The Echoes poetry competition to celebrate Write Out Loud's 20th anniversary is now open.  Judged by Neil Astley.

Competition closes in 59 days, 3 hours. Get details and Enter.

Somewhere

Simon Grimes

Sought warmer climes

To cover up

Outrageous crimes.

 

Meanwhile, the wondrous wunderkind

Cooked a rabbit that he had skinned,

And then used daring to escape

By running flat out like the wind.

 

As the bise chilled the strollers by the lake,

A cheating couple rose up from their bed,

And pushed their way through carnivals of crowds

Towards the snow-capped mountains where they fled.

 

Everyone has to be somewhere,

And if not here, they’re there;

And if not there, well, where?

Some place, at least. Somewhere.

Somewhere

◄ 2028

Single Speed ►

Comments

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Tue 28th Jan 2025 11:19

It's five o' clock somewhere,
Time for tea!

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Mon 27th Jan 2025 08:36

Also puts me in mind of the early Neil Young song ‘Everybody knows this is Nowhere’

Profile image

Stephen Gospage

Mon 27th Jan 2025 07:37

Thankyou for your comments, Graham, Uilleam and Rolph. Eccles, a character in the 'Goon Show' was once asked 'What are you doing here?'. He replied: 'Everybody's got to be somewhere'. A devastating, if rather spurious, piece of logic.
We have had slogans like 'You are what you eat.' How about 'You are where you are'?

And thanks to everyone who liked this poem.

Rolph David

Sat 25th Jan 2025 18:33

Dear Stephen,
Your exploration of escape, displacement, and the search for refuge is grandiose. The way you weave together the different characters and their attempts to outrun their realities creates a powerful reflection on the human condition and the repeated refrain of "somewhere" beautifully captures the inevitability of facing one's existence and the constant search for meaning or escape.
I truly appreciate the insight and depth your poem offers.
Take care,
Rolph

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Sat 25th Jan 2025 11:18

I'm here...chase me!

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Sat 25th Jan 2025 10:53

Like the last verse especially Stephen. Sometimes I haven't got a bloody clue where I am!!

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message