Alvin

Alvin had alphabetical advantages, and

Blatantly the best bars in the borough, but

Creatively, he lacked confidence and could be crushed.

Definitely, he decided, he didn’t dare to share,

Even in emergency situations.

The Dead Space

We hugged in the dead space

Between two platforms.

I didn’t recognise

This would be our last time.

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Sestina

There in the kitchen, my father,

His mouth overfilling with pills,

Says to me “Paulie, I’m sorry.

I’m sorry, I know what I’ve done.”

And I say “Now you’ve ruined Christmas”

And turn from the shame of his tears.

Villanelle

His ghost stole in like the grey fingers of dawn.

I am queuing for a Cadbury’s Applause,

Back wheel spinning, glimpsed through the grocery door.

Jim Crow Keeps Ravens in his Loft

Jim Crow keeps ravens in his loft.

Not live birds- dead ones,

Taxidermically stuffed,

Poised in the illusion of flight.