‘GHOSTS OF A CHANCE: 2 POEMS’

 

1.

AN URBAN MYTH

 

The ‘Ghost Bus of Notting Hill Gate’

Is a phantom Number Seven

 

Fully lit the Night Bus   –

Driverless   Conductor-less

No apparent passengers aboard

 

 Some claim to have seen it in full sail

On Ladbroke Grove   on Westbourne Grove

It did not stop for them

 

One night when you are heading home

Euphoric and a little stoned

Justifying to yourself

Some small illicit ‘fling’

 

Perhaps it will stop for you

 

 

 

2.

 

THE DOUBLE

 

“A blonde and beardless merchant in Harar?

I doubt it is your man…

This Rimbaud is a perfect gent

He does not drink arak nor take majoun

No kif pouch does the round when he meets here

Those hired hands assisting in his trade   –

They say he can’t be French because

He never visits brothels

And pays their wage on time   –

The sum agreed and sometimes with a bonus   –

If they are sick or injured in his work

He sends to pay the doctor for a nurse   –

I think he’s what is called ‘a natural Moslem’

 

All in all

He won’t last long out here”

 

 

 

Bernard Saint
Illustration: Claire Palmer

 

 

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