And Where Are They Now?

A mostly true story.

by David J. Glover

This poem was first published in "Poets' Choice", edited by Julia Wilson-Panter, Anchor Books 1993.
I received the accolade of Scottish Young Poet of the Year 1994 (2nd place) for this poem.

When we were children I had friends one to ten -
time came along we grew up and then...

One mixed his Tennants. Jim Beam and Wine -
Alcohol poisoning: and then there were nine

One took a trip on ammonium sulphate -
A little too much: and then there were eight

A stolen Vauxhall was driven to heaven -
Leaky break fluid: and then there were seven

One took to fighting for getting his kicks -
Found someone better: and then there were six

One raped a young girl but left her alive -
Her Majesty’s please: and then there were five

Embarrassed to mention his balls getting sore -
Testicular cancer and then there were four

Pressure to blame when she fell from a tree
with a rope round her neck: and then there were three

Another one found there was comfort in glue -
Six years in a coma: and then there were two

Needles and spoons and your first hit is free
Heroin dragons! Now there’s just me.

Ten cherries, ten stones, 'till the bowl is done
I'll live till I die, so roll on the fun.