Relativity

In a reality of the limitless space
of an expanding universe,
where galaxy sized clouds of dark matter
move at right angles
to logical expectation,
how unimportant is the fact
that the neighbour’s dog
defecates on my lawn?

Desert Campfire

Outside the myopic circle
of light,
the Range Rover crouches
like some cubist sculptor’s tribute
to the humped beasts
the vehicle seeks
to replace.

The stars, just inches overhead,
act as ancient signposts
to the fabled secrets
of the Rub al Khali,
“The Empty Quarter.”

The restless dunes
huddle close,
then sprint for the horizons
of a very different reality.

The sand, coaxed by the night breeze,
sings its abraded song,
of death, of renewal,
of eternal change.

Echoes

This is based on a lady I saw going through the airport a while back.


The youthful twinkle,
through rheumy eyes,
belies her hag’s body
that transports vibrant spirit
through dwindling days
of this long journey.

This same spirit broke hearts,
and caused her young men
hot and fevered dreams.
She walked with pride,
and the secure knowledge
of who she was
and what she could do.

Memories of birth, death,
tragedy and joy,
were behind her now,
and her eyes reflected
the person she once was,
and, to her,
would ever be.