Phillip Mann – writer, teacher and theatre director

Cordoba’s Song

Not all the poetry in this book is by Pawl. Here is Cordoba, a wise old woman, singing to herself about the futility of regret. Having survived her visit to Erix, the uncreative centre of the universe which is a kind of Hell, Cordoba is now ready to visit Thule, the creative centre of the universe, which is not Heaven, certainly not Heaven. Thule is something else entirely

Song of the Moment

I learned a truth the other night,
Like a shower of gold it came,
And caught in my hair and in my eyes
And spoke to me by name.
“Come lover why stand so idly
Trying to trap the moon,
For no man pays the piper,
And no man calls the tune.”

“Let the sad tides of gravity
Cast Time on a stony shore.
Let heroes eat their drifting dust,
As many have done before.
Take the moment gladly,
With your bright eyed love along,
For no man pays the piper,
And no man calls the song.”

***

The Song of Forge – a pub song

I’d rather burn in Hell boys
Or stand at Death’s own doors,
Than be working for the Paxwax
In the mines on Forge.

I’d rather loose my eyes boys
And sell them for two plums
Than see a Ham,mer lift its sting
And start to beat its drums.

I’d rather be a thistle boys
I’d rather be a snake
Than a minor down on Forge boys
When Hammer makes a break

I’ve seen a Hammer run boys,
Like shadow over sand,
I’ve seen a Hammer jump boys
But never seen one land.

I’d rather be in bed boys
Just me and Sara Brown
Mingling love and liquor
While the sun goes down

***

A Fragment

“Now,” said Mabel,
“I’ll turn out the light.
For Love sees best
In the dark, dark night.”