Get Rid Of The Devil (In Me)

My family are tired
with all of my fire
They tell me to aim higher
they don't know how i can stoop any lower

which is why i need to get rid of the devil in me
if only you could see
all the trouble i make
all the things i take
you would know
which is why i need to get rid of the devil in me
so wish me luck
wish me luck
i'm going to get rid of the devil in me.

I'm tired of all the exasperated looks
of constantly feeling like a crook
I'm so used to not caring at all
so used to throwing hard balls. Ball after ball.

Which is why i'm going to get rid of the devil in me
if only you could see
all the trouble i make
all the things i take
you would know
which is why i need to get rid of the devil in me
so wish me luck
wish me luck
i'm going to get rid of the devil in me.

They tell me to get better
constantly telling everyone to check her
to make sure that i don't get into trouble
God help them if I have a double
Because i make them burn
Karma will surely take her turn
Which is why i need to get rid of the devil in me

Which is why i'm going to get rid of the devil in me
if only you could see
all the trouble i make
all the things i take
you would know
which is why i need to get rid of the devil in me
so wish me luck
wish me luck
i'm going to get rid of the devil in me.

I'm going to get rid of the devil in me.

You Keep Me Anchored

If a boat is in trouble
what does it do?
what would you do?
if it were up to you?
Would you struggle too?

I don't know what I would do without you
I wouldn't know what to do
Its great you keep my feet on the ground
whenever you're around
you keep me anchored
you give me the cure
to my misfortunes
you keep me anchored.

I feel like i'm living with a curse
forever searching in my purse
for something that will never be there
i live with the curse of not knowing what to do without you here

I don't know what I would do without you
I wouldn't know what to do
it's great you keep me feet on the ground
whenever you're around
you keep me anchored
you give me the cure
to my misfortunes
you keep me anchored.

No matter how strong the current is
the anchor won't be moved
you keep me anchored.

Do Your Best

You could do so well in life
get a husband or a wife
you could earn your wealth
drink to your health
be the brainiest in the class
you could raise a glass

All you've got to do is ...

Do your best
earn your treasure chest
decide whether to go east or west
just do you best

So try and run a marathon
have fun
remember what is important to you
represent someone too

All you've got to do is ...

Do your best
earn your treasure chest
decide whether to go east or west
just do your best

So get to work you busy bee
go for anything you want to be
aim high
go and fly
as high as the space ships in the sky.

What matters to me?

So this poem was published in an anthology in 2011. I hope you like it.

What matters to me is simple
its not even a dimple
what matters to me is family
I live very happily

Nothing else matters
Not even clothes in tatters
They make the light
or a Turkish Delight

They give you a good telling off
for pretending to be a sloth
they play a game
but always stay tame

They can be good fun
like staying out in the sun
They sometimes ground
but never pound

Although they are serious
they can never be delirious
Remember the puddings
and all the good things

The Stealth Attack Of The Killer Wasps

The Stealth Attack of the Killer Wasps:

Imagine my surprise when

A wasp flew through Granddad’s window

Granddad batted it out and then

We drove through the most spectacular show 

Up ahead, along the road

Frenzy gone into overload

Grandma and Granddad exchange a look

I think they were a little shook 

So for the first time

Out in the sunshine

I saw a swarm

And the air transform

 Into a thousand or more

Flying wasps

Their angry wings fluttering, barging against my car door

I bet their stings would leave me sore

 I cower in my seat

If someone bought these beasts

Then where is the receipt

Can we not retreat?

 I have never been scared of wasps

But after the stealth attack of the killer wasps

I’ve been scared ever since

Did I mention I was only six.

What Did You Do?

What Did You Do?

You try to sleep all day

Sleep all night

But try as you might

You can’t do it

You say your chest feels tight

What did you do to deserve this?

Every day you have a near miss

You knock politely on Death’s door

You say you can’t take anymore

What would I do without you Mum?

What did you do?

What did you do?

It’s making me go numb

You shower the bed with your morning pills

Never knowing how bad this makes me feel

I want to take away the pain

I want to take you away on a plane

All I see is how fed up you are

Doctors constantly keep lowering the bar

You’ve dealt with so much from such a young age

You keep telling me to turn the next page

And see what’s going to happen in the book of life

Whether it’s the last or beginning page

Just strive

For so long you’ve been my shield

No matter how ill

You feel

No matter how hot the flames go

You have never ever left me alone

Even though I worry every single night

You’re the angel that never leaves my side

When you go into hospital

I’m the one to make that call

With you fighting the pain

And me fighting the shame

I think I am to blame

I’m not able to help you

Oh I know you feel it too

You want to help me

But for now I say ‘let it be’

You’re the one whimpering

And hoping to stop suffering

So even though I want you to stay

I’ll be your little angel and never stray

I’ll get you the help and make you well

Now you need me as much as I need you

Now I see all the pain I caused you

What did you do?

You don’t deserve all of this

I wish I could dismiss

All the pain

Coursing through your veins

Or just make it tame

All my life, I have never seen you

Without Death gliding behind you too

What did you do Mum?

It’s made me numb.