Villanelle Overheard in a
Glasgow Pub


It were just a fucking joke, for fuck sake.
We're mates, int we?  Tell me what's me crime?
Well then, ye cunt, I'll see ye at yer wake.

I'm just minding me own, trying tae slake
this fucking thirst-the evening's in its prime.
It were just a fucking joke, for fuck sake.

Init all about who's the first tae spake?
Were yer fucking missus talked tae me: I'm
telling ya, ye cunt, I'll see ye at yer wake.

I dinay know frae what ye flee, what ache
ye hope tae still in Christ's sweet aftertime.
It were just a fucking joke, for fuck sake.

Bastards like ye are headed for the lake
of fire!  Ach, start with me, ye fucking slime?
Well then, ye cunt, I'll see ye at yer wake.

Spit in my face, too, eh?  Call me a snake?
We'll soon see who's fit for the sublime.
Aye, then, ye cunt, I'll see ye at yer wake.
It were just a fucking joke, for fuck sake.

David Starkey

If you've any comments on this poem, David Starkey would be pleased to hear from you.