The last signs of summer, A memory of evacuation, Clutterbugs, Poetic mittens, The contents of my handbag, The May Fair at Covent Garden, Lavender bottles, The toad, Haiku’s, Moth invasion, Pelvic Floor
Some of my new poems are not here as they are out flirting with competitions, a reasonably hopeless quest,
others ended up in the bin!
redundant poems
Older poems from book are at the end and include -Moving On, Reconciliation, Salt Sea Winds, Beach Combing, Weaving Spells, The Oleander. A Panic Attack and Once Upon a Time, often with illustrations in colour.
poetic mittens
A Panic Attack
I catch the train in seconds
am breathless when I stop
but did I leave the iron on,
eggs boiling in a pot?
Once a niggling doubt begins
the journey is a blank
there’s water flowing from the bath
emptying the tank.
The bathroom ceiling’s
in the lounge
the goldfish flip and flap,
cat’s eating them for breakfast
before he takes a nap.
The water’s fused the electric
it’s dark as well as wet.
I’m searching for my mobile
it’s bad as it can get.
It isn’t in my pocket, it isn’t in my bag
did I drop it on the bus?
Am I going mad?
Now I see the house ablaze
the iron has burned the board
but great, I’ve found my mobile
so thank you, thank you Lord.
Press my neighbour’s number
hurry up please do.
“Now can you check the kitchen
the ironing and the loo?”
Now head in hand I’m praying,
no problems will be found.
Thank God she’s back and telling me
things are safe and sound.
I’m sitting smiling on the train
happy with my lot
grateful for small mercies.
Oh damn!
I’ve missed my stop.
By Ann Perrin
Ann Perrin 