Alchemisland

Thanks for the invite 

But I felt incited to riot

When you spoke about Palestine 

You delighted 

In genocide denial 

I went downstairs, pretending I was outside

Smoking a fag to pass the time 

You believed me, I was lying 

I watched it, checked my watch

My hand atop one of your stone lions 

Blisteringly hot, blindingly bright 

Consigned to history your house, its slavery ties 

You’ve been passing the same cash around since ancient times 

For old crimes a new trial 

I’ve got the proofs, no denial  

I don’t mean the river with crocodiles

999 you better dial 

Fire travelling along expensive textiles 

Like trains along a trainline 

Flame is getting mainlined 

Through the house’s veins 

You were very vain 

Molten gloop, former weathervane 

Sentimental value equals emo pain 

Melting windowpanes 

I left confusing crumbs; you’ve been framed 

Set the whole place alight 

Eager flames, midnight light. Strange nightcome day 

Made eyeless fates cry 

Disappearing crates, all the wine

In the cellar didn’t make it

None of your art could be saved

Half of art history erased

With a single match flame

And a floor oil glazed.

Old wiring to blame,

According to the inspector.

Bribed him more than a raise 

To explain away the blaze.

Whole place was razed,

Lied to a cop’s face, wasn’t phased.

Not enough grass for a miniature calf to graze 

Soot underfoot instead of the hedge maze.

Tinder only when I’m setting fires 

Pyres turning entire empires 

Into ash piles, smoke rising for miles 

From the world’s largest tyre fire 

Ignited by Mike, standing by smiling 

Every rebel either dies 

Or lives to become tyrant 

One coin, two sides 

Watch who you trust, they’re all liars 

Even Christ at trial by disciples denied.