Paul Garratt

The Feather

I spied Spider-Man in his espadrilles, he was on the esplanade
I was eager to enquire about his latest escapade
He said, "I'll catch you at the cafe, once I've conquered the arcade
Take a table on the terrace, mine's a lime and lemonade."

We spoke of past and present, and the life that we had planned
Then set about our sandwiches, to the sound of a brass band
There was a flimsy feather floating, guided by an unseen hand
Fluttering forlornly, it fell forgotten on the sand

As we mused upon this metaphor, we both went misty-eyed
There was no need to say a word, no need for whens or whys
We polished off our puddings and said our sad goodbyes
Had a hug, then hurried home and got on with our lives

Paul Garratt

This is the Day

Today the colours seem more clear
Than they usually are round here
The lime green shade of ivy leaves
Emerald tones deep in the trees
Hawthorn berries, glowing red
While pure white snowdrops raise their head

Today I realised I heard
Songs of many different birds
A collared dove calls out its name
I hear a chiffchaff do the same
The 'electronics' of the starling
A blackbird's voice, so clear and sparkling

Today I opened up my eyes
And saw cotton wool cumulus floating by
Cirrus streaks on azure blue
Contrails of aircraft passing through
I don't know what broke the spell
Today I noticed I feel well

Paul Garratt

Breakfast Of Champions

Cornflakes or some porridge oats;
A pot of tea, a slice of toast;
It’s the meal that matters most;
It’s my breakfast;
I'm a champion.

Continental choice from your hotel;
Cold meat, cheese and fruit as well;
I’ll slip a pastry in my pocket then I’ll say farewell;
It’s my breakfast;
I’m a champion.

Blend fruit and veg for a thick green drink;
It keeps me fit and it helps me think;
(Although I do pour most of it down the sink);
It’s my breakfast;
I’m a champion.

A fry up – king of all cuisines;
Sausage, egg, bacon, beans;
You get them at all good canteens;
It’s my breakfast;
I’m a champion.

I woke from a dream within a dream;
To a cup of coffee and a Krispy Kreme;
It’s stops me running out of steam;
It’s my breakfast;
I’m a champion.

Leftover takeaway might be nice
Half a curry or a pizza slice
Remind me – what’s the rule on reheating rice?
It’s my breakfast
I’m a champion.

Nothing for me thanks – I’m trying to lose weight
Perhaps a quick vape if I’m running late
Ooh – a cling-filmed cake on a paper plate!

It’s my breakfast

I’m a champion.

Paul Garratt

Handmade

There’s a mystery object in our town;
It's causing quite a to-do;
Even the experts are baffled;
We’ve only got one clue...

Handmade;
It was handmade;
A friend of a friend knew a man whose boss;
said he found it at a disused arcade.

The owner of the crystal shop;
said that she was convinced;
that it must have belonged to a mermaid – and washed up on the promenade.

Handmade;
It was handmade;
Was it from a ritual for the people of the Everglades;
Or something you’d be wearing if invited to a masquerade?

A retired colonel told me;
that he thought it might be weapons grade;
Someone was so terrified they hid behind a barricade.

Handmade;
It was handmade;
Is it a support for when you have a broken shoulder blade?
Although there is the possibility it was once used by a dairymaid.

I remember something like it;
from when I used to go to church parade;
(I don’t tell everyone I meet but I was in the Boys Brigade).

Handmade;
It was handmade;
If we find out what it is we'll have to organise a cavalcade;
And if there's any money left we'll all have toast and marmalade!

Paul Garratt