to stand in judgement upon others
to view impartially
to assess the evidence
in the blink of a moment
before accession or denial of appeal
without expert witnesses
cross-examination
advice taken in chambers
whatever’s laid bare in camera
our aim is simple
to make most perfect the verdict
from the most imperfect of tasks
until all decisions are good
however badly they may be taken
on the occasion of [...]
no cavalier disposition
no frills nor fripperies
he bats round-shouldered
legs apart, more ready to shovel coal
than play straight in the classical manner
more relaxed and refined at the other end
weight on bat, one leg straight, other bent
at the knee, one toe to the ground, a yeoman farmer
lent on a gate turned a general of men,
he carries his duty [...]
I shall sleep the sleep of heroes
All Cardiff’s a squidgy bum
no one sane believes England’ll save a game
Girls Write Poetry
“Girls write poetry,
that’s all they’re fit for,
that and shagging,
but probably those who write poetry
aren’t that tasty: slags, bints and whores
to be quite honest with you
I’d rather have a wank
(and to tell you the truth, I often do,
if I can get it up)
“Girls write poetry. Us men,
Us Welshmen, Us Welshmen
from the Valleys who follow [...]
To The Good People at Gates Four and Five
Not the hardest of tasks, perhaps, at first sight
to guide the throng to their appointed places,
scrutineers of belonging and belongings
of pilgrims who close soon their journeys.
An order of friars, orange habits,
forbidden by vows and observance
(with promise of sustenence)
to enjoin and enjoy the pilgrimmage.
Theirs is not the way, [...]
four lights, suns beneath the clouds between the skies
four lights, south, north, east, west, encompass the world
Katich
nothing special it seems
vin ordinaire, perhaps du pays
to the casual palate
hardly flash, no big front of the mouth
explosions, nor rich plummy overtones
of wild berry sensations,
not merlot, shiraz, scarcely Australian
but scarcer still in exacting quality
Katich travels well: Durham, Derbyshire, Hants
scores freely when required, remains
steady even when bottled up
ideal for the most testing conditions
un demi-verre: nose, one [...]
Building Jerusalem
Of course you’ll require a plan and vision
No doubt necessary funds and contingencies
Not to mention the very best of materials
And professionals, artisans and trades people
Of the utmost and attested quality.
(Did Joseph of Arimathea examine City & Guilds
Or take word of mouth the lad’s dad was a carpenter?)
But that’s not all, not by a long [...]
Political Consequences
Games before games are statements
of intent, demonstrations, fleet reviews,
salutes and salutations, rocket launchers
trundle across the square gleaming.
Results are less material than
intended intimidation of similarly
belligerent opposition – psychological
salvoes across the bows of alleged superiority,
puts whomsoever securely in their place.
Worcester and Warwick are baronial hosts
to sallys and jousts of national pride:
Hussey and Cooke rally their orders,
Ponting [...]
