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Grieving
Anne Boleyn? Hans Holbein the Younger [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons (a response to Holbein’s sketch, purportedly of Anne Boleyn) So, is this really you? Those full lips well kissed, I have no...
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Poem: ‘The Return’
She was sat on the old porch, a piece of me I’d left behind in some spring long ago. I knew it in an instant, as soon as she looked up— our minds dovetailing as if nothing had happened in those...
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Poem ‘Meditation’
Sometimes I hate you, I must avert my eyes. Other times I love you and I’m crazy, I can’t leave you alone. Mostly though I’m indifferent, you’re something there out of my window on any random day, like...
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Poem: Girl with a Cello
In a diamond city night we’re taxied through floodlit streets angled snow alabasters old facades medieval histories beyond all guessing Flanders is frozen outside this misted glass the two of us...
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Poem: Abort
Sometimes even when all systems say go and blue skies beckon like a smile that never ends, it’s best to hold back, to stop and think that any decision taken now at this pining hiatus, however right it...
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Poem: Your Kiss
I was unaware of your kiss at first, on forehead and cheek, maybe even on my foot – you know, when babies’ feet are cute and pristine, before life gets too serious and rinds the soul? Then later, and...
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Lipstick
She still puts on lipstick the same way, calls it ‘lippy’ like it was a toy One time she was his Venus emerging fresh onto the shore of him Now it’s Saturn who looks back from the mirror smeared,...
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Poem: ‘Clothes’
These are my favourite clothes, I wear them for days on end. See? They retain their shape, my shape, even when I toss them into wardrobes, or hang them from skeletal frames, dis- assembled, waiting for...
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Poem: April 2
No longer will I bore you with my mother’s life, and how I wish I could change the way of her death. Thirteen years is a long time, abridged by events that just happen down this road. Though more and...
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Poem: Summer Coming In
Spring finally comes, like your warm breath on my desiccate skin. So then sing to me of careless summers, your smile, where love begins © copyright David F. Barker 2013Filed under: art, oil painting,...
View ArticlePoem: ‘Picture’
There’s a pictureit’s been hanging on my wallYou know it tells a storythe truth of it all Now it’s time to tell youwith the sun streaming inAfter all the silent yearsI should begin For love is like the...
View ArticlePoem: The Painter
Climbing the dune, wind heavy in our faces. We squint (or do we smile?), our laughs and quips diffuse in the air. Young legs carry you ahead to the summit, where tufts of green cling to an existence....
View ArticlePoem: Carousel Kissing
And so I followed you, holding desperately your trailing hand. From dodgem screams in head-on collision, to long kisses on carousels, sitting the wrong way— facing you, holding you— Yes, I was daring...
View ArticlePoem: ‘The Return’
She was sat on the old porch, a piece of me I’d left behind in some spring long ago. I knew it in an instant, as soon as she looked up— our minds dovetailing as if nothing had happened in those...
View ArticlePoem: Your House
I’d arrived there at noon stunned by the view from your window, that vast sweep of shoreline. I had earl grey tea, some carrot cake; you made do with strong coffee. You said we should talk, walk, try...
View ArticleDaily Haiku: Peace
There’s peace in each step A light for each darkened room Love in our passing copyright Francis Barker 2020
View ArticlePoem From A Picture: ‘Little Things’
I’m sorry for my impatience, for forgetting what is important. The simple things of being and sharing together. A drink, a nice meal and a smile across the table, waking up and saying goodnight and all...
View ArticleHaiku: Light and Love
Do not block the light Love’s sweet shadow will follow And all will be well Copyright Francis Barker 2020
View ArticleTanka: Your Choice
You see division Whereas I see unity In this together Each of us must make a choice Love always wins in the end copyright Francis Barker 2020
View ArticleTanka: Manifesto
No left and no right I exist at the centre My family first My community second Building blocks of the nations copyright Francis Barker 2020
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