August is a funny month
They peddle the story again and again
An asteroid the same size
as the one that supposedly
did for the dinosaurs
is hurtling inexorably our way

August is a funny month
with a supposed lack of news
but they will have to do better
than fear-porn their way
to selling silly stories
that fewer take on board

August is a funny month
when some stories vanish
dropped like hot potatoes
while others appear out of nowhere
to scare and confuse – but
some are on to the ruse

copyright Francis Barker 2019