Biography
Stephen Gospage Stephen Gospage, an enthusiastic writer of poetry and short stories, was born in London in 1953, has spent most of his working life in Brussels and is proud to call himself a citizen of Europe. His 2019 poetry collection “Bedside Days” is published by Lulu and is available on Amazon. Several of his poems have been published in the 'New European' newspaper.
The pavements of Europe
In years like nineteen eighty-five, The pavements, through their long, nocturnal sleep, Were viewed at all times with distrust. Dawn: soles of freezing workers clatter past, To jump aboard the belching queues Of buses, lined up ten or twenty deep. A brave new world stirred, some years on, Stuffed with gold teeth and overpriced flash cars. Once more the pavements stole the show. They sprouted worlds with tall chairs stacked outside, Within which, furred and fast-tracked, lounged A rising class with merchandise in tow. In certain disinfected spots Sidewalks could play host to gala dinners. But much foul footfall had passed here, Which gave the rich too many tales to tell. For all the loudly touted boom, The poor had just their roadside wares to sell. Somewhere on the edge of Europe, On warm nights, pavements, bloated with excess, Drew veils to cover up their faults. First light brought women, trading in stale loaves (From gaudy kitchen towels unpacked); Soon heading home, their fondest dreams intact.
All poems are copyright of the originating author. Permission must be obtained before using or performing others' poems.
Blog entries by Stephen Gospage
Honours System (10/09/2020)
Big Lad (05/09/2020)
Dreams (03/09/2020)
Questions (24/08/2020)
Poets (17/08/2020)
Bruckner (11/08/2020)
Agony Street (09/08/2020)
Tragedies (06/08/2020)
Binoculars (28/07/2020)
Hyphen (15/07/2020)
Read more entries by Stephen Gospage…
Blog link: https://www.writeoutloud.net/blogs/stephengospage
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Comments
Robert Haigh
Fri 11th Sep 2020 20:57
Thank you, Stephen, for reading and liking my poem, "The Man Inside My Head." Much appreciated.
Wed 12th Aug 2020 23:34
or when you can't find the right Remote.
then the accusations start.
you had it last!
hahaha
Who knows? He may become Matt Hancock next time. OK, maybe not.
All the best
Steve
Sat 8th Aug 2020 13:01
Paul Sayer is even in here.
He is everywhere.
I think he may be an anarchist
trying to infiltrate each site for devious purposes.
He even changed his name to disguise his real identity.
I think he may be a double agent poet.
My pleasure. I remember we got one in a plastic bag of water from a fair at Blackheath. I don't know how my Dad kept it alive on the Green Line Bus.
Tue 28th Jul 2020 03:09
thanks for your comment on "Goldfish".
hasn't every kid had one?
and then one that died?
Thu 9th Jul 2020 03:54
Thanks for reading
"Retrieving the Morning Paper".
It was a fun poem for me to write.
I hope you had fun reading it.
Not at all, Abdul, although I think your poem is much more profound than my comment (which is just how it should be, of course).
Best wishes
Steve
Hello Stephen
Your recent comments on my poem "Well planned return" inspired me to wtite "Monkeys filled the vacuum".
I hope you don't mind me including ideas from your comments.
Abdul
Nicola Beckett
Sat 27th Jun 2020 18:50
Thanks for liking my poetry x
Hi Po
Thanks for the encouragement and for your like on Wounded Animal.
Steve
Hi Stephan
Great to see you settling in.
Thanks for dropping in and liking my 'Clouded Judgement'
Stay well and keep writing
Po
Toasting the Fallacy - thank you for commenting Stephan - and good luck on your journey with WOL. P. 👍
Thanks for your like on Pushing Boundaries Stephen.
Glad you stopped to read Scroll Stephen and got deep meaning from it.
😛
Thanks for Like on 'Streaks' Stephen. Appreciated. P. 👍
Thanks for your like on Easter Boxed In
N
Many thanks, Po. Sorry I was a bit slow to react. Looking forward to reading everybody's stuff.
Hi Stephan and welcome to WOL.
This is an exciting time to be a poet, it is great to see new members join. I am looking forward to reading more from you.
Po
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Stephen Gospage
Sat 12th Sep 2020 17:47
It was my pleasure, Robert. I really enjoyed it.
Steve