Image: Adapted from Canva Pro
He was one that got away, someone to carry inside. A remnant of graffiti, fading under subways And along dismantled canals, wasteful in water. He came home, to be met by verses of ‘You can skedaddle, with your sinful B-sides.’ The man in the corner shop liked him, His tambourine man with liquorice laces And bells of fizz and flying saucers. Told him he could be a man of great promise. With his change he’d sing, ‘life’s what you make it.’ Sound waves of fallacy, another five-o-clock hero.
This poem was first published in the anthology, No Man’s Land. Below is an audio version of the poem. The backing track to the poetry is Glass Android, by Lee Rosevere, and provided under a Creative Commons Licence.
The ending lines really made me think. Why can’t the ordinary by extraordinary? Heroes are born every minute. It’s all about the path, the direction, and the goal, achievements can be many. The superpower lies within. Great poetry, Davy. 🙂
I agree whole heartedly, Terveen. My early years being raised in a coal mining community taught me there were many heroes and heroines. The men who spent 12 hours each day working in appalling conditions, and the wives and families who supported them. Materially they had little. Inside they carried gold. Thank you for your kind words.
Powerful…especially this: “remnant of graffiti”. Conveys so much…somber — seen but unseen. Thank you, Davy! 🙂
Thank you so much, Victoria. Your kind and supportive words are appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed the poetry.
Indeed, I did! Thank you, Davy!
This is excellent, Davy, a tribute to overlooked heroes.
I love your phrase, ‘overlooked heroes’ Priscilla. It sums up the poem perfectly. Thank you and glad you enjoyed the poem.
I love this powerful yet poignant poem, Davy. I could picture each word you wrote. I haven’t heard the word ‘skedaddle’ for a very long time. I loved the recording, too – it really sends the message home beautifully. Is that your voice in the recording? If so, you have the perfect voice and pitch for these words. If it is someone else, the voice and pitch are still as good. Thanks for sharing, Davy.
Thank you, Ellie, and I am pleased you enjoyed the poem. Yes, that is my voice reading the poem. I can remember the word, skedaddle, being in common usage during the 1970’s. (Especially when someone was up to mischief.) I hope we never lose terms like this from our language.
You have a lovely voice, Davy. It’s always good to put a voice to a name. Looking forward to your next piece 😊.
Thank you, Ellie. 🙏