‘Long Ride’ by James Massiah
Won't see you for a little while
And though I love your mother's child
I think we’ll have to be away
For more than just a couple days
I think we’ll have to be apart
Until this thing has come to pass
That day will be a wicked day
But until then, be safe
And when online be kind
And then just send me any memes
Gifs and MP3s
And nudes
And don’t just watch the news
Let’s flix the net and not forget
To keep up with the show
We’re keeping up appearances
Still fitting in our fit pics
All dressed up with nowhere to go
We’re mad men now you know
Not sure which way is up or down
Or which damn day it is
I’m going back in time
In mind to summers as a kid
Pre long rides on my specialised
And one-exercise quotas
When I was quoting preachers and in service sang soprano
Back home it was all Slimzee sets
And running round outside
I’ve now got time to find those old cassettes
of all that old-school grime 'cause I’m
Inside for the foreseeable
And still can’t wait to see you
Until then my mother prays
As a youth we studied Hebrew
And this takes me back to good old days
Of gospel songs
Before Klein remixed them and made them spicy and raw
Hope she prays the angel passes over us
The red is on the door
Like Belshazzar
I know the writings there upon wall
I've broke the law and done it proud from London town to Stroud
Everything feels different now and nothing's quite the same
Shotters plotting how to drop their dots with police on patrol
Families worried sick about the old
Class divide more clearer now
How do we cut the dough
How do we keep from panicking
With press peddling woe
On House Party with your woes
Listening to stay flo
In a string vest
Practising your Vogue
For when the clubs unclose
And shops so you can cop new shoes
And feel fresh in your clothes
I’ve been inside for what feels like aeons
But still feel cute
Blocking out the fake news
And the bad mind views
Not pressuring myself to write or produce
Just chill and keep in touch with yous
And look out for the neighbours
They be looking out for us
Holding parking spots and parcels
When we were out that day
Playing Dillinger on speakers
Bluetooth under blue sky
On green grass with some pick-me-ups
Pollen in my nose
Must have pollen in my eyes
And think that’s why I feel to cry
Thinking of the ones I know
Hoping no one has to go
I know someone that got the text
They might be stuck till June
I’ll never take for granted
All my moments spent with you.