Sunchokes

are not artichokes at all but tubers.
At the neurologist’s you squeeze my hand
Too hard for my liking. We won’t say tumour
At all; they’ve called it a growth. The rubber band

Retreats, acrobats in baby blue disband,
Sighing. I’m beside myself with fleeting thoughts
Of fleeing, you’re beside me with your garrotte
Of choked-back tears, handcuffing my hand.



I Took a Trip on a Train

I took a trip on a train from Gargrave
to Longhope through Badwell Ash and Modney
for no real reason other than it gave
me respite to relight the dimming memory
that we used to take a trip on a train
for the sake of taking a trip on a train.
...