Brief Watching

I have my thoughts and beliefs

That are tied in with my views,

When I just stand around

And the passing world peruse,

With all its strange characters

Acting out on their stage

Of earth’s wonderful scenery

Like a continual turning page.

Some will show off for attention

Or personal reasons that they need,

For in their own mixed up head

It’s the only way to succeed.

But surely this will often have

Opposite responses that they intend.

So they’ll be dismissed as crazy

And daft actions must amend.

But mostly people are oblivious

To any watching eyes on them,

Despite the growing use of cameras

That can exonerate or condemn.

For we have got quite used to

The idea we are always seen,

In various activities of life

Either embarrassing or obscene.

Though of course I learnt my craft

In my long psychiatric career,

When placing myself in a corner

I observed those who came near.

So my everyday life now is similar

Or in some cases much the same,

For all passing people now

I consider are fair game.

Some have a crafty little scratch

When thinking they’re unobserved,

But others do some strange things

They really should have swerved.

But by far the most interesting

Are ordinary, everyday acts,

Like smoking cigarettes, and eating

That are noted for poetic facts.

With arguing, shouting and strange dress

Much better when unintended,

Like ill fitting clothes, and colour clashes

Never to be recommended.

So outlandish behaviour and language

That has no spoken English bearing,

Are often lost among the words

Mostly laced with swearing.

Now that is just some of my clues

But I’m not giving away too many,

As when considering strange acts

Most people deny having any.

Though I can certainly advise you,

Or perhaps just add to warn.

That you are part of this mad world

And have been, since being born.

–

That poem is a bit of a "lead" poem in the book and probably "illustrates" (sorry) how I observe and compile a lot of my poems! AAAaaaaarrrrhhh THERE you are ? lol.

Must mention my latest article in The Sussex Newspaper online, as have had many compliments on it, (thanks) and called "External View" look it up please.

Must also mention the photo of me with four, or hahahaha was it five ladies?, from two years ago. Well one lady on the end, Guylaine, speaks a bit of English and bought two books then. She enjoyed them, said they helped her English and promptly bought my fifth book. I won’t mention we had a few wines, laughs and communal fun at the bar as well, but of course! I’m a "Gentleman" Poet too…❤.

Two more news items, one I will do second as is amusing, because the first is very sad.

 AS of the photo of Chas & Dave , most people know now that last Saturday Chas Hodges (front) sadly died aged 74. That he was a real diamond geezer, came from very near my "manor" spoke proudly like me, and was a great musician, scare touches the surface, but everybody including "yours and ours" football team will miss you mate! "Gertcha" and rest in peace..?.

The second story involves a recently joined lady, Julie, (Jules to me) who is a great and valued General nurse, but was "enlightened" when met me doing her "psychy bit" when a Student Nurse.. while ago Jules? 

ANYWAY Julie has a fear of spiders and puts it on Facebook so I tease her. Bit of banter later and she says am I going to write a poem for her and spiders?

 You KNOW me, so very quickly done, for a small donation to Help for Heroes (sorry Jules hahahaha)… I should add I do charge more for "Formally Commissioned" poems..

Poem then…