Shelley House Foyer

(from Rain)
by Mike Cope

Sign in at security.
They don’t ask for your ID.
It’s a farce.

The bored man at the desk, poor sod,
ignores your smile and little nod.
(Kiss my arse.)

Glass and steel and sliding doors;
the lift-shaft goes to all ten floors
of this place.

It’s all angles, modern, hard,
square as the holes on an IBM card...
in your face.

Waterkant Street

(from Rain)
by Mike Cope

Waterkant Street, Waterkant Street:
Not where famous people meet.
A few smart shops but mostly not;
Waterkant street is no hot spot.

Motor spares, shoe repairs;
The businessmen don’t put on airs.
Cash is mostly what you pay.
The bars are open night and day...