Listen to the world’s best poetry read out loud.

I would like to go to the park so what is

stopping you can’t make it past the door but

get arrested by some mortal caveat or what if

I mutter in my mask or which is worse

I’m unmasked on a corner cyclists swerving

swearing at me like a moral hazard.

Or I’m ages by the soft drinks on hiatus

cos there isn’t the original just low-cal the

small one barely cheaper than the full-size

or tropical or own-brand which is shit so

I just get a water because otherwise

I’m leaving empty-handed without noticing

the line has moved the punters looking at me

saying maybe this out loud or sotto voce

& the store detective makes a bee-line for me

soaked in sweat & shivering & why wouldn’t he

square up like Mr Proper like they squeeze them

out of tubes & says could I get past you please.

Yes. I would like to go to the park & just

sit there sleeves rolled up & feel the chill frail

pinpricks drifting out of the huge air & hear

the pitter-patter in the leaves the sparrows’

chit-chat of other lives the same different

doesn’t matter I will be as right as rain.