiet, momentary release
Just me, the car, the radio
But now it's 2pm, bang goes the peace

Once through the door
And up those 17 stairs
I'm assaulted by all the doom and gloom
Wracked by grey despairs
When I've finally reached the top
It's not in fact a peak
It's the bottom of a horrid trough
Dull, and dark and bleak
Please bring my motivation back
Rid me of these waking mares
I beg, implore, beseech you
Don't make me walk those 17 stairs

Giants

They stand before me, above me
Towering high
In search of golden sunshine
As they reach up to the sky
How they climb so tall
Has always captured me
So thin, yet so very strong
How can that be?
I'll never understand it
I prefer not to try and comprehend
There's magic in the mystery
That I never want to end
The wind may blow it's hardest
But they remain defiant
Pretty, gorgeous sunflower
To me, you are a giant

I've watched him live and on tv
The pleasure remains the same
Skillfull, dedicated
Always in charge of his game
Off the pitch he's private
An enigma, that's for sure
Remaining in the shadows
The limelight he won't endure
So many want to get to know him
Become a pal or friend
But there's magic in his mystery
That I never want to end
The wind may blow it's hardest
But on Johnny's boots you can be reliant
Mr Wilkinson
To me, you are a giant

What career?

What happened to it all
Where did it go so very wrong
It's like I forgot the tune and words
To my very own song

The train was on track
Absolutely full steam ahead
Now I'm staring at groundhog day
With loathing, full of dread

How do I escape
Stop it pulling me down
Killing, quashing all those dreams
That lifted each and every frown
How do I escape
And save my soul
Stop every aspiration and desire
Dying in a nameless, dark black hole

It might win, you know
Whatever is derailing my plan
Take prospects, energy and more
And stuff it in the can

But only if I give up
Finally admit despair at defeat
Settle for this loathsome lot
Not with a roar, but with a quiet bleat

How do I escape
Stop it pulling me down
Killing, quashing all those dreams
That lifted each and every frown
How do I escape
And save my soul
Stop every aspiration and desire
Dying in a nameless, dark black hole

Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you!
You're not stealing every dream
But every little knock back
Kills some hope, some self esteem

Not All Days Are Sundays

Stuck on a cold platform
The train's running late
Why's it always happen to me
This question I contemplate
There's some things in life
I could really get to hate
For not all days are Sundays
And that's not up for debate

It's all rush, rush, rush, rush
From break of day till night
No peace or opportunity
To escape from this plight
I question how long my sanity
Will remain watertight
For not all days are Sundays
Damn, ain't that right!

Then I read a blog post
From a chap that's a hero of mine
With this curious title
Telling me it's not always just fine
And I'd do well to remember this
From time to time
For not all days are Sundays
And not everything will rhyme

So when does life get easier
It's a rhetorical question, you know
But I still want an answer
So I can learn, and change and grow
But where ever the path leads me
I will try and follow
For not all days are Sundays
Caught in the endless ebb and flow

Thirty two seconds

Ninety grand becomes forty
Then reduces down to five
After MPs had their input
Her bank balance will thrive

Evidence incomplete
And obstructive to boot
Do the rules not apply then
To a Minister in a suit

A mere thirty two seconds
To try and bring and end to your mess
Such a paltry apology
Could you have done any less
Only just half a minute
Is this some sort of joke
Seems the MP's expenses system
Is still very broke

If this was Joe Public civil servant
They'd be fired on the spot
Again the rules are quite different
If you're a big shot

Then the aid mentions Leveson
A call that leaves not a doubt
"So I am just going to flag up that connection for you to think about."

A mere thirty two seconds
To try and bring and end to your mess
Such a paltry apology
Could you have done any less
Only just half a minute
Is this some sort of joke
Seems the MP's expenses system
Is still very broke

So, Dave, what do you do
With a problem called Maria
Let's be clear on this issue
'Cause you have no idea

Because if all we are worth
Is a thirty second reparation
Then, Dave, like your Minister
It's time for your resignation

When I was young

When I was young
I'd drive too fast
Tyres screeching, wheels spinning
Objects racing past
And now that I'm old
I shake my head in despair
At those 'kids' doing as I did
Without thought, so debonair
I want to grab them
Time and time again
Explain that life's not a race
But I've forgotten, everything was back then

When I was young
I never felt the cold
With lino on the floor, ice on the windows
Wasn't like I was bold
But now that I'm ancient
It's very different you see
Walking the dog daily requires
Not one layer, but three
When I look in the mirror
I shake my head in despair
What's happened to the younger me
And what's with all the grey hair

When I was young
I only thought of myself
My needs and all of my wants
Everyone else's left on the shelf
And now I'm a proper 'adult'
Not a single thing has changed
From all those around me
I remain virtually estranged
So when will I grow up
And finally start to care
Once again I look in the mirror
And shake my head in despair

How to ruin.....

How to ruin
A friendship or two
Stop talking, chatting
As I'm known to do
It should be simple
But life gets in the way
Then suddenly you find
There's nothing to say
Time to go, and quietly close the door
That part of you is lost evermore

How to ruin
A potential career
Choose the wrong stopping place
Then all next steps disappear
It should be simple
But all you can do is lament
The fact that your feet seem
Encased in drying cement
Time to go, ha, if only I could
Not a word I say here will do any good

How to ruin
Your favourite food
Add unwanted ingredients
And it'll spoil your mood
It should be simple
For less really is more
But an addition or two
Changes it from pleasure to chore
Time to go, and quit my bitch
Please don't put pickle on my cheese sandwich

Dark where there once was light

A place for pretty views
And contemplative walks
Where dogs run free, happily
Geese fill the air with squawks

It's somewhere to start the day
Gather each and every thought
Prepare yourself for what's ahead
And the battles to be fought

Later, stroll quietly in twilight
Let the stresses bleed away
But it all changed for me there
Just the other day

Not sure if I ever saw you
But your intention lingered in the air
Captured me, and I was you
Wracked with hopelessness and despair

For two, maybe three days
You surrounded my every stroll
The steps I took weren't really mine
As I gazed in to your soul

Then just as quickly you were gone
Vanished without a trace
Leaving me to myself again
In this pretty place

Then a chance conversation shook me
Sent me racing to look online
Feelings flooding horribly back
I can't undo our intertwine

And there it was before my eyes
Again
The hurt, the anguish, the fear
The pain, the pain, your pain

And though we never said a word
I'm glad you talked that way
Just so you know, you weren't alone
On that February day

It's still a place for pretty views
But it's dark where there once was light
I'll think of you when I walk there
And hope that you're alright

It's a funny thing

When you wake in the morning

Unsure of the day you're in

And everything falls on top of you

You don't know where to begin

Can't find your feet

Or get up and go

Just treading water

Time moves so slow

When you wake in the morning

And can't find any zing

Everything feels disconnected

It's a funny thing

When realty comes calling

With a massive bang and bump

Delivered in a tiny phrase

Including the word 'lump'

Can hardly breathe

Throat is dry

Whisper the words 

'Why? Why?'

When reality comes calling 

And in it's tail's a sting

Puts everything in to perspective

It's a funny thing 

Rock and Roll

The roar of the crowd

As you stand in a blaze of lights

Raised up on a pedestal

Gazing down from dizzy heights

Go through the routine

Now you've achieved your goal

Rocking their world

Without selling your soul

Hit the highs, audience cajole

Living the dream, it's rock and roll

The shouts from the stands

As the wind and rain pour down

You know they expect

As you concentrate and frown

Go through the routine

As you confidently slot the goal

The game's in your grasp

Time to, finally, take control

Hit the highs, with confidence you stroll

Working the dream, it's rock and roll

Hit stop on the treadmill

To be flung on to the hamster wheel

No time to take breath

No right to high court appeal

Go through the routine

What was your goal?

Can't recall it now

Must have forgotten your soul

Defeated by drab, deafened by droll

It's not a dream, it's rock and roll

Easy like......

Pitter patter rain drops

Pad of tiny paws

Walking through the sodden wood

With just an occasional pause

Make delivery on schedule

Then a change of plan

Make a break from the usual routine

Ignoring the timespan

Stop for a quiet coffee

A most civilised affair

Drop in to my own little world

Without a single care

Stop to catch a slice of life

Of the people in my phone

Something I've been remiss of late

Nice not to feel alone

And as my cup is empty

Time to make some tracks

But at least there was time to halt

To breathe, muse, relax

Easy like Sunday morning

The song plays in my head

And it makes a pleasant change

To live the words instead

New boots

Coffee sipped patiently

No opportunity here to rush

Relying on someone else's hands

So I'll just enjoy the hush

Traffic zips by outside

But I'm cushioned from the noise

Air guns whizz and whizz again

Toys for big big boys

Nervous man sits near me

New customer strolls inside

Takes his place beside me

While they tinker with his pride

And before you raise an eyebrow

I'm talking about his car

Exhaust clamps and tracking check

For his German three-pointed star 

And why am I here myself?

New boots for VRS

Tread and grip have run so low

A matter to address

So both me and my vehicle

Are parked up for time out

Coffee for me, tyres for the car

To give us both some clout

But now the work is over

Time for it all to fall down flat

I'm presented with the massive bill

I can only respond 'funk that!'

Doghouse

Bark and here's where you'll go
I don't want the noise
Throws my train of thought completely
I lose all my poise

Be naughty and head for here
Punishment's a must
Don't you know I've just got to hoover
Tidy, clean and dust

It's like you're a distraction
A child in canine form
Needy, needing attention
From dawn till dusk till dawn
And if you transgress too often
There's penalties to pay
Don't give me those puppy eyes
Won't make a difference anyway

Upset me, and here's where you'll go
My pride is slightly bent
Throws my nicely planned weekend
And spoils every event

Change the plan without consent
Punishment's a must
Thought we had an agreement
Did it suddenly turn to rust?

It's like you're a distraction
A child in adult form
Needy, needing attention
From dawn till dusk till dawn
And if I transgress too often
There's penalties to pay
Won't give you those puppy eyes
Won't make a difference anyway

Anything & Everything

Feet and radiators
Don't readily mix
Waiting for an assessment
To see what needs a fix

We're not the only ones
Queuing up today
All manner of ails and injuries
Loosely on display

Customers looking bored
How long is the wait
Is written on every single face
On that there's no debate
Minutes pass like hours
Phone battery races down
T talks seemingly non-stop
I show a deeper frown

The joys of visiting A&E
Like hell, here for eternity

Expectation builds
When the nurse calls out a name
Till you realise it's not yours
You're not even in the frame

Feet and radiators
Should be banned for ever more
I'd rather be performing
The world's most horrible chore

Customers getting restless
I'm included too
Want to get up and pace about
But that would never do
Stiff upper British
Is what's required now
But I don't see my self restraint
Managing somehow

The joys of visiting A&E
In hell, for all eternity

In silence, in darkness

I can hear the silence
It's bloody deafening me
An empty sound, all around
At four and twenty three

I can feel the darkness
It's cloak enveloping me tight
No comfort or cheer to be found here
In this never-ending plight

Bus or plane
Car or train
I'm waiting for your roar
Break the chains
Of night's remains
My sanity please restore

Still silence, and still darkness
I'm captive in their keep
As I wait for light skies, I'll close my eyes
And hope that there is sleep

Three in 24

I've got a two o'clock
But now it's only one thirty six
So stopping by to attempt to try
To get a rhyming fix

Not got a plan or theme
Or a purpose for this verse
So let's get high on the fly
And let the words disperse

Pardon any typos
It's a problem with my thumbs
They are quite cold and feel quite old
And right now not my chums

And please don't get me started
On our old friend autocorrect
It's such a pain, an energy drain
And like me, not perfect

The radio plays Pharrell
Makes me think of that stupid hat
Won't think you cool if you drool
To look a similat t**t

Just a few minutes left today
Better get this thing online
No chance to shirk the afternoon's work
It's enough to make me whine

Off I go, hey hey ho
Enjoy your Wednesday
I'll be back soon, peddling the same old tune
No matter what you say

The Club

Listening for the traffic
Is the first thing you do
Breath held as you concentrate
But no sounds make their way through

Reach for your phone next
But you know the ugly news
Exhalling heavily in despair
Another night of sleepless blues

Welcome one
And welcome all
Enjoy your stay
Hope that we enthrall
What's on your mind
That keeps you awake
Share your burden here
For double f's sake
Insomniac Club
There's no membership fee
But you'll pay the price
I guarantee

The patter of raindrops
Provides solace of sorts
As you read the latest articles
On politics and sports

What ever is bugging you
Can't just be left behind
No matter how you try
To occupy your mind

Welcome back
Knew it would be soon
That you made a return
You look over the moon
What's on your mind
That keeps you awake
Share your burden here
For double f's sake
Insomniac Club
There's no membership fee
But you'll pay the price
I guarantee

Insomniac Club
There's no membership fee
But you'll pay the price
I guarantee

Ready

What response you were you expecting
When you told me the news
A huff or a grunt
Or a long case of the blues

These things will happen
We've discussed it before
You're never prepared
Apologise no more

Stop looking back, there's really no point
You're continually putting your nose out of joint

Tell me your dreams
Whenever you're ready
Let's drink in the moment
Till it makes us feel heady
Share ideas and adventures
Whether stable or unsteady
Till there's nothing to shout but
Alright, already
Sometimes all we have is here and now
But sometimes I want something more somehow

Weary of my response
Because it's always the same
Get so worn out and bored
Of the same tired old game

These things always happen
And there's really no change
It's the endless repeat
Of an oft-played exchange

I should stop looking back, it's futile I know
Onwards and upwards's the only way to go

I should tell you my dreams
Hope you are ready
Let's drink in the moment
It won't make you unsteady
Share ideas and adventures
It's not really necessary
All I have to shout is
Alright, already
Sometimes all we have is just to endure
Because I'm not sure I have dreams anymore

Bleak and bright

Light flickers endlessly
As train passes the trees
From blinding then to darkness
This doesn't greatly displease

Then on foot is a mixture
Of safe then hidden ice
Where will the next patch be
I've no idea so roll the dice

Take me as you find me
The day calls loud and proud
All my contrasts here to test you
Will you win or be simply bowed
Take me as you find me
That is your only choice
No where to stay, or hide away
I'll whisper with wintry voice

The only light that shines now
Are the artificial carriage lights
Dusk leaving only shadows to see
Depriving me of the sights

Then on foot is a mixture
I slowly trudge along
No battery left for me to walk
Accompanied by song

Take me as you find me
I call out to the night
My contrasts here all on display
Be they pleasant or my plight
Take me as you find me
That is your only choice
No where to stay, or hide away
I'll whisper with wintry voice