THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem

Rob Ayling writes: 

"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Tom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth, Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied with in seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not? why not indeed!!" (The wondrous poetpic is by Jack McCabe, who I hope forgives me for scribbling all over it with Photoshop)

KEEP AUSTIN

when pining for the Austin we loved when first arriving

knowing new arrivals were not privy to her mysteries

Californians valet parked in high rise condominiums

Legislature waging war on little Austin's "weirdness"

Who can afford to live here now?High rise debt

gridlock,ozone alert days,bicycle deaths,APD violence

Homeless criminalized for being homeless

Vestiges of gentleness /SLACKER indulgence live

independent coffee houses with poetry readings

Outside -franchises choke with brand name blues

when what this village promised was always individual

Newcomers will soon complain when they find that the name

is no longer the "real" truth.Austin has one million truths.Austin is you!