In conversation with Robin

By John Knowles

‘Why are you angry’ I said?

‘Because you don’t do what I want’ he said

And frustrated he screws up his fists

And turns on me ‘This’ he said

‘Is a heart-attack in a bun!’

So we walk down to the sea

Me hopefully, he reluctantly

‘Look’ he said ‘at the beautiful sea

Like an alchemist’s sea’

‘Look’ I said ‘at the beautiful sky’

‘Yes’ he said ‘how enlightening.

And when it’s not today, in this land of ours

What will it be?’ He said

‘Tomorrow will be a Tuesday’.

‘And what will it be?’

‘A school day’.

‘A Torfield day?’

‘Yes’ I said

‘And what will it be?’

‘I can’t remember’ I said

‘You must know,

People must believe in themselves!’

He said

‘A swimming day’ I said

‘Oh goody, that’s just right

You said the perfect thing.

It’s nearly time to go’ he said

‘The sky is bruised’

(This poem is dedicated to the staff of Torfield and Saxon Mount Schools)

Also in: Poetry

« In defense of Hastings as a City of Culture nominee..
A poetry challenge to Southend on Sea »