Beetlebug
(by Martin Vaughan)

Volkswagen beetle, robust yet quirky,
Conceived as car of the people, you are
More than a car, part of the family.

Engine at the rear where the boot should be,
Trunk upfront – now isn’t that clever,
Volkswagen beetle, robust yet quirky.

All ladybird curves with giant bug-eye
Peepers on skin pale as a feather,
More than a car, part of the family.

Beetle engine sounds send my memory
South to Tramore during rare summer weather,
Volkswagen beetle, robust yet quirky.

Seaside photos filled with goosebumps and glee,
Beetlebug somehow snuck into the picture -
More than a car, part of the family.

FKI 730 – lost by the sea,
My sister returned, knowing the number,
to our Volkswagen beetle, robust yet quirky,
More than a car, part of the family.

Pocket Wallet
(by Martin Vaughan)


Life&Mac226;s clutter gathers
in black Italian leather:

well worn legal tender,
bank cards, work i.d.

membership for library and video store,
phone details, a favoured prayer,

hastily scribbled e-mail addresses,
receipts it once seemed wise to keep,

and, ready for the unforeseen,
postage stamps and anadin.