this is not a true extension
says the auto-voice
when I pick up the phone
three times now
this is not a true extension
please hang up
this is not a true extension
I have the news on tv
GCHQ the government spy centre
alleged
tapping all data in the name of national security
not a true extension
says the voice
my crime is what to corrupt our national security
what I ask isn't it the politicians tearing England from Wales
Scotland from Wales and England
what
GCHQ interested in me (please hang up) not a true
why interested in me what have I done but
rough draft a poem may be crap yet
obviously they are keen on crap rough draft poets poems
so keen so (the phone now rings again) what for more
the bottom line is my claim for expenses or simply cash
for the questions (please hang up), Dave?
© Philip Johnson
GCHQ monitoring described as a 'catastrophe' by German politicians
previously appeared in: Poetry 24, The Ugly Tree; Poetry Scotland, Emergency Verse, Write Away, Caught In The Net, Red Pencil, Writer's Hood, Transparent Words. He works in elder care.
