Piker Press — Weekly Journal of Arts and Literature
April 27, 2026

Warmer Flesh

Stephen Kingsnorth (Cambridge M.A., English & Religious Studies), retired to Wales, UK, from ministry in the Methodist Church due to Parkinson’s Disease, has had pieces published by on-line poetry sites, printed journals and anthologies.

Warmer Flesh

Citizens of empty city,
former journeys fill eye bags;
temp accommodation offered,
only if get rid of dog.
But she only understanding,
she alone has need of me,
not regarding me as nuisance,
sidewalk swerving, eyes avert.
But as world self-isolating,
social distance outside home,
lay-abouts that litter pavements
better swept to hostel box.
Pigeon hole for those not fitting
into model life-style set,
but that fix ignores my closest;
life's a bitch, if me or her.
Where would others choose for shelter,
cleaner sheets or warmer flesh?
Rather share known breath of puppy,
panting tongue and wagging tail;
others share the bed of lover,
I would, pavement, kennel pooch.







Article © Stephen Kingsnorth. All rights reserved.
Published in the July 25, 2022 issue .
Image(s) © Sand Pilarski. All rights reserved.
More by Stephen Kingsnorth → More poetry → Full issue →
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