Cowley Road Poem by ivan mcguinness

Meet me on the Cowley Road
Beside the Temperance Hall
Where the beer hounds cough and guzzle
By the gaudy painted walls.

Meet me in the half light
By the mangoes pears and gourds
Wait for the night to murmur
From the open bar-room doors.

Meet me by the head shop
Where beads are stored in jars
By the dry smell of the jasmine
Beneath East Oxford's stars.

Meet me by the florist
Where my hearts ease grows
By the waiting tables
Where the curry pricks your nose.

Meet me by the sex shop
Wear a summer dress
And all this I'll remember
When I've learned to love you less.