Paul Reed Poems

I placed the photograph of my father and me
In front where I could see
And the sun came out and shone
Across the powdered edges
...

It was directed by Hitchcock
And he hardly ever blew it
...

We lay together
As grouse crouched in the heather
As crows argued in the trees outside
As the milk float's brakes were applied
...

Train whooshing along snow-laden track
No stopping now, no turning back
Hurtling as if the destination could never be reached
Through the Winter's defences that cannot be breached
...

So they gathered for a drinks evening in London West One
The social elite eager to look on
As Edward and Mrs Simpson were due to join the din
They guests got a shock when the butler heralded in
...

All were gathered at Gosforth Park
With a good days racing in view
Hearty banter was being exchanged
In the dining room as the clamour grew
...

You proudly gaze over your shadowy kingdom
From your new perch on the brickwork
Although now only with photographic eyes
The light has still not dulled therein
...

Never hold the phone between shoulder and neck
You'll do it for ten years and then say 'O Heck! '
Your neck will go into spasm and you'll be in pain
And you'll swear you'll never do it again
...

Rolling stock metal-on-metal glides
Cutting a swathe through English countryside
Measuring relentlessly the length of our land
Day diminishing unspoken under God’s hand
...

No longer the tread of pit boots
Helmets left on the rack
A grey gloomy sky surmounts all
They won't be coming back
...