A Coat for a Monkey

老之将至 Late May Brings dead mice The squirrel fares no better “You are not young now”   © J H Martin    

春冰化露 This year I must set out On a better footing The seeds they lay Will only bear them bitter fruit If I fall – if I lose my way What help can I be Let them teach Let me learn My friend is golden My enemy divine © J H Martin  

Morning, Stranger Jacques pried his eyes open. Fuck… The light through the curtains was a punishing glare, and his head banged in time with his heartbeat. He wasn’t hungover. He was drunk. He was always drunk. All he could taste in his cotton-dry mouth was an acrid mixture of fake malt whisky and cheap cigarettes. Rubbing his eyes, Jacques felt something move on his chest. What the… It was a…

雪落大白​ I trace footprints In the snow Step by step I feel the winter chill Yesterday There was a cherry tree Today I don’t know where it is Paths cross Roads diverge There is no news but suffering © J H Martin

歡迎來到中國 Welcome to the Middle Kingdom. A land of smoke and mirrors. You can think whatever you want to think, But that does not make it so. This pale face has grown thick. This young heart has turned black. I am a foreigner. I am not from here.   The Foreigner (老外) is a serialised online novel that plunges the reader into the China of the early 2000s—a time of dizzying change. Follow Jacques, a…

Mad Verse At night Under a clear black sky I can almost forget I am here The stars – they guide me The moon – she makes me smile What joy This pond of liquid silver   © J H Martin    

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Dust Your Bones Down Edge of Humanity Magazine is an online platform that features writing, photography, and artwork that deals with all aspects of the human condition, as well as the pressing social issues of our times. Edge of Humanity Magazine is thrilled to invite you to our Poetry Monthly event, set to take place on October 14th & 15th. This celebration will showcase a collection of new and…

Myanmar Diaries Myanmar Diaries is a hybrid film about life under the regime of terror in Myanmar in the aftermath of its military coup of February 1st, 2021, told through personal stories by a group of anonymous young Burmese filmmakers. It is produced by Netherlands-based ZINDOC and co-produced by Norwegian Ten Thousand Images. Built up of short films by ten young anonymous Burmese filmmakers,…

Low Alpine Feral Filial Two sides Of the same coin From basement flat Up to the Pirate radio station The dogs bark And the door slams Both Man and boy How many steps Did I take How many times did I treat you The way I wanted to be My dearest shadow My careless life This flute plays For the twilight clouds   © J H Martin  

Empty Shower Underwood is the flagship magazine for Underwood Press LLC. It’s about the craft. It always has been. Compelling stories that are well told. We are a micro press. And we are a craft press. We have Vandercooks in our bones, a Chandler & Price in the garage, and Heidleberg Windmills in our dreams. Letterpress printing is our past and our future. The ink that gives life to the machines…

Summer Film Is it the heat Or is the time confusing Sunset clouds pass by my house And leave me sitting here Mountain grey Country lined Your breeze Would be most welcome Lost in this Dark green haze The cuckoo does not sing for me The bamboo towers high   © J H Martin    

黑龍 To the dark grey clouds It cannot be seen There is no Friction from its movement Murderous but gentle It curls around the sleeping child By all means – Pose the question Is there a memory I can hold to Some thing To give this meaning Sitting under Eaves in flames The doubt will burn the bones   © J H Martin  

Head Turn, J H Martin, 2024    

Unfounded Life Death How much Are they worth I ask because The statements Do not add up The apology The hatred The credo The grief They are respected And they are loved But they are No basis for this claim Without form Without substance The wind blows through This empty house   © J H Martin    

Dark Mills, J H Martin, 2024