Friday 3 December 2010

Needs


NEEDS

The choked coughing
of winter's first flu
preventing sleep,
I watch the television appeal
for  "Children in Need"

Rain tap-dances on the roof
and the wind wails through trees

From next-door
rock music is punctured
by shouts I scarcely comprehend

A wife being raped perhaps ?
Or a child beaten ?

I watch the millions being pledged
I hear a husband walking out in anger

Outside the storm still rages

My dozing is disturbed
by sounds of sobbing


© GERALD ENGLAND

Composed: Ashton under Lyne, 13th November 1984

Publications

1990 The Affiliate (Canada)
1992 Outreach (UK)
1994 Tree Trunk (USA)


1 comment:

  1. and also
    Russia, Qatar,
    who needs 'em.
    Keep on batting,
    Gerald!

    ReplyDelete