Acumen Publications present a poetry launch

Acumen Publications present a poetry launch by John Miles

John's latest collection launches with a short reading and refreshments. All welcome.

Always on the Wrong Side

The park’s the only place I can rely on. 
Sit on this bench ‘til streetlights close the day.
They lock me out with barbs and chains of iron.
I never speak; there’s nothing left to say.

As darkness falls, the silhouettes of railings 
make sharp the image I cannot erase.
Outside the fence, I start at sirens’ wailing, 
I slump in doorways, crowds avert their gaze.

Each day at nine the park gates are unbolted. 
I shuffle in; I’ve nowhere else to go.
When strangers catch my eye, they seem revolted.
I stare them out; they drop their focus low.

There was a time when I was held in wonder, 
a rare survivor, tragic casualty, 
a victim as all Europe came asunder.
This number on my forearm spoke for me.

Those eighteen months were more than your whole lifetime, 
I watched the wires through hooded, sunken eyes.
My silence and compliance were my lifeline.
No barbarism registered surprise. 

And still I’m an embarrassing statistic, 
an image which torments you while you sleep.
Your lifelong outcast, let’s be realistic; 
compassion marks me more than just skin deep. 

John Miles, September, 2015.