What's Next Isobel? - a poem after Jake Thackray

Poemtopical poem
Written By Jason Conway

The second lockdown in England, in my house at least, was made easier by the regular use of the iPod shuffle function, and much writing. Which has made it an easier lockdown than the first one, and its aftermath, already - even though, living alone and far from the centre of things in tier two, not much has changed for me since it ended.

Music and writing collided in perfect harmony one night a couple of weeks ago, when Jake Thackray's song Isobel Makes Love Upon National Monuments skipped out of the speakers while I was footling about on the sofa with pen and paper. I love the song, and know it well, but it hit me afresh this time, given the news cycle. And so this topical satire spilled out.

If you don't know the song, I recommend you listen to it before reading the poem.

What’s Next, Isobel?

after ‘Isobel Makes Love Upon National Monuments’ by Jake Thackray

Oh Isobel, your indiscretions 
were so decorous, and so controlled.
I wanted the hay you rolled in to catch fire, 
for you to make no concessions
to the sanctity or stability of statues
and for your joyful fucking to destroy
blue plaques, gift shops and foundations.

I know that you’ve done Britain. You
topped off your adventures at the Albert Hall.
Is there any hope at all of America
coming next in your public campaign
of sexual relations? White shoulder blades
exposed upon Mount Rushmore. That
would be a pretty perfect place to start.

Then on to the centres of great art: MoMA,
the Guggenheim, Smithsonian and Getty.
Outrage the petit bourgeouise with clothing
ripped and flung forgotten into rivers;
the stony heads of heads of state knocked
in there with ‘em. Find your rhythm.
Feel your way across the Disunited States.

And if, after all, you are too British to destroy
the Joshua Tree, Lady Liberty or Fort Matanzas
with such bonanzas of carnality and joy
then at least consider this small request:
bottle up, reserve, compress your sexual power
ready to obliterate—in one great burst of sensual bliss—
the seminally stained excrescence that is Trump Tower.

Jason Conway

I'm a creative guru, visionary artist and eco poet based in Gloucestershire UK.

I love designing Squarespace websites for clients as well as providing a full range of graphic and website design services. My clients are passoinate entrepreneurs that are making a positive difference in the world.

Clients can hire me for brand and marketing strategy, content research, content writing and content management, social media training and management, blog and article writing, book design, book cover design, self publishing help, packaging design and sign design.

I'm a creative coach helping passionate and ethical business owners to create sustainable businesses geared for a healthy work life balance and helping to break through blocks and regain or maintain focus. I use creativity as a key problem solving tool and motivator.

As an artist is create inspirational works of art for private and corporate clients, from full size wall graphics and installations for offices, conference areas and receptions, to cafe's and restaurants to health and wellbeing centres. Any wall or space can be transformed with large scale art, which is a key motivator for staff and can reduce work related stress. I also accept private commissions for paintings, sketches and illustrations.

As a published poet I write about the joys of nature and the human devastation of it. I also write poems for brands and businesses to engage their audiences in new and more thought provoking ways.

https://www.thedaydreamacademy.com
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