Love Artuk’s stamp of approval catches the eye

in Ropewalk Square and shades into  the oblivion

of graffiti of pleasant green,

down at heart blue and burnt brown

destruction on the lower level of the wall.

The uneven pavement, shrouded by the shadow

of Bold Street’s once Bohemian cool

and the grace of the Picturehouse,

thousands of films shown twice daily

extends its welcome as the steam

of coffee hiss drowns out

the fascinating talk of the Silver Screen surfers.

The five pillars of wisdom

sell their information cheaply

and as I drag on a cheap cigar,

blowing smoke like a virginal dragon,

no fire in my belly today,

I witness the words scroll across

from right to left,

today is a day in which to live.

Ian D. Hall 2016