What a great weekend. Manchester Albert Club gig was immense, many thanks to those who came down.
On Saturday I did my regular bit on Saturday Live. Here are my poems. The first is fairly self-explanatory. The second was in response to a story we did. You can read more on it here. That said, it doesn’t directly reflect that story, it’s more about politicians in general. Or one side of them, at least.
Poem for Malcolm McLaren
Composer of scandal.
Conductor of rage.
The Wicked Embezzler of rock’s filthy age.
A suave tabloid Prospero played against type
made hype out of art
and then art out of hype.
If you’ve got ideas then you’ve no need for friends.
And what matter’s death when you’ve ruled the World’s End?
I’m one of your kids, Malcolm, saying goodbye.
Too fast too live, yes,
but too young to die.
The Politician
Do this for me and I’ll look after you
It will get worse before we have our day
Think only of the greater good you’ll do
I need your help if I’m to make it new
Please keep the faith despite the things I say
do this for me and I’ll look after you.
A thousand tiny lies can make a truth
So learn to turn a cheek and look away
Think only of the greater good you’ll do
I promise I will fight the privileged few
But first I need assurance that you’ll stay
Do this for me and I’ll look after you.
You must discard all other points of view
Their purpose is to lead you all astray
Think only of the greater good you’ll do
So cross the box our time is overdue.
Yes, cross the box or you will have to pay.
Do this for me and I’ll look after you
Think only of the greater good you’ll do.
The poem for Malcolm McLaren is very good. I’ve just read your new book, ‘High Performance’. If there was a Nobel Prize for poets who make the reader laugh at the first page, and smile ruefully at the last, then you would be in Stockholm. Look forward to more new poems!
great post as usual!