To James Bond

Many a theme song

bangs-on about love;

‘Never say never again’

‘She loves you - yeah, yeah, yeah’

but it’s more than a missing

when romance turns off;

a desire for a person

can cloud into tears

and it’s not quite right

romancifying

this quality – love or desire -

let’s not make it pretty

as I twist in the night

(quiver a heartstring)

welling up from fire;

love can feel shitty

and, so, Mr Bond

distract us with sex;

institutions are saved

when your balls lead you on

but pick up a hand,

soften your looks,

for to love and be loved

rescues women and men.

Time in St. Ives

Outside, the wind’s a howling beast,

more unpredictable than dragons

and water lifted from the sea

washes blue sky grey.

Off shore, a killer sea

waves out – then in – predictably

and moon time people crab along

from blinking caffs and shops.

Caressed by sun, clockwork town;

a timepiece ticking on.