Blues for Slim

(in memoriam Slim Galliard)

Cement mixer don't putty-putty no more
Cement mixer don't putty-putty no more
Cos my man Slim has gone to Lethe's shore

There's silence down on 52nd Street
Silence all down 52nd Street
Couldn't hear the King of Vouti's beat

Went to Laguna, watched the tide come in
Went to Laguna, watched the tide come in
Searched the beach but couldn't see my Slim

No I'm dunkin' bagels back in Liverpool town
Dunkin' bagels back in Liverpool town
Thinking of Slim as the Mersey sun goes down

Cement mixer don't go putty-putty no more
Cement mixer don't go putty-putty no more
Cos my man Slim has gone to Lethe's shore

from Not Fade Away, Poems 1989-1994. Published by Bloodaxe Books 1994.