John Bentley

Originally from South London, John moved to Wiltshire in 2005 for greater wall space.  His artwork and poetry can be found in galleries and subways throughout the UK. 

John has long been an insistent voice in an urban wilderness.

He has also worked with Young Offenders in Creative Writing Workshops teaching young people excluded from mainstream schools.  

He continues to write and perform his own poetry.  His work has been included in two national anthologies of Modern Poetry and is currently working with Scott Coughlan on the completion of their second book of poetry, "Leave the Engine Running".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                 

  

                 

 

                     

 

What it’s all about

 

It’s not about privilege

It’s not about class

Or silver spoon accents

That cut you like glass

It’s not about mirrors

Or the other great lies

Or the doors that get opened

By public school ties

It’s not about science

Or wonderlift bras

Or the distance in light years

To Michelin stars

It’s not about fashion

It’s not about look

Or how well your bait

Is attached to the hook

It’s not about diamonds

It’s not about bling

Or the shackles we wear

In the gold of a ring

It’s not about gender

Or what’s in between

Or whether your chromosomes

Fit in your genes

It’s not about icons

It’s not about sport

Or the goals that you score

Or the lines that you snort

It’s not for the hungry

Or the malnourished poor

Or the pride that they swallow

When asking for more

It’s not about justice

And who tips the scales

Or who built the cross

And who forged the nails

It’s not about freedom

In the home of the brave

Or the mendacious tributes

Said over your grave.