The Looney Bin Blues

Book excerpt: A RECIPE FOR RIOTS Riots in the inner city Are the Tory recipe. They call ‘security, stability and opportunity’, All the privilege of exclusivity. Better the point of view of Groucho Marx, Expressed in one of his fine remarks “I wouldn’t dream of joining a club that lets in people like me” He said in perfect parody... The Looney Bin Blues is a collection of poetry inspired by the author’s current country of residence, Mexico, as well as his hometown of Watford in England. The collection covers a broad range of subject areas and themes, from the forming of Mexico’s Constitution after its 1917 Revolution, to Cooke’s take on secularism, to a tribute to his former place of study, Thames Valley University, and a touching ode to his partner Maricruz and her two sons. It also takes a controversial attitude to prejudice and discrimination against mental illness, citing examples of great figures in history who were also mentally ill, such as the poet William Blake and the singer Amy Winehouse. The Looney Bin Blues will appeal to those looking for an irreverent yet thought-provoking volume of poetry, plus fans of Tristram’s previous books.