Times were rough for the Punch and Judy Man

this year harder by far

until with the arthritis kicking in

Samuel hit rock bottom.

With health and safety measures newly imposed

looming large

his enthusiasm for the seaside art

like the tide ebbed away.

On that fateful day

while Mr Punch, Judy, the Policeman

and The Dog were silent and stiff

Samuel drew a blade across his swazzle throat.

The children watched as the sand turned red,

thought it was part of the show,

until the parents pulled out their phones

and put the kiddies' dreams aside;

while Samuel's body remained inside

the sands of time ran out.