Richard choses a strong ale, claret after midnight ...

After Project Adorno's tender homage to Derek Jarman, we drank strong ale in The Hole In The Wall -

Richard and I had walked through silent empty streets - when we left The Square Tower, we'd gazed out at Spithead from the Sally Port - dark waves lapped against ancient stones - 

We'd skirted Southsea Common, with its shadows and leafless trees - 

I imagined pale figures dancing in the stilled funfair - above us was a starless sky - 

We arrived at the pub half an hour before last orders - Richard pushed his way up to the bar - sylphs in jeggings jostled canny gaffers - I saw Gareth, casting his silken nets - 

Richard considered the guest ales like an alchemist his retorts - the ale he chose was a noble elixir - 

Maggie and Ed joined us - Ed, courtly as ever, asked after my parents - Maggie snared bright words for new poems - 

Later, we sat in Maggie and Ed's elegant kitchen, drinking claret until one in the morning - 

01.30

November 30 2014

The Hole In The Wall

Maggie and Ed's house

Southsea