#jerome betts

[batgovernor]

Political poem: Jerome Betts, 'Call for Obliteration'

Crackpotus thinks that war is fun (Of course, he never fought in one) And so he bombed his little heart out… Oh, chuck the cruel crazed old fart out! The 25th amendment’s what Is needed, not a sniper’s shot, Until, his time come, all can cry Damnatio memoriae! ***** Jerome Betts writes: “This squib was prompted by the civilian casualties caused by the War of Donald’s Ego and the increasingly…

View On WordPress

[batgovernor]

Jerome Betts, 'Lines On A Lady In Bronze'

(The statue of Boadicea and her Daughters by Thomas Thornycroft was erected in 1902 near Westminster Bridge London.) Set up, the civic skyline Shardless, A proxy late Victoria then, She charges, rein-free, grim, regardless, Towards the Gothic giant, Big Ben. Just what is known about this fiery And long ago wronged ruler’s life? Such fields for scholarly enquiry Are now churned up by toxic…

View On WordPress

[batgovernor]

Using form: Quatrains with refrain: Jerome Betts, 'Plus ça change. . .'

If, as a child, he had a spreading rash, The squitters, then, far worse, was constipated, Or boasted big blue bruise and graze and gash, A doctor murmured, “Yes, it’s age-related.” When, in mid-life, and seeking novel thrills, He got a dose of something best not stated So had to suffer jabs and bitter pills, A doctor murmured, “Yes, it’s age-related.” Come his declining years, which tax most…

View On WordPress

[batgovernor]

Using form: Jerome Betts, 'Villanelle For Darcy'

Darcy the diabetic cat has died His fans were told by email recently, A life remembered with no little pride. The Fiat-driver now feels mortified To think because he simply failed to see Darcy, the diabetic cat has died. Was this the fatal ninth and last he’d tried? Whichever, it will surely prove to be A life remembered with no little pride. His poor squashed frame has been discreetly fried…

View On WordPress

[batgovernor]

Jerome Betts, 'Overexposure On A Station Bookstall'

I Magazines courting raised circulation     Decked with models they think most appealing Merely generate mild irritation     When it’s clear what it is they’re revealing. Whether languorous, muscular, ditzy,      Strong and silent, demure, sentimental, Or suggestive, i.e. bum ‘n’ titsy,      They display far too much that is dental. Why this boom in bared teeth, all Macleany?      Why the…

View On WordPress

[batgovernor]

Jerome Betts, 'Ballade of Inevitable Extinction'

Where are the flushed and frantic teens, The hormones’ fevered ebbs and flows? (Fire buckets, water, verbal screens.) The girls –good grief! – that parents chose And others – how the mind’s eye glows! − Who floated inches off the floor? (Flout censor’s ruling – fish-net hose.) With dodo, great auk, dinosaur. Where are the doubtful magazines? The female form from head to toes (Dim lights. Spill…

View On WordPress

[batgovernor]

Jerome Betts, 'Grim Harvester'

Jerome Betts, ‘Grim Harvester’

Two walkers once, who left the path With fleeting union in mind, Were reaped – oh, tragic aftermath! – And permanently here combined. ***** Jerome Betts is the Featured Poet in the current issue of Light. I was glad to provide an introduction to the man and his poetry in that magazine’s Spotlight – the short poem I’ve quoted above is a personal favourite: it is a tight, well-structured play on…

View On WordPress

[batgovernor]

Potcake Poet's Choice: Jerome Betts, 'Morning Calls'

Potcake Poet’s Choice: Jerome Betts, ‘Morning Calls’

Though buds, light-headed, arrow to the sun, Wood-pigeons cautiously descend to drink As through the roof the first faint cheepings run From half-fledged nestlings in some straw-warm chink, While welling far and near − to float and sink Like spidery fibre silvered on the lawn − Mercurial lark song trails out link by link, Rocking serrated-throated crows have drawn Their broad indelible raw weals…

View On WordPress