Ambition beware

He showed joy back then
When teeth are not yet long
Or even full fallen out
A gap-toothed grinning imp
Of flagrant possibility
Reality unbound
Eyes bright

A fire glints

Through academic rites
Nicotine stained passage
Pub snug conversation
Whiling till the birds pipe up
Such simple music

Unsatisfied yet
He signs his name 
By guttering flames

Savile Row clad
Emperors new wardrobe
Weaved of bursting pride
How soon a razor loses edge

The strop is strangely lost
A glowing ember
Wends smoky
Tendrils skyward

A grand house
Crammed with grander tat
Fust of Sunday-morning kipper
Providing antique audience
He battles broadsheets
Fights marmalade on toast
To sticky conclusions

At close of day
Reclined in leather solitude
A mantel clock marked time
He half remembers
Then forgets
At six his trembling hand
Spills the sherry

Gleaming priceless stone
Enwrought with golden type
Defies the verdant grass
His house still stands
Treasures gather dust
Pharoah lies entombed
And no-one comes