Journey of Words

Category: Poetry

  • Not Again!

    More bloody football! It’s Monday! Television – Remote controller . n.b. Matches scheduled to spread the output of live entertainment for armchair spectators means that football is played for television broadcast seven days a week. I could go on, but Arsenal FC are coming to town and I have things to do before the game →

  • Island

    Three roads, one railway Cross Hilsea Lines to Hampshire But we’re happy here . n.b. The connections from Portsmouth to the mainland are limited. For those travelling by car the road connections can be a source of frustration; for the residents a source of pollution. Standing traffic is commonplace on these often congested links. All →

  • Break Up

    Totally cut up Dismantled, stripped naked, boned Empty vessels. Ssssshhhh! . n.b. Breakers yards at the top of Portsea Island have operated here for generations and although on a smaller scale than during the post-war period, it is still fascinating seeing a ship taken apart. CLP 01/03/2020 →

  • Salix Alba

    Bewigged, betwigged tree Bedraggled shade for pond life Happily unhappy . n.b. In leaf the weeping willow is a very lovely waterside adornment, otherwise it is a bit drab, unless caught in a sunburst that turns the heap of unkempt branches gold. CLP 01/03/2020 →

  • In Southampton Row

    Pompey alleyway Navy docks to Old Portsmouth Rings to goldfinch song . n.b. Even in this so densely populated English city birds’ songs resonate. The twittering of the goldfinches are a welcome distraction from the cries of cynical gulls and the occasional passing ambulance siren. . CLP 01/03/2020 →

  • Salix Alba Caerulea

    Deep roots draw strength From river banks; soggy fields Pink shoots top out crown . n.b. This willow, from which cricket bats are made, thrives in fresh water zones of temperate lands. In the early part of the year the tips of this salix tree bring a refreshing light red hue to winter, a hope-filled →

  • On 1st March

    Vivid yellows wave Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! Except for druids . n.b. “Happy St. David’s Day” indeed. The druids were outlawed by Emperor Claudius in 54AD and in 60AD the Governor Suetonius began a campaign to wipe them from the face of Britannia. Although not entirely successful, his campaign severely reduced survivors of Druidic religion, →

  • Crataegeous monogyna

    Within the city Defiant displays – new life Uncontainable . CLP 01/03/2020 →

  • Salix Caprea

    New cycle begins Male catkins in full flower Spring’s genie is out . CLP 01/03/2020 →

  • The Englishman’s Castle

    Concentrated pile Fortified, gated, moated Easily besieged . n.b. Pull up the drawbridge and await fate. Castles became obsolete once knowledge of gunpowder, originating in China, spread worldwide. With the power that came with this knowledge so widely distributed, new ways of living had to be found that were more cooperative, more inclusive and resulted →