"Writing On The Wall"

I was leaving
Not believing
That I would
Find poetry up on the wall
Of the grey Royal Festival Hall.
But there it was in black and white
To me only-a magnificent sight
Others oblvious dashing to bars
Or over the River to theatres and stars.
Highlighting the jewel up on the fifth floor
Reawakened my love of writing
And so much more.
I stumbled across you a long time past
But turned about heel leaving fast
Just one of the brainwashed working class
Thinking poetry's not for them
All too posh and quick to condemn.
Never mind John Barnes
Express yourself one on one
With a pen and paper
Is how it's done.
Now I've seen it flashed up high
Words from John Hegley as I gaze to the sky
"You're never alone
At the Poetry Library"
I'd say even less so than
A Spurs fan round Highbury.
Truth be told... I feel alone
With poetry I relax
And find my comfort zone.
If you'd told me
This time last year
I'd have said more chance
Of me hitting the beer
Than sharing my thoughts on open mic
Would have told you
To take a hike!
Not going to get big headed
And take the piss
I realise most of my stuff
Is hit and miss.
But for a few minutes
I can hold a crowd
And what else is that
If not something to be proud?
I'm still the first who will confess
My whole life is a mess.
Poetry can make me
Look positive ahead
Which is a bit better
Than wanting to be dead!

Dulwich Poet 4th October 2013

(There were poems projected, and words over loudspeakers, at the Royal Festival Hall, as part of the 60th birthday celebrations of the Poetry Library, which is currently based there. Most people walked past, not noticing, or ignoring it. I was the only one paying attention)