Beguiled

I was beguiled by this hidden garden -

There was a holly tree with bright leaves -

Berries in red clusters on slim branches -

Pale green apples in a shapely tree -

A rose still in bloom with luscious silky petals -

Gargoyles were hanging from the church tower -

Grasping the lichened stones -

Their mouths gaping above an olive tree -

Rain would soon fall -

Beyond the narrow gate were old houses filled with silence -

A giant lay on the hill under rearing clouds - 

Cerne Abbas

September 27 2026 

Watching a Harry Potter

I'm watching a Harry Potter on ITV 2 -

Malfoy sneering - 

Hermione like a bright flame in the dark -

Dementors like bad dreams - 

The Old School House

East Stoke 

September 26 2026

Our tears became golden guineas

Whilst he spoke, we felt the heat of a sullen sky - 

The weight of chains - 

We were given new names -

Our tears became golden guineas - 

The Mowlem

Swanage 

September 25 2026 

in the mirror I see his face

I wear my dad's watch -

A delicate Tissot -

I remember it on his thin wrist -

I held his hand that last afternoon - 

I said I love you - 

I think of him now whilst I hear my heart - 

When I look at my hands I see his hands - 

In the mirror I see his face - 

The Old School House 

East Stoke 

September 24 2026 

Scented with memory

The tall villa, overlooking the bay -

Its dark windows -


Pushing open the front door -

The still air in the hall, scented with memory -


Park Road 

Swanage

September 23 2026

Glioblastoma

The hospital bed in the lounge -

The ruin of her husband's body -

The ashes in her eyes -

The Focus Centre 

Swanage 

September 22 2026 

You wore a geometric dress

You sat next to me whilst the saxophones poured out their golden notes -

I had to force myself not to turn and look at you -

You wore a geometric dress -

I knew the shape of your lovely body from our swims together -

Your legs were brown and bare -

You'd smiled when you saw me -

You're gorgeous I'd said -

We listened to the jazz -

Your husband said he was too tired to have a drink -

You walked me to the car -

The sky above the castle was a darkening blue -

When I held you a third time I said I shouldn't be doing this -

Yes you should you said -

September 2026