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Nominative Determinism
I knew a man called BlackUnlike his delightful sense of humourI knew a man called WhiteWith dreadful yellow teethI knew a man called Youngwho lived to ninety-fourI knew a man called Bullwho never would eat beefI knew a man called RichWho died from being poorI knew a woman surnamed Sleepwho would not come to bedI Read more
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Camellias
Winter brings weakMorning light lateAfternoons darkFrost-shivered limbsFirst sign of warmth(Rain on the west wind)Foliage thickensLeaf litter laps the fenceSticky buds unfoldSuper-slow-motionBurst of pinkPetals un-scrollSudden brightness soonBurnt by memories Casting shadowsAcross our lawnSpectacular displayedVibrancy lastingNo longerThan winter’s sun ~ n.b. NaPoWriMo 2023. Day 25 prompt. Love poem with flower, parenthesis and odd line breaks. CLP 25/04/2023 Read more
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By the Seaside
Wincing dull dawnColourfulIf grey’s your thingDoes the sky reflectthe sea or seathe sky?This performanceDoesn’t make it clearThe North-EasterlyPlays its part wellGets in the headWith a sinuous chillReminiscent of Atonal violinsThat bring tearsA bit-part freighterbound for HartlepoolSustains a rhythmic arcingOf symmetric bow-waves Silently pleasingMusical sensibilitiesAs it ploughs the lineWhere that greyMeets this greyToday the briny’sSalt-sharp scentFills Read more
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Upper Tier, Front Row
1.Kev looks acrossCalls me overThere’s a seatFreeBeside himIn the front rowGratefulA great view2.A playerJogs closerPauses preparationLooks up seekingFamilial facesPoints a fingerTo the rightBlows a kissTo someone3.Squeezed in tightBeside her mum, She sees the manIn the blue shirtWavingThen bursts outBrightly”That’sMy Daddy!”4.CuddlingHer daughterCloserNew baby boyOn her kneeShe’s touchedBy the joyOf her little girlWith arms fullshe can only Read more
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on coincidence
In London, yesterday, I spotted this poster at the back of the National Theatre. Having written my Aladdin Sane poem a couple of days ago, I thought I would post a copy for those who might have wondered what I was writing about. Fifty years! 😳 CLP 23/04/2023 Read more
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on Ukraine
more than a year nowunimaginable thengrim reality ~ n.b. If you’re interested find a copy of this newly released book, War Diary by Yevgenia Belorusets. Published in the UK by Pushkin Press. CLP 22/04/2023 Read more
Journey of Words 