I told you I was ferocious, I said
As I beat a sunflower senseless with a stick
You have not seen me at my worst
.
Later, sipping tea in the sunlight
Resplendent in my cloak of infinity
The garden bright in the early day
The Darcey Bussell in full bloom
I said, the flowers know my power and respect me
But from time to time they must be punished
My Great Philosophy of Peace makes it necessary
Weeping willows, sobbing snowdrops…
I accept their tears with gratitude
Like the stars they adore me
Great lumps of rock orbit the house
.
The birds in the bird box on the garage wall
Peer at me with tiny eyes
Their wings are still as they breathe their breath into mine
Revolution is near
Their feathery fury knows no bounds
The crows will be deposed, their black nests overthrown
Rooks will rule
.
All things have enemies
Don’t set yourself against me
I am ferocious
And my garden is wild
.
.
Eugene Coyne is a musician who lives and works in South London. He writes and records, and performs his songs live. His latest album is called ‘Counterstrike’. You can find him here https://eugenecoyne.bandcamp.com and here https://www.eugenecoyne.co.uk . You can find him on Facebook too, as Eugene Coyne / Musician