perhaps there were things I could’ve done
instead of choosing to do naught
I only know I’m tired
from too many battles fought
yet surely the gods will free me
from the trap in which I’m caught?
surely I do not deserve
the fury the black dog hath brought?
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
I have been absent from this space for five days now – perhaps some of you have wondered where I had gone to. Well, you may recall last November when I took my citizenship test, described in my poem “American Immigrant”. Following that test, I hired an immigration solicitor to file papers for permanent leave to remain, which must be obtained before one can be sworn in as a citizen. Sadly, the UKBA denied my application. So I have been meeting with a new solicitor – the woman who handled (and won) the appeal for the former X-Factor contestant Gamu – my appeal papers were filed today.
I could use your help with this. I have created an online petition, which I would be deeply grateful if you would sign on my behalf.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Kathy (aka kate58) xxx
WE WANT KATHY TO STAY RIGHT HERE IN THE UK!
we are the friends and neighbours of Kathy McLemore
a woman that we’ve all grown to love and adore
for almost 10 years Kathy’s lived happily in the UK
but her request for leave to remain was denied by UKBA
t’was for love that Kathy moved here back in 2002
the relationship came to an end, which naturally made her blue
it left her depressed and it almost tore her apart
but she deeply loved her UK life; it was now embedded in her heart
like many people she had employment, which she sadly lost
the stress of losing her job meant at night she turned and tossed
but Kathy kept the faith, sure that all things happen for a reason
another job & a wonderful new man ended her heartbreak season
Kathy’s heart is bigger than her revered River Tay
she always has a smile to brighten everybody’s day
many skills has Kathy – she’s even a published poet
she loves her life in the UK, and if you read her poems you’d know it
so Kathy’s life went on in her beloved bonnie Dundee
she worked hard, paid her taxes, became part of the community
she is loved by many people – neighbours, colleagues and countless friends
the knowledge of their loving support is something on which she depends
we allow war criminals and rapists to stay, but not Kathy – it beggars belief!
this decision is unfair – it’s caused her and those who love her untold grief
so we beg the Border Agency – hear our plea, Theresa May:
overturn this decision – let our friend Kathy McLemore remain in her beloved UK!
“I am not a flower!”
I said to the buzzing bee
“Would you please stop hovering
so close to my knee?”
“I don’t mind watchin’ you fly –
I rather admire your grace
but your proximity makes me nervous,
‘n you’re invading my personal space!”
it must’ve been a deaf bee
cause my request he did ignore
to my painted toes he flew closer
loudly buzzin’ more ‘n more
so I said it once again:
“Hey! A flower I am not!
You’re startin’ to annoy me –
soon I’ll give you such a swat!”
but the bee was fat ‘n sassy
just like a man, sure of his charm
he circled round my naked shoulders
then tried landing on my arm!
in front of me was a glass of wine
which I dearly hated to waste
but I poured it on the insolent insect
jumpin’ up in haste
“I told you I’m no flower!
I shrieked at the drownin’ bee
“You had all these plants to pollinate –
see what comes of botherin’ me!”
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
the day that summer arrived in Dundee
I took the long way home
getting off the bus on the Kingsway
cause in the sun I wished to roam
down Strathmartine Road I ambled
I smiled at all the passersby
and everyone I smiled at
responded with a cheery “hi!”
I tarried for a bit
when I got to Fairmuir Park
delighting in watching the people
who – like me – were out for a lark
through Hilltown I sauntered
so happy I overcame my fear
responding cheekily to the men
who called to me outside pub Shakespeare
as I turned onto Ann Street
the sun grew even brighter
my heartbeat, my very steps quickened
the bags I carried grew lighter
for Ann Street leads to home
and in my mind’s eye I could see
the garden that love built
my own little corner in bonnie Dundee
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
da older ah gets
da less ah likes folks
wit dey bullshit
dey backstabbin’
dey juvenile jokes
dey drunken dramas
dey stupid scenes
da older ah gets
ah much prefer machines
jes’ gimme mah Sony Bravia
it’s a 42-inch
always there fo’ me
in a pinch
da folks dat dwell in dat black box
nevuh gimme any strife
ah dinnae care dat dey’s imaginary –
dey enrich mah life
gimme mah stereo
wit its 5-disc CD changer
cuz all da voices dat pour forth
don’t belong ta any stranger
dem voices dat pour forth
nevuh bring me any grief
sunrise or sunset
dey’s a welcome source o’ relief
jes’ gimme mah laptop
or mah desktop PC
neither one has evuh tried
ta hurt or destroy me
now you might think me mad
try to say mah mind ain’t right
but ah’m far happier
wit dem anonymous bits ‘n bytes
yeah, with each passin’ year
ah likes people less
wit dey lyin’, wit dey lust
dey infernal selfishness
it’s got naught ta do with weakness
jes’ unwillingness ta cope
‘n ah ask no one’s forgiveness
fo’ becomin’ a misanthrope
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
it’s the dearness of him
the nearness of him
that wipes out her paranoia
the thought that she’s a wraith
he feeds her hungry heart
he’s the reason she has faith
it’s the funniness of him
the sunniness of him
that banishes the darkness
laughs away imagined fears
the stalwart sentinel
whose laughter dries her tears
it’s the safety that he inspires
the way he grants her every desire
every day he shows he loves her
reminding her she’s not alone
every day they make a memory
that makes their house a happy home
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
despite some similarities
there exist polarities
when one is angry
they withdraw
leaving the other
to shriek & caw
one shows sadness
by a lowered head
while the other gathers
photos to shred
two stubborn people
though neither heart is weak
both are too stiff-necked
to be the first to speak
thus each erects
their own private shield
awaiting the moment
when the other shall yield
eventually,
détente is achieved
leaving both parties
happily relieved
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
at the end of Broadway Avenue
by the ramp to four-eight-oh
lies a low-slung building
where certain people like to go
desperate or lonely people
in need of respite for a spell
make their solitary way
to the Eldorado Motel
it’s a weather-beaten building
stained by dust & pigeon crap
a place where long haul truckers
check in to take a nap
lonesome is a trucker’s life
they’re all wanderers nomadic
their return cannot be scheduled
all their visits are sporadic
men who hate their wives
for whatever reason
bring their other women here
for a night of carnal treason
while the neglected wife
a sad widow or divorcée
pays dearly for young male flesh
in vain hopes
of sending their pain away
all of us have been there
when we were young and dumb
impatient for the true love
that never seems to come
desperation & loneliness
bring their own special brand of hell
but love or refuge can’t be found
at the Eldorado Motel
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
it’s Mother’s Day
and though I’m not around
it doesn’t mean
that I’ve forgotten the sound
of my name in your mouth
or the feel of your hand in mine
your voice in my ear
reassuring me all is fine
it’s Mother’s Day
and though I’m not there
don’t you ever think
that I don’t care
I’m grateful for all
you’ve done for me
and before I fall asleep
it’s your sweet face I see
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
the continental market
is in town
we ate spicy bratwurst
as we walked around
at every stall I squealed with delight
so he bought a little sumthin special for later tonight
he’s wearin’ the red shirt
the one I really like
teasin’ me that he feels
as if he’s on a hunger strike
because tea’s a little late
but I just laugh ‘n tell him “wait!”
he’s havin’ a fag
‘n a bottle of beer
I got my laptop
‘n a glass o’ wine is near
the smell o’ fryin’ onions ‘n tatties
is drivin’ both our stomachs batty
the pages of a cookbook
he flips
while I ponder
a meeting of lips
through the washing machine door
soapy water shows
I’d tell him that I love him
but there’s no need –
he already knows
copyright © 2012 KPMcL
