TOWARDS 2024
We live in an age that can be called "risk averse"
When "couldn't be better" is now "couldn't be worse".
So, as we head on towards 2024
It would be nice to try to even up the score,
And reply with "Oh fine" when asked how we feel
Instead of a moan and some self-pitying spiel;
And maybe even get the response of a smile
For seeking to make other folks' feelings worthwhile.
An...
Tuesday 26th December 2023 12:15 pm
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - a ballad
This seems the right sort of song message as we arrive at the Festive Season. Something with a
happy ending!
MC
Saturday 23rd December 2023 10:17 am
THOUGHTS AT CHRISTMAS - Seasonal re-post
How fitting now in deep December,
When days are short and life is low,
That in our hearts we will remember
Those we knew who had to go
Christmas hours are briefly bright,
Their spark is spent in winter's pay
And soon surrenders to each night
When light retreats and fades away.
But O how wonderful this living!
How magical this life we own,
That we are given t...
Monday 18th December 2023 5:45 pm
CHRISTMAS SNOW
Once again - a thought for those who can't make it home for Christmas but who are always there
in their minds. This version is from the crystal clear tones of the late lamented Marcie Summers.
1.
At home the Christmas snow is falling
I see it clear across the miles
I hear the happy voices calling
See the dear familiar smiles.
2.
Every Yuletide brings its reason
To celeb...
Monday 11th December 2023 6:15 pm
SANTA'S SATNAV
Some more seasonal fun, with modern techy kids in mind giving their long-suffering parents a hard time.
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DAD
We get these questions from our kids...they won't leave us alone
When they jump out of bed on Christmas Day
Each time they ask their M...
Thursday 7th December 2023 7:20 pm
WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES AROUND
Lift up your voice
Let all rejoice
And make a joyful sound
Cast off the care
Most folk must bear
When Christmas comes around
Look to your hearts
That's where love starts
Where life itself begins
And you shall know
That Faith will show
Forgiveness for your sins
Look to His truth
In Age and Youth
Salvation shall be found
As One they stand
Be...
Friday 1st December 2023 2:54 pm
WINTER TREES
Winter trees are spindly spare -
Like old men in their show;
Shivering in the brittle air,
Bespoke in coats of snow.
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Tuesday 28th November 2023 6:58 pm
POETRY DIGS!
Poetry has a history of being involved with notable events, usually in celebratory vein but just as
effectively in critical mode. Wit always works better than basic vulgarity, but has to be applied with
care (or courageous disregard depending on your mindset!). A superior example of rhyme and
clever association is to be found in the couplet by William Collingbourne (Colynbourne), a Wilt...
Sunday 26th November 2023 5:31 pm
DOG AND BOY
If anyone knows who took this charming photograph, I'd be happy to insert an acknowledgement/credit.
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See them knelt beside the bed,
Paws and hands before each head.
A sight to give us innocent joy...
Two friends together - dog and boy.
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Tuesday 21st November 2023 9:52 pm
LONESOME RAIL
A musical re-run along romantic lines!
..................................................................
Darlin' now I'm miles away
From where I long to be
Now there's too much distance
Keepin' you from me
I lie awake most every night
To the locomotive's wail
And my heart heads back
Down the waiiting track
To ride that lonesome rail
I see your face before me
...Sunday 19th November 2023 6:50 pm
WEEKEND THOUGHTS
Here are some ongoing words of wisdom from Dale Carnegie.
SUCCESS is getting what you want.
HAPPINESS is wanting what you get.
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Saturday 18th November 2023 10:39 am
WHERE?
Where are the marches of many thanks that old Blighty might expect?
Where are the banners of gratitude...where, the displays of respect?
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Friday 10th November 2023 4:22 pm
A DISTANT HAZE - a re-post for Autumn
Wood smoke, the good smoke,
Drifting through the trees,
Brings the haze of distant days
And childhood memories.
Wood scent, the good scent,
Pungent and sublime,
Brings to mind the yearning kind
Of youth than envies time.
Flame glow, the same glow
As passion's rich red rose,
Sight and scent by Nature meant
When youth to adult grows.
.......................
Tuesday 7th November 2023 5:52 pm
THE GALMPTON ROBIN - a re-post for November
Some years ago now, I took a walk one November Sunday afternoon from my Torbay
residence to the village of Galmpton beside the River Dart. There, among trees devoid
of leaves, a lone robin sang out in the autumn air. At that moment it seemed that he
was singing just for me. NOTE.:The word "quay" is pronounced "kee" here in the UK.
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Thursday 2nd November 2023 6:27 pm
PLAYING WITH WORDS
Just a short diversion from poetry itself but using the content of words to entertain,
with some connecting identities in the letters. For example -
DESPERATION = The rope ends it
THE MORSE CODE = Here come the dots
SNOOZE ALARMS = Alas no more z's
SLOT MACHINES = cash lost in me
A DECIMAL POINT = I'm a dot in place
ELEVEN PLUS TWO = Twelve plus one
DORMITORY = Dirty room
...Tuesday 31st October 2023 10:47 am
YOU SMILED
Something for the ever-hopeful in romance.
................................................................
Nearly never made it to that dance the other night
Nearly stayed at home again - alone and out of sight
So glad I went and found you there
And found again that I could care
This loser's heart was still so sore
From all the hurt it had before
REFRAIN
You looked at...
Wednesday 25th October 2023 8:38 pm
AUTUMN TREES
Autumn trees are brash and bold,
In royal majesty they stand,
Wearing robes of red and gold,
They decorate the land.
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Friday 20th October 2023 4:53 pm
CUTTING THE CLOTH
Mental acuity wears a well-cut suit, you see,
Whereas stupidity is akin to mental nudity!
.......................................................................................
Tuesday 17th October 2023 6:12 pm
THEY TELL US
They tell us...
Love makes this old world go around
Love can make us sound or unsound
Love is always waiting to be found
Love is the theme in all art that's renowned
Love is the diadem with which life is crowned
And -
Love will attend when we're placed in the ground.
(But Love delay I hear say, when that time comes round!!)
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Sunday 15th October 2023 5:12 pm
SPORTING CHANCE
The Romans could probably tell us of what is still in the news
Of their own time spent in history with the Arabs and the Jews.
Two thousand years later history seems in fast forward repeat
Of age-old animosities that time and tide seem unable to defeat.
Imagine here in these islands if that had been the case
Between the different peoples inhabiting their own place.
It seem imposs...
Friday 13th October 2023 3:54 pm
COMPARISONS
I am currently watching a HBO mini-series about WW2 called "The Pacific", featuring the exploits of the U.S.
1st Marine Division who fought their way across that great ocean's islands against a deadly enemy and
deadly jungle conditions. With the threat of death at every rustle of the all-enveloping tropical growth
and the disease-laden conditions that were with them every weary rain-aodd...
Wednesday 4th October 2023 1:57 pm
SICK AND MORE!
The hand and mind that would fell a tree
That has stood for so long for all to see
Like a beacon of enduring hope so that we
Might marvel at something so fine and free
Could never be worth a damn to me
The heart and hand that took a saw
And did the deed makes me sick and more!
(Written in response to the timely poem by Stephen W Atkinson)
......................................
Friday 29th September 2023 12:54 am
CHRISTMAS SNOW-ORCHESTRAL
Those of you on WOL who remember my seasonal song/words for "Christmas Snow", might enjoy the
attached orchestral version, especially if you recall the style of the James Last Orchestra. I will
probably upload a repeat of the vocal version at a more appropriate time closer to Christmas itself,.
In the meantime, I hope this might help lift some spirits out there! :-))
MC
Tuesday 26th September 2023 7:49 pm
DISPARITY
As I'm not in the business of courting popularity,
My contributions display a certain disparity,
Ask no questions, told no lies
Never ever struck me as being too wise.
Poetry is for me the great literary game
Never shying away from praise or blame,
Seeking to please OR provoke debate,
Seem perfectly suited to poetry's state.
Write what you please but be pleased wi...
Thursday 21st September 2023 8:57 pm
MIKE YARWOOD
When it comes to our turn to face the hereafter
What better way to be remembered than by the sound of laughter?.
Show after show, the very best of his profession
Mike Yarwood showed us all the way to go,
At least - that's my impression!
................................................................................................................
Wednesday 13th September 2023 11:53 am
TIME AND TIDINGS
Time's passing is marked by days that are past,
Reminders that nothing in life's meant to last;
Memory, our deposit account of things been and gone
Can be emptied by depletion too cruel to dwell on.
So...carpe diem!. Let those words guide your way
Live life to the full - each and every new day.
........................................................................................
Monday 11th September 2023 7:44 pm
YOUTH AND TRUTH
Is the transient ease and beauty of youth
Our consolation for the essential truth -
That we are all of us bound for the waiting grave?
Unavoidable age exacts its hard cost
For the carefree years that are soon lost.......
That bid us farewell with their time-ordered wave.
.....................................................................................
Sunday 10th September 2023 5:42 pm
NEW AGE
We are now in the age of Saint Sanctimonious,
Preaching pious sermons emotively erroneous,
Accentuated by adjectives aggressively acrimonious,
Supporting acts and policies fundamentally felonious.
.......................................................................................
Thursday 7th September 2023 7:11 pm
THE MAN IN BLACK - remembering Johnny Cash
I know I'll always think of when
We knew he wouldn't be here again
And how it tore me up inside.
I know I've not heard tougher men
And I heard that awful news and then
I sat there with his songs - and softly sighed.
Johnny Cash - you had to leave us
Johnny Cash - you had to go
Your going was always going to grieve us
Man in Black...we miss you so.
I hea...
Friday 1st September 2023 3:02 pm
AT THE WELL
At the well of poetry stop and drink,
It refreshes the mind and make you think!
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Wednesday 30th August 2023 3:59 pm
WOMEN'S WORLD CUP - some thoughts
Let me begin by stating that to reach the final was a great achievement in itself.
To win in sport you need an appropriate level of competition. England hit the bar. Spain didn't.
Kipling knew about success and failure and included the theme in his famous poem "IF" to great effect.
"If you can meet triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same..."
I love his use...
Wednesday 23rd August 2023 4:49 pm
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE - a re-post for Summer
Pausing high above the beach,
I watch the children out of reach,
Racing down the golden sand,
Leaping...laughing...hand in hand.
Children dancing in the sea
Remind me how I used to be,
Free from care and full of fun,
A happy boy beneath the sun.
Time goes by, yet time stands still,
And moment follows moment till
What is now once went before,
And what is p...
Tuesday 22nd August 2023 2:50 pm
LADS AND LASSES
Smiling lad,
I am so glad
You smiled at me
So readily
And made me see
What happiness can be.
Smiling lass
You gaily pass
And made me feel
That I could steal
A heart and find that love is real.
Lads and lasses
In your masses
Smile at me
As you go on your way
And leave that smile to say
A look can make our day..
.............................
Tuesday 1st August 2023 7:03 pm
NIGEL FARAGE AND DICK DEADEYE
You can say what you like about Farage
But he's achieved more in his life
Than any MP now in Parliament
Or the World and its trouble and strife.
Farage reminds me of Gilbert's Dick Deadeye
From the perennially popular "Pinafore"
Created to utter disquieting realities
That more fanciful minds would deplore.
Gilbert knew much about human nature
Targeted in his To...
Thursday 27th July 2023 3:43 pm
GOODBYE GEORGE ALAGIAH
A young roving reporter of considerable experience
Who was employed widely showing reliable resilience.
In later years, he brought news with consistent connectivity
A model of calm courtesy and admired objectivity.
Now he's gone ahead, making the news on his way,
Goodbye George Alagiah - and many thanks for your stay.
.................................................................
Monday 24th July 2023 5:59 pm
WHY, WHY, WHY...DELILAH?
Sir Tom is clearly not having one bit
Of attempts to stop rugby fans singing his hit.
Stories have always been related in song -
Love, lust and loss - and who done who wrong.
Sultry Lena Horne, as if somehow in the know,
Sings "Frankie and Johnny" - and why Johnny had to go!
While Johnny Cash brings dark tones to linger upon
The terminal tidings of why "Delia's Gone"
...
Sunday 23rd July 2023 2:16 pm
SCOLD
There's a tendency for "experts" to admonish and scold
Any view that queries the things we are told.
As if we are mere sheep being led to the fold
To be passively sheared, our brains bought and sold.
But I recall it was Voltaire, an intellect without equal,
Who was up to responding to such challenging tasks
And dependably provides the time-honoured sequel -
Don't judge a man ...
Tuesday 18th July 2023 5:34 pm
FANCY FREE
I've always liked the words "fancy free",
They mean lightness of heart to me
Whatever your fancy, let it be
The way to happiness you seek to see.
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Sunday 16th July 2023 3:12 pm
WORKING UNDERGROUND
Written in response to JC's poem "COLLIERS AND KIDS"..
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When you work deep underground
You want men with you who are sound....
Men with whom you can trust your life.
You have no need of pretend saints
Nor the likes of them that faints
at danger - or not trusted near your wife!
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,...
Friday 14th July 2023 8:58 pm
TILTING AT WINDMILLS
Refusing to face the unwelcome won't see it go away
No victory is ever gained by declining to enter the fray.
So let us go tilting at windmills - waving our lances aloft
There's often scant difference between cheers and jeers,
Or what is applauded and what is scoffed.
There's this to be said for well meant passion
Whether it be sourced in gladness or sorrow
It rarely if ever g...
Wednesday 12th July 2023 12:16 pm
WHEN
When the night wind softly moans like some poor lost soul dying,
When perceived past sins torment the spirit like hideous spectres multiplying;
When nightmares haunt the soul and trap you in the darkest deep
That sees you force yourself awake to escape its smothering sleep,
How glad you are to witness the dawning and the light of welcoming day
As the arrival of a new born morning bi...
Monday 10th July 2023 10:49 am
TIME AFTER TIME (AFTER TIME!)
To be recited to the tune of that old Sinatra standard...a personal favourite.
Tiime after time
i note reports of crime
Committed by names alien to mine
So worrying to see
Their increased frequency
That indicates a much loved land's decline
I only know what I know
That what is now on show
Is a nightmare future I've no wish to see
As time after time
I...
Tuesday 4th July 2023 2:42 pm
SNIPER
This was inspired by the latest WOL poem "Night Sight" from Stephen Gospage.
...........................................................................................................
The sniper is like a hidden viper
A striking snake in the grass,
The bite of its disguised fang
Like the Reaper's scythe can pass
Leaving sudden death in its wake,
Amid nerve-wracking fright
...
Tuesday 20th June 2023 8:40 pm
THE LAW'S OWN WHORE
It is reported that the Parole Board system is permitting the release of a rapist/murderer of
two young girls. This follows other very concerning decisions that beggar belief.
.................................................................................
The Parole Board system is the law's own whore,
A fetid festering running sore;
Creeping corruption of its lifeblood flow
...Saturday 17th June 2023 4:19 pm
LEFT...RIGHT? GET IN STEP!
Of national pride, there are none so bereft
As those who inhabit the political left;
Driven disciples of global orders
In their neglect of protecting a nation's borders
Identified by their excess of hyperbole -
Certainly, in language alone they're free..
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Thursday 15th June 2023 6:41 pm
SPIRIT
The human spirit is a wonderful entity
Embodying the best of what we're meant to be,
Knowing no boundaries of time or place
With its multi-faceted face.
But its crowning jewel all else above
Is found in the four letters that spell "love".
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Sunday 4th June 2023 3:21 pm
CHOICE
Don't cry for what is lost.
Smile for what has been.
........................................
These words came back to me while watching the online stream of the celebration of my late
sister's life, lovingly organised by her son; both of them long term happy residents across the Channel.
The advice always seems the best choice in this life.
Saturday 3rd June 2023 12:05 pm
CARPE DIEM
Carpe diem - seize the day!
For when today has slipped away
And time has taken its wilful pleasure,
Today will be tomorrow's treasure.
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Monday 29th May 2023 6:47 pm
FOR MY SISTER EVE: 5/7/1933-27/5/2023
Witnessing the fluttering turning of life's pages
Flickering ever faster as life itself ages,
How comforting that the narrative noted on them
Reflects the rich joy of a sister's life seen upon them;.
To give vital meaning to the precious word "achieve"
And add more reason for mourners' need to grieve.
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Sunday 28th May 2023 12:24 pm
REMEMBRANCE OF TIMES PAST
Young, now old; Near, now far,
I still remember Roger Starr.
Close companion of my school day youth
Whose friendship gave love its hidden truth,
Until that oh-so-painful day
When parents chose to move away.
Young, now old; Near, now far,
I think, with thanks, of Roger Starr.
.......................................................................
Friday 26th May 2023 5:05 pm
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