soothsayer

time is a big black bird
that swallows you before the dawn
a well of days running dry
harrowing youth with utter scorn

you’re stuck in the bird’s craw
like jonah in the whale’s belly
you’re trapped down deep in a well
like hot water & gemelli

time to clip that bird’s wings
to sharpen up the silver knife
cut open its stinky throat
remove the guts of your half-life

by TETIANA ALEKSINA & TONY SINGLE
© All rights reserved 2025

Tumblevision #38

A child of the earth. Or something.

by TONY SINGLE
© All rights reserved 2026

hysteria

fie, oh fie for shame
god neglects to dry the tears
of fae, fie for shame

fain would fae grow tall
with all that dotage entail
when time doth reap all
the envigored life assail
turneth youth to rufous grail

fie, oh fie for shame
that void would swallow all tears
of fae, fie we fall

by TONY SINGLE
© All rights reserved 2024

elderyouth indiscretions

waking up to reality
it really shouldn’t be so hard
without your morning coffee hit
tongue feels like a rusty bollard

your bladder is full to bursting
it jolly well hurts to high heaven
you were supposed to wake at eight
but had to take a piss at seven

the pins & needles in your neck
have you concerned for your health
your rickety arsed hinged knees
fold into the declining years of self

a mind filled with yesterday’s fog
a handful of pills for breakfast
you hope they’re not addictive
& could swear you’re growing a bust

is that a dead bear on the couch
the mirror says no, look again
your birthday party begins tonight
twenty-five? try four score & ten!

by TETIANA ALEKSINA, CASSY SINGLE & TONY SINGLE
© All rights reserved 2024

autumnal lights

nothing but regret
is this how we truly are
i think i feel us
enclasped in this tested life
have you forgotten to breathe

today was better
but we’re so very old now
grief soaken eyes now

has pain dimmed your sight
trauma lines your folded bones
the horizon’s dreams
banish away sun’s last light
can we forgotten aright

today was better
but you’re so very cold now
closed soaken eyes now

by TONY SINGLE
© All rights reserved 2025