BIRTHDAY BUMPS FOR BILL BLAKE
Written on 28th November 2007 to commemorate the poet's 250th birthday.


O, ROSE THOU ART SICK.
Thy mind has gone berserk!
Here's med'cine. Drink it quick.
We need you back at work.

You were a bit foolhardy
to quaff a whole rum flaggon.
For you: no more Bacardi!
You're going on the wagon!



BRING ME MY BOW OF BURNING GOLD.
BRING ME MY ARROWS OF DESIRE.
Alas, I'm getting far too old.
In the afternoons, I tend to tire.

They're in the drawer marked "weaponry".
You'll find my spear in there as well.
Bring them to me presently.
I need to build this citadel.



TYGER, TYGER, BURNING BRIGHT.
Who on earth set you alight?
I'll understand when now I hear,
" Put the cat out, will you, dear?"

I guess a bunch of laughing lads
wanted something to ignite.
We saw you in those Esso ads
promoting petrol! Serves you right!

 




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