We will eagerly consume,
whatever fills the space
where you made room
and changed the face.

Art can be like that
when the final phase
shows where we're at,
ripe for the next craze.

Bid for it, stop and shop,
have it now, today,
de rigueur, 'Father of Pop',
so sad you could not stay.

© Martin Hodges

Pop art pioneer Richard Hamilton dies at the age of 89
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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.

He ripped a record
out of the blue,
and pinned it
with his FD2.

A Fairey tale
of derring do,
in delta form,
his FD2.

Now on his way
beyond the blue,
Tally-ho! Peter,
1,132.

© Martin Hodges

Air speed record pilot Peter Twiss dies
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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.

No longer crying for attention,
meeting mother's eyes
as I form the first words.

No longer shaking my laughter free,
gasping in wonder
as the gift of life is unwrapped.

No longer pleading for mercy,
whispering a prayer
as the darkness descends.

No longer a name,
echoing off the walls
as days ricochet about me.

© Martin Hodges

Horror scenes at Tripoli hospital
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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.

What will become of the broken-hearted?
What can we do to repair
Pumps that have been restarted
By medics, sworn to spare?

Fear of failure comes at a price,
It's damage limitation.
Hope rests with disenfranchised mice,
And defibrillation.

© Martin Hodges

Drug makes hearts repair themselves
--------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------
Editor's note: When I first read this story, I thought, great! Then I started thinking about the mice, and that IS fatal.

I won't get down on my knees
And ask permission, pretty please.
The day I do, all hell will freeze.
In Brockworth, everyone agrees
We need traditions such as these,
Involving rolling of the cheese.

© Martin Hodges

Coopers Hill cheese-rolling fans hold unofficial race
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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.

Colourful Silvio's ways
Are certain to shock and amaze.
Although repartee
Doesn't guarantee 'free',
The rumour is, sometimes he pays.

© Martin Hodges

Italy PM Silvio Berlusconi appears in corruption case
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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.

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.

Memorial in storage,
Honour packed away.
We will remember those
Who, sadly, could not stay.

Something monumental
Once stood here on the land.
A focus for remembrance,
That Van de Vijver banned.

Ironically, under darkness,
A vandalising digger
Clawed at hindering stone,
To make the port much bigger.

© Martin Hodges

Village in uproar as Belgian war memorial relocated

Dear Liz,

I saw you at the Roxy,
You autographed my heart.
After that, I chased you,
Through Raintree County
And straight across William's
Hot tin roof.
Suddenly, last summer,
You were the bridesmaid
Once again.
Butterfield 8
Was worth the wait.

I left you in your prime,
Long before RB
For the second time.
Take five,
Your life is in the can.
Sincerely yours,
From the edge of my seat
…a fan.

© Martin Hodges

Dame Elizabeth Taylor dies at the age of 79

George is one of those guys
With that dead callous look in his eyes.
He'll catch you and skin you,
His cuts will continue,
No matter how loud the cries.

© Martin Hodges

2011 Budget: Osborne says 'huge mistake' to slow cuts

Reactor reactions
Esoteric experts
Seismic sympathies
Coastal catastrophes
Uttered uncertainties
Endless estimations

Journalistic journeys
Automatic alerts
Pressed politicians
Anxious assessments
Nuclear nightmare

© Martin Hodges

Explosion at Japan nuclear plant

You can take a little pain,
Your discomfort is medicine's gain.
Let's hook you up, apply the heat.
Right height, right weight, you'll do a treat.

In goes the drug, you're unaware
Of any analgesics, there.
Now you're getting some relief,
Still in the dark with no belief.

When you know what to expect,
The medics note a strange effect.
Prof says, "…phenomenal…it's really cool."
Hey, your brain's a useful tool.

© Martin Hodges

Negative experiences can stop painkillers working

She's no spring chicken, my daughter,
and she never misses a visit.
Three buses, to get here,
and busy roads to cross.
I want to get well for her,
to see the last
of her faraway smile.
If I could just reach the bell.

She brushes my hair, my daughter,
and she never pulls a knot.
Three nurses, I get here,
and I make them cross.
I want to stay dry for them,
to call the last
of my cries for help.
If they could just reach out a hand.

She's no spring chicken, my daughter,
and I never see her weep.
Trusted Trinity, she brings here,
and her little silver cross.
I want to pray with her,
to plea for the last
of my childish traits.
If I could just reach home.

© Martin Hodges

NHS 'failing to treat elderly with care and respect'