Riverman

Oars take the riverman high above the slime.
Leaves the jet boat boys gasping empty in their tanks.

Riverman went steerage; sky fell on top of him
And opened in his heart.
Depth charged shouts exploding empty shells.

They broke out like slime
These marine boys gearing a new offensive.

Tongues wagged like forked reptiles
And with all the force and caps set a-blazing,
No, their helmets they were waving!

Their heads could stand as many death balls
As a tin of baked beans whose red
Bubbling farts expire on a disputed arse.

Riverman went laughing at these sores a-bleeding
Because he loved them so. Even told them so.

Now, the bombs dragged on and the clouds drew near,
And tales were spread that the game was up
For that naughty nationality across the border line.

The flags went up and the sweethearts hidden
And flush in line the jet boat boys charged efficient
Their clenched teeth, lower lips and sunken eyes

Into the slimy swell that claims the dead
When they’ve nowhere else to go.



(First published by Islington Poetry Workshop in “Nagging Heads”, 1985.)