Poems from a Grumpy Old Man

By Robin Giles

A selection of 51 poems together with an unknown author's guest poem. My poems look at todays life and times with particular emphasis on exploring many of todays unanswered questions. I also try to provide a look at our culture and values using poetry to illuminate some of the arguments surrounding our common institutions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781326811204

Book preview

Poems from a Grumpy Old Man

Poems From

A Grumpy Old Man

By

Robin Giles

Forward

Actually I don’t think that I am a grumpy old man but I do share similar views to Victor Meldrew on many of the subjects that have formed the substance of One Foot in the Grave. I started writing poetry, as expression of frustration and sometimes anger at injustices I see in the world and despite our technological advances, the patent lack of humanity. In a way it has become a form of therapy that gives me pleasure and a sense of achievement. I do not claim to equal the likes of Byron, Wordsworth, Keats or Shelley or even Kipling, who for me illustrates much of his world in the same way I attempt of today’s world. It seems to me that poetry provides a form of communication that can describe an event, a feeling, an emotion or a situation  with  such  passion  that  the  underlying understanding becomes visible through the fog of words.

For me a poem has to evoke a strong emotion. It is this emotion that drives its creation. If it can do that that and provide a deeper understanding, its purpose has been achieved.

I have included a poem that I found quite a few years ago. The poem is untitled and the composer unknown. I find in troubled times it provides comfort and seems able to transform life’s journey into a brighter perspective.

Although some of the poems may seem to have a darker side there are a few that have a humorous content. I hope that if you have read this small book of poems it has been an enjoyable experience.

Slob Culture

I’m a slob I am

I’m proud

Nine pints of lager a night I down

With my bird I’m on the town

But soon I’m feeling dizzy

My gut’s feeling fizzy

It’s head down, over a low garden wall

Expelling contents of belly and all

I’m ‘is gel I am

I’m a slob too

I wear short skirts right up to my bum

With crop top – pierced ring in my tum

I drink with my bloke

Then out for a smoke

And down by the wall – hold onto him tight

Then’s back to the bar – just looking to fight

Some think I’m a slob

I’m cool

Driving on ‘M’ roads in my black beemer

I pass on the inside - now whose a dreamer

A scowl a fist – I give ‘m the finger

I laugh – cos on this road I’m the kinga

Sure I’ll go racing – never to crash

Me a slob? – never – cos I’m always flash

How dare you

I’m no slob

An upright citizen of this fair lane

I treat complaint with crushing disdain

So I lit a bonfire in the day

It seems some washing was in the way

Can’t neighbours migrate inside

Shutting windows – clean air just blasted aside

I just like the beat

‘oo ses I’m a slob?

A party just four times a year

Amplified base that’s loud on the ear

So we’re out in the open on such fine night

I party with music – you know it’s my right

What’s a slob