Top Five

Photo by Ryan Johns on Unsplash

I was bored one day.

Writing lists:
Top 5 songs.
Top 5 taxi rides.
Top 5 bars.
Top 5 boozy nights I can remember…

Top 5 places I woke up.

At the bar:
As the light stole in,
Like a thief.
Her smiling,
We need to get out of here.

In her bed:
Ayrshire Rain at the window,
Our bodies tangled.
Under the covers.
Never want to leave.
I have to leave now.

On a bench outside the station:
With the rain coming down.
And a note in my pocket.
And a ticket home.
And a hangover.
Like an old friend.
And the ticket inspector looking confused,
Did you sleep here last night?

Aye pal, with a guitar case for a pillow.

Now I just need to hear the rhythm of the train tracks,
Like a steady snare.

On the beach:
First rays of an Ayrshire morning
Guitar next to me,
Notebook filled with songs.
Dreams.
Early walker looking at me like,
What the fuck?

Here with you:
I’m older now,
I was younger then.
I’ve learned a little,
Just enough.
There’s nowhere I’d rather be.

(c) Paul Andrew Sneddon

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