Grimbeau

Downstairs to slug coffee, force down strychnine,

hug a cheroot, feel by  torch candlelight,

and  feed radio psychoanalysts

projected on Radio 4Extra,

you are returned to the bridge to listen

witness an avuncular anarchist

fulminating with aplomb on YouTube.

Audacious, loquacious, outrageous fun…

Black Spotty reads my mind,

a loose-lipped letter box clatters,

the north country wind growls.

A black salesman perishes at sea,

a crocus folds its snowflake blouse,

and a warm cat plays tenor fiddle