Gatso

Gatso, oh so yellow!
Prominently watching the
Stripes of white across
The road. You wait.

Gatso, oh so patient!
Silently watching the
Cars pass by below
The trap. You wait.

Gatso, oh so clever!
Endlessly watching for the
Speeding car to roar by
Your post. You flash.

Gatso, oh so efficient!

Martin Delemare
30th November 2004

The Chilli

It sits in oily jar,
Understated by far.
Red, picante in spice
Looking oh, so very nice.

The moment it touches
Your mouth, it clutches
Delicate bits and burns;
Warms the heart and burns.

Martin Delemare
23rd April 2003

Out at Dusk

Shadow across the bank
Swift and low, moves fast
Stops in the dark unseen
But I know he’s there.
Fox out on the forage.

Stands silent among reeds
Still and tall, unmoving
Stares out at water’s edge
But I see the white streak.
Heron out on the fish.

Shuffles like a sturdy rug
Shaggy tank across road
Storms through black hedge
But I miss him in car.
Badger out on the hunt.

Martin Delemare
31st August 2006

Hell on Earth

Clang of door echoes
Loud but no one hears.
Deaf halls and corridors
Red stick down the
Twisted paths of time.
Blind coats and doctors
White stick down the
Tortured paths of time.

Hollow faces; orbs glare
But empty bowl of skull
Body pricked by endless
Stream of chemicals.
Drugs to calm; drugs to
Pacify the anger within.
Eradicate thought and mind.

Stubborn cases hooked up
Wired for shock treatment
Burn the thinking cells
Remove all trouble and doubt.

Chains on the handles
Locks click; doors tight
Keep visitors out
Keep victims out of sight.

Martin Delemare
18th September 2006

Duvet Day

Snuggle warm down in your bed
Listen to the rain upon the pane.
Snuggle warm and snuggle tight
Listen to the wind’s screaming might.
Cold fingers poke at the fringe.
Snuggle down and wrap up tight.
Don’t venture out there in the cold
Don’t venture out there in the rain.
Sip your tea and nibble your toast.
This my friend is a duvet day.

Martin Delemare
29th May 2006

Portland Bill Boats

Cliffs fall sheer to swell
Rising and falling
Swirling at the base.
Seagulls yell and glide
Flotsam in eddy.

Wooden structures stand
Like ancient gallows
Along the cliff tops.
Winches, wire, shackles
All very ready

Fisher proud in boat
Jersey, grubby cap
Swings out over brine
Rattle, rapid clank.
Down it goes to sea.

Splash and chains unhooked
Oars in pinions safe
Fisherman with stack
Of old pots and buoys
Rows in search of crabs.

Martin Delemare
31st July 2006

My Dishwasher

Dishwasher, swish that dish.
Squirt the water on the plate.
Spin around in steamy spray
Clean all muck off that tray.

Dishwasher, swish that dish.
Blast chemicals on so fast
Clean that knife, fork and spoon
Shuddering, cornered in the room.

Dishwasher, swish that dish.
Heat the water, dissolve that fat.
Seek out every morsel and bean
To sparkle bright; special sheen.

Dishwasher, swish that dish.
Feel the heat; see that shine
Squeaky glass feels so fine.
Dishwasher, thou art truly mine.

Martin Delemare
16th May 2006