Hi,

I thought I'd just post up another poem from the new collection: POEMS TO MAKE BEARS GROWL that was released in three formats on www.lulu.com in late May, this year.

This one is called Alternative Lifestyles and is about - well - um - alternative lifestyles really!

I hope you enjoy it!

I've been busy proof reading three Mouse of Commons novels, of late. The first: MOUSE IN A BOTTLE is out at the beginning of August, with the next two MOUSE IN BEAR'S CLOTHING and MOUSE TALES AND MICE TAILS available in the early autumn. A 4th new Mouse book GLADSTONE MCWHISKERS AND THE MOUSE OF PARLIAMENT is currently being written and is expected to be available by Christmas.

On top of all this I have been writing new verse when the mood takes me and have currently written another dozen or so new pieces which I will discuss a little more in my next post. I can reveal that the collection will be edited, once again, by Charlie Grrr and has the provisional title of RHYMES BEARS STEAL PIES FOR. It will contain a new series of photos, some of which have been taken already and many which will be taken over the next six months. I'm hoping that the collection would be ready for the New Year - but that really depends on whether I get the time and the ideas. I won't put anything into print I'm not proud of - so we'll see.

Enjoy the poem - more soon!

Paul xx

ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES


Oh, there isn't a sure way of living...
No, there is nothing that's set out in stone...
If you want to get wed to your toaster...
That's a decision you make on your own…
If you'd like to cry out "Hallelujah!" -
If you fancy to grow bouffant hair...
I'll not judge should you swim the Sahara...
No, I assure you I’m terribly fair…
I'll not TUT if I hear you've gone loopy...
I'll not mind should you howl at the moon...
Re: my view on the talent you're snaring...
I'd not object should you date a baboon!
Should you fashion a new way of living…
That involves you to juggle with bees...
You'll not hear me protest - no complaining...
Should you run off to live in the trees...
I'll not freak out because you are different...
I'll not scream at the top of my voice...
I am happy for you to be whacko...
I respect being barmy's your choice...
I'll not faint if I hear you've been slutty!
I'll not bawl or just sit there and pout...
Though I may feel a teensy bit jealous...
If I missed it - and you left me out...
If you wanna go live on a rainbow...
If you rather like playing the fool...
I'll not chide if your taste is appalling...
I'll not laugh at your loud pink kagoule!
I'd not shriek should you get a new tattoo!
And quite frankly it scared me to bits...
If you intend to make history by knitting...
Please just do so - don't ever say quits!
If you fancy hand-gliding with emus...
If you'd simply adore not to floss...
If you'd like to become a banana...
Go ahead now and do it – you’re boss...
So, you've planned out your own rules for living...
Alternative lifestyles suit only a few...
But you're cool and you have your own vision...
One loud cheer that you chose some way new...