Not For Turning Out


I did not turn out
as my mother had hoped.

I did not turn out
because I am fed up to
my false teeth.

I did not turn out
to be what was expected.

I did not turn out
because I run a flea circus, and prefer
a tick in a box.

I did not turn out
one excuse after another.

I did not turn out
of any conviction.

I did not turn out
well, or in force, or my pockets.

I did not turn out
as it turns out
because I have turned in.

[April 2000]

From Make Mine a Double

Not For Turning Out

There was the usual handwringing about low turnout in the council elections.