to be
minimalist
is best
no words
I write
could capture
a desolation
that brings consolation
in a truly Ignatian sense
but if I had to
refer to
just one lyric
on pain of death
it would be
forevermore
“I don’t believe in an interventionist God”
my heart feels
strangely warmed
within
each and every time
copyright a shyvicar 2020
I played guitar
in a band that bore his name
but did not recognise him
when he spoke to me
through a car window
like a blues brothers’ rawhide
we replayed our repertoire
joined each time by Giles
for his song of entertainment
that a man named Paul inspired
I felt embarrassed
a make-shift car park attendant
the special college day
who blank-faced the arriving
VIP
that was my experience
of Robert Runcie
tank commander and archbishop
so much taller
in real life
did I channel that into the band?
did my rhythm guitar
signal loss of face?
awkwardness came
naturally.
I allude to it sporadically
the band that is
for effect
“The Rob Runcie Experience?!!?” Really!??!
my momentary encounter I try to forget
copyright a shyvicar April 2020
you could say
I was a die-hard fan
at both of their gigs
they banged out the blues
in a feelgood style
I loved them for their name
dreamed of being a part
jealous of their fashion
I bought a blues harp
I could not make it wail
I could not make it moan
like Pete
like Sonny Boy
in my mouth
all tuneless and useless
all teeth and gums
so I salute
those Screaming Melons
the joy their blues bought
in all too few moments
and yes
in flights of fancy
still dream
of making harmonicas
talk
copyright a shyvicar April 2020
I will list them
the bands that I’ve seen
as I nursed a pint
for as long as I could
in venues
where in spite of the crowds
I was always on my own
I did my best to blend in
sought to give
an impression
that
I was waiting for others
who
stuck in queues at the bar
couldn’t get back
or had lost me in the dark
were you fooled?
were you there?
in Gloucester,
Cheltenham
Sheffield
Leicester
I will be specific
or did the drink
the chewing of the fat
let me go undetected
like the thief Garrett?
as I yearned to hear Harvey
sing about her dress
lingering behind you
a respectful distance.
copyright ashyvicar april 2020
ashyvicar 