Snow White’s Arrest
The names Thursday – Fred Thursday
L A’s finest detective
he roams the street, fighting crime
can’t afford to be selective.
Called to a stakeout way down town
some broad called Snow White
was making powder, or so he thought
she had little guys working hard all night
He and Travis his sidekick
sat outside the house
watching, waiting silently
just like a little mouse.
At 10.00pm these little guys
came out , got into a Cadillac
off they went, so they followed close
each had carried a small light pack.
Pulled up outside a disused mine
Hey Ho someone shouted
as they all jumped out
marched off in one straight line
what were these guys about.
The cops waited patiently until dawn
when out they came at last
off they went back home again
driving pretty fast.
Get on the horn , backup needed
the knew the broad had lied
once inside we kick in the door
Police, no one move they cried.
Sat around the table
they all looked surprised
what the hell do you want Snowy shouted
OK lady this is a bust
so where’s the snow
we know you’ve touted.
Are you mad came the reply
from some guy called Dopey Red
we’ve been down the mine all night
now were of to bed.
A brothel as well, whatever next
Thursday’s face a picture to see
thought he’d cracked his biggest case
known all around the world he’d be.
He made a grab for Snow White’s arm
not a very wise move from he
Happy’s shovel connected
with Thursday’s head
stars he began to see.
Pandemonium exuded, as Travis observed
a rottweiler suddenly appeared
its teeth attached to Thursday’s groin
a scream was soon to be heard.
Snow White now crying, made for the door
help she cried in vain
now loaded into a black and white
would she be seen again.
At the precinct, Lieutenant Frisk
said I can’t believe what I hear
this is Mrs White, who runs the shelter
she’s just a lovely old dear
All was well that ends well
the moral plainly clear
never jump to conclusions
and make Thursdays mistake I fear
The old Lamplighter
The old lamplighter walks the streets
binging light to all the town
many a night he can be seen
walking up and down.
Down Bow Street and the like
he plies his soulful trade
lighting all the lamps he can
he’s so reliable and staid.
Bow Street Runners everywhere
the Ripper’s on the loose again
another scream, another shout
as the blood runs down the drain.
All are running past him
searching everywhere
he just goes on about his work
with nary a simple care.
Many Toffs do tip their hats
some even say hello
but mainly most just hurry past
they must have somewhere to go.
The homeless sit in doorways
ladies of the night are on the game
Pickpockets are rife, thieves are about
yes, London’s not so tame.
Not the place to be at all
especially for the rich
though they wander down the streets at night
they risk ending up in the ditch.
With only his overcoat to keep him warm
his boots to help his feet
in his funny three cornered hat
he still looks kind of neat.
He trudges round old London town
until the dead of night
lighting all the lamps he finds
keeping the town alight.
In the Dockland place’s he’s not required
it wouldn’t suit their needs
with the smuggling going on
the lamplight could never suit their deeds.
He ambles home at two am
his nights work all well done
London now is all ablaze
with light until the sun.
T
The Yellow butterfly
While out walking quietly today
a brand new friend came by my way
with fluttering wings he flew by
was brightly coloured, I wondered why.
God made him so I stopped to say
to a neighbour on the way
he saw him too, and was aghast
his colouring was a beauty blast.
About two inches wide was he
from each wingtip that we could see
flittering around amongst the bushes
darting in and out of bulrushes.
Walking down to the river bank
he followed me as if to thank
me for my interest in himself
he looked a creature full of health.
Wings that shone and glistened well
in all he did look rather swell
little body that looked so small
to carry his wings, antenna and all.
A miracle of natures making
too fast, he moves for picture taking
have to wait until he settles
which he does on stinging nettles.
I move closer, with my camera at the ready
try to keep my hands very steady
he looks at me as if to say
try again another day.
As off, he flies to pastures new
he disappears to spoil the view
I wonder where he went this time
he really did look so sublime.