As Tears Go By

They hang their coats on the door
and sit down opposite me. Both
put their feet up on the low table
that separates us. One
opens a packet of Maltesers.
One chews gum. ‘Want some?’

‘Maltesers? Thanks. They’re my favourite.’
She leans across and proffers the packet.
Snatches it away just before
my fingers can delve in.

The one chewing gum laughs.
‘You can’t always get what you want,’ she says.
‘I can’t get no satisfaction,’ I reply.
‘You trying to be funny?’ says Maltesers.

‘If you are this could be the last time,’
says gum chewer. ‘Eh Angie?’
She laughs again. ‘Too right Ruby,’
answers her pal.

So, this is the infamous Angie and Ruby.
I know I’ll be a fool to cry in front of them.
They’ll set me off on another nervous breakdown
(my 19th!). I have to stay strong.

Think of a dark situation
and then paint it black. That’s where
I find myself.

They won’t gimme shelter.

I need to convince them
I’m a street fighting man or
it will be all over. Now

is not the time
(and I’m not sure time is on my side)
for mixed emotions.

‘Hey, you, get off my cloud’ I yell
and while they reel back,
shocked at my effrontery
and surprised  at my sudden courage,
I make a dash for it
and

(quicker than you can say Jumpin’ Jack Flash)

am gone.


Get Off My Cloud