Howard Firkin
The Beatles lied to me in sixty-six
when Grandma bought the single and I learnt
that love was all I needed. I was burnt
by that, but what you learn at that age sticks
and needs a lot of scarring to unlearn.
But all things pass and one day we become
the people we are from. Like Grandpop then,
I push and pull the carpet sweeper when
the grandchild's cake is dropped, don't miss a crumb.
I offer mild correction, not concern.

Correction and another slice of cake,
or would you like to try a piece of pav?
It turns out love you neither make nor take.
It isn't all you need: it's all you have.