Category: Poems

In September 2015 we travelled to Greece, partly on holiday, but also to see what membership of the European Union was doing to the country. We spent a few days in Athens, then travelled south for a week through the Peloponnese, finally arriving on the island of Kythira days before the snap election. This was … Continue reading Greece (an Odyssey)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7IPpHP7dFU&fbclid=IwAR3ToP1YrXaEVH17fjEZpyNZq-3uLmAg3tupi9JSM950wynD3iwVcz7pv0A At the first stage of Regeneration My council promised me Resident-led is what this will be At the second stage of Regeneration My council promised me Transparency Resident-led is what this will be At the third stage of Regeneration My council promised me High density Transparency Resident-led is what this will be At the … Continue reading ASH Christmas Carol

‘The circumstances of the remains of a British camp existing on the hill immediately above this cave, seems to throw much light on the character and date of the woman under consideration; and whatever may have been her occupation, the vicinity of a camp would afford a motive for residence, as well as a means … Continue reading The Red Lady of Paviland

  after Lewis Carroll ’Twas ’84, and the Tory whores Did scheme and plot in Parliament: On strike were England’s collieries, And the coppers were all bent. ‘Beware Maggie Thatcher, my son! ‘The deeper cuts, the rising rents! ‘Beware the Milk Snatcher, and shun ‘The Conservative Government!’ He took his P45 in hand: Long time … Continue reading Thatcherwocky

  I remember Corbyn at the Brighton love-in, He was talking so brave about ‘faith’, Promising salvation on regeneration While Labour councils demolish estates. Those were his excuses, but this is London, We are fighting for our homes on the streets, Where sound-bites are swallowed by believers in lies, Labour voters and estate residents. Ah, … Continue reading Labour Party Conference No. 2

Sunday (06.08.17) Jeremy Corbyn announces he will be joining Invite the Union’s picket of the ‘anti-Labour’ ASH exhibition at the ICA. Daily Mail reacts to news of ASH residency at ICA: ‘Elitist gallery splASHes public funds on anarchist propaganda!’ Monday (07.08.17) Southwark council leader Peter John to join Socialist Protesters Party™ on ‘Stand Up To … Continue reading Fake News

  You will ask: and where are the lilacs? And the world-changing new politics? And the dreams unceasingly speaking words, embellishing them with flowers and birds? I’ll tell you everything that happened. I lived in a neighbourhood, a neighbourhood of London, with council estates, and tower blocks and trees. From there you could look out … Continue reading Explaining a Few Things

Dear Labour Council Please don’t put a price on our homes: Our estate is where we live, You cannot sell what you don’t own. When you come round here to consult with us, Listen hard to what we say to you, And we do hope you consider it well When you decide what we want … Continue reading Dear Labour Council

‘Really? Myself and Cabinet deserve to be drowned and murdered? Now is the time to utterly condemn this disgraceful march . . . Do we have a name? We don’t accept threats or inciting violence in Lambeth . . . Utterly shameful comment – needs to be condemned . . . Horrific, pathetic, dangerous, shameful . … Continue reading Red Front / Pink Boots

1. Shock & Disbelief What! Why would they want to knock down our homes? That’s crazy! I don’t believe it! There’s no point frightening people for no reason. It’s just trouble-makers spreading lies. 2. Denial & Excuses This isn’t happening! There’s no way they’d do this! They’re the council, for Christ’s sake, they work for … Continue reading The Seven Stages of Regeneration