In the sunlight

on Place de la Bastille

fallen, like a statue

you lie

one full leg

one half stumped

in streeted combats

stretched out

one boot,

an anorak,

unkempt face

asleep in the unexpected

a butterfly cleaves

to your reclining body.

© Maureen Daly

French more anti-capitalist than the Chinese - poll
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Maureen's work has appeared in Anthologies and in a publication of the White house poets. She has also been published in a Ledwidge competition.
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Editor's note: It was Bastille Day yesterday in France. Maureen says: The dreams of liberty, equality and fraternity have yet to be realised for the majority of the world's population.

Exceptions are: crash helmets,
Surgical masks,
Protective covering
For dirty tasks.
Optimal hats,
Sensible shades,
Dressing up
For big parades.

But, madam,
You're under arrest.
There's a law that states
You're improperly dressed.
Come to the station,
Show us your face.
Our shared society,
Will show you your place.

© Martin Hodges 

France issues first fine for woman in Islamic veil
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Martin is a writer, and former columnist. He has twice been editor of Viewpoint (a forum for INDEPENDENT internal comment within the University of Southampton), and is co-founder of Poetry24.