I met Ivor (also known as poeticpiers) at Flowing Quills Poetry Forum.

I had only just started and was still finding my way around when he wrote me the following poem.

I was struck by his talent and kindness.

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Hello Neighbour
Story poem for M'lady Janine

Hello neighbour.

No bigger than a twelve year old....
A look of boyish innocence
conceals a killer icy cold
Without a trace of conscience.

His eyes a frigid frosty blue
they seem to focus far away.
would scare the daylights out of you
if he should chance to look your way.

Though he had never faced a court
and he was sure he never would.
Prepared to kill without a thought
but it was known his word was good.

But once accepted, his contract
contained no cancellation clause
There was no way he would retract.
A death would follow in due course.

His reputation was well known
to those who sought his services
His record clean as polished bone
Teflon clad, impervious.

He knew no other way of life
to deal death was his business.
He did not use a gun or knife
his ways to kill were numberless.

Ha had no need to advertise
it seems that he could sense your need
and would quote you the current price
he would accept to do the deed.

He had neither friends nor enemies
and did not seem to feel the lack.
He only had himself to please
a lone wolf separate from the pack.

Nobody knew from where he came
a man without a history
and none for certain knew his name
In short a total mystery.

Why does he kill? Because you pay
to use him as your instrument
to move something that bars your way.
His is the act, yours the intent.

Who in the end should bear the blame?
the man who pays or he who kills.
Without two players there’s no game
each one an actor who fulfils.

the role that he’s destined to play..
The killer kills without remorse,
the hirer pays without delay.
It’s nothing personal of course.

Assassins are a lonely breed
I know that from experience.
You pay the price I do the deed
and don’t protest my innocence.

I only kill because I’m paid
and I will carry out your plan.
You dare not ‘cos you are afraid.
so which then is the better man.

Though killing is my greatest skill
I still sleep soundly in my bed.
Mine is the act, but yours the will
I let you worry in my stead.

For nature compensated me
I have no fear of consequence
For only money talks to me,
the more the greater eloquence.

Some that I kill deserve to die,
that judgment is not mine to make.
I do not even wonder why
It’s a decision that you take .

You pay, I kill there is a gain
it’s plain to see for both of us.
Then I move on and you remain.
I am not even curious.

I do not ask the reason why
I merely take my fee and go
I am detached and do not pry,
I feel that it is better so.

I must move on, make a new start
in some new city far from here
I won’t be sorry to depart
I feel the hunters drawing near.

I’m forced to move from time to time.
Adopt a new identity
but soon I’m re-engaged in crime
there’s scope in every big city.

So if you wish to use my skill,
don’t worry I will contact you.
You only need to foot the bill
the actual killing I will do.

I may have moved to your hometown.
in fact I may have moved next door
You have nothing to fear from me
but rather who would pay me for

bringing your life to a sudden end.
You never know who that might be,
a lover or a so-called friend.
My only interest is the fee.

Good morning neighbour lovely day
I plan to stay in town a while
He smiled in a most charming way
I rather think it suits my style.

©Ivor 8th  Aug  2005

Art Mistress
Poem for M'lady Janine

The trees denuded of their leaves,
dark silhouettes against the blue.
Simple beauty, nature achieves
it seems within a day or two.
She strips the trees of autumn hues
reverting back to monochrome.
A minimum palette she’ll use
preparing winter’s cool welcome.
She treats each season just the same
redecorates to suit each taste.
She is a mistress of the game
she takes her time no need for haste
Pale greens of spring and summer’s gold
then autumn colours brash and bold.

©Ivor Oct  2005

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Ivor's answer to my poem.......
"Gasp, Don't Drink That!"


It sound to be a vicious brew
I think I 'll pass on this round
If I were you I would pass too
because in the past I' have found
that mixing drinks is not too wise
some odd cocktails can paralyze
all well bred inhibitions
and you can make an exhibition
of yourself you will regret
and leave your self pride all upset.
So just politely say no no
or better still tell him where to go.

©Ivor 15th Nov 2005

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Genetic Defect
A monorhyme for M'lady Janine



Genetic defect?

The rain drops beat a wild tattoo
upon a tin roof painted blue
In places where it’s rusted through
the water seeps and falls into
a battered bucket far from new.
Just one repair I meant to do
but I never got around to.
I live alone, there’s no one who
cares about me. Why should you?
you only come to share a brew.
sometimes more than one or two.
You know that when I’ve had a few
I fancy I’m in love with you
But I’m too drunk and so are you
and deadly silence will ensue.
So then you leave and I feel blue,
again I hear that harsh tattoo.
I cannot change I don’t want to
I’m just a bum who hoists a few
it’s all I know how to do
Dad was a drunk and I am too.

©Ivor Nov 2005

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