Highlights of my Cabin FM show on Tuesday 15 October 2024 where I was joined by James Newton to talk about the new ‘Joker’ movie directed by Todd Phillips. There is also a review of addiction and recovery drama set on Orkney, ‘The Outrun’, and a beautiful poem from Susan Norvill called ‘Airman’s Grave’. There are top tunes from The Cranberries, Simon & Garfunkel, De La Soul, Dr. Hook and Mary Hopkin, and 80s belters from Debbie Harry, Flash & The Pan and Jennifer Rush.

Airman’s Grave

He took my hand and whispered,
‘The day is gathering gloom,
You have your life and freedom
While I am in the tomb.’

The Sussex fields lay languid,
The sun’s light fell away,
I felt the coldness grip me
As the valley turned to grey.

He took me on that journey
On which he knew he’d die,
Where the roar of bomber engines
Shocked the bloody, scarlet sky.

He took my hand and whispered,
‘Be strong and find your way,
I died as I reached manhood,
I had not had my day.’

I saw his eyes grow sadder,
His face was streaked with tears,
‘My life may yet be cherished
In how you live your years.’

He took my heart and whispered,
‘I lie where wild flowers bloom,
They tend my lonely tombstone
When the day is gathering gloom.’

Susan Norvill