Hybrid
written by: Stephen Kingsnorth
My follies clear, you knew, day one,
outspoken ’fore my mind in gear.
The craic, your chat, my ignorance,
your nursing through The Troubles’ days;
so for that I love you.
Your banter, wit, sharp repartee,
word swordplay with the rapier.
Quick fired response, pretend insult,
for Irish bog twit, English pig;
so for that I love you.
Your termed endearments, met with frost,
romance maintained, pragmatic me.
My floral bundles from crem skip –
why waste the blooming tributes laid?
So for that I love you.
We need small care for words we speak
for know you’ll ever stand by me.
As being, complementary
reflects the motive why you share;
so for that I love you.
Where bullets, bombs, you bandaged wounds,
then midwife through to hospice care.
From cradle, grave you dared to serve,
apprentice for retirement plan;
so for that I love you.
Good neighbour to surrounding sick,
efficient admin, village, church.
artistic skill in needlework,
bleu cook of health ingredients;
so for that I love you.
You’re fellow journeyman in love,
objecting, though, this culture, male.
I like your stance, firm stand you take,
for woe betide bloke dominance;
so for that I love you.
My diagnosis meant stillborn
your bucket list, that global cruise.
Swapped deck-stripes for that wheelchair push,
as both in step near fifty years;
so for all I love you.
- Hybrid - February 15, 2026
- A Stable Place - January 1, 2026
- Que Sera - November 21, 2025
