Fat Chance

You stifle a sneeze

through cats and dogs 

to the pass 

under

the bridge

Where droplets fall heavier

there

Faux palmettos give way 

to the slick black ghetto 

Where baccy is littered like 

lollipops from an angry child 

at the barbers 

Rain is heavier 

Butter fingers 

It feels different

Black dog 

Beaten panel van waiting patiently

for the whitewash paint 

to dry 

so

a pint can be drunk at

The Local 

Fat chance 

It came so quick 

Before the vicar had even blown out 

the candlewick

Before the rabbits had made it to

the warren 

Tucked up safely 

Foamy like the Guinness biding time in the pub 

Reverently drowned like tender beef sat in

ale stew 

Blind like the man waiting in the pew 

We sit 

Candle flickering 

Out with a hiss 

Sandbags standing as soldiers do