EMD Week Performance Poetry Evening

Fresh from an evening at work, which hosted a Performance Poetry Evening, I am basking in the delight of dipping in to my passion for a while in an unexpected context. It was like being home from home and it was a delight to see students come to the fore with unearthed talent. After reading a 'medium' serious poem, vetted for its suitableness in front of students, I shared a couple of light hearted poems of a thematic series, (that of 'no sleep'). It was great to have an unaffected audience, not out to prove anything, just there for the delight of sharing in a great evening of poetry and musical talent. Well done to my fantastic colleague who set the evening up with a great choice of location, and a professional looking stage setting. Photos might follow if they emerge.

Spoken Word - Filming

I've just come back from spending the day filming two spoken word poems in a local park and lake area to represent the seasons 'Summer' and 'Autumn'. This was to reflect two of the seasons that we may experience in our life of faith as we go through our lives and will be used to accompany a sermon series at church which will be delivered in the next few months. It was an interesting experience from the visual techniques used to memorise the words, to an appreciation of the stages involved with filming and editing a video as I watched my colleague in this creative project at work. Delivery of the poems was achieved when both sitting and walking, which was also a great experience to test the effectiveness of both the preparation process ahead of the day and the memory techniques used. Interestingly, this has put to rest a long lived insecurity that I had from my days in a public speaking club, where I lost my words halfway through a five minute speech and had to check my notes. Admittedly, the length of the speech back then was longer than the poems I read for these videos, but the distractions of the outside environment, along with the forward motion whilst walking, were satisfying challenges to overcome. It's been a good day.

Poetry Unplugged

So, this evening I finally took part in an open mic event. I've read poems out at a local poetry reading before, and spontaneously at conferences or church events, but this was with microphone at the Poetry Café 'Poetry Unplugged' event in London. The poetry readings were in the basement below the café, so I bought a drink at the bar upstairs and went down below to sign myself up for a reading. The room was small, with enough seating for about 40 people. I noticed that I was number 35 on the sign up list, so I was in for a long night - though understanding the etiquette that you don't leave half way through once an evening has started, especially if you read in the first half. The small crowd grew and the buzz began to build. There were such a range of characters in the room: old / young; modern / traditional; student / professional; 'arty' / cool; and other such society sector categories. The young American next to me, here on a creative writing course for the summer, began practising his 'spits', taking the tension up to the next level. The man to my right was calmly reading over his lyrical creation, perhaps practising, perhaps choosing which to read. I had been informed by the MC that poets would have 4 minutes at the microphone, to do with whatever we wished. I began to mull over my own choices: should I bare my soul and read 'Disappointment' - a tale of heart ache angst, lightened only by the love that I feel from heaven, thereby exposing my faith, or stick to a more 'socially acceptable' theme - school or death, perhaps. Whatever, I put my hair up. It's going to get hot in here. 

And so it did, throughout the hour and a half of poet filled angst at the mic, I needed some air. It was half time and I hadn't been up yet. I had signed up just fifteen minutes before the cut off time after all. I made mental plans to sign up earlier next time. However, it turned out that the order you sign up, isn't always the order in which you speak. As one of the proclaimed 'Poetry Unplugged Virgins' I got to go ahead of the remaining regulars towards the end. Having heard a range of poets and points of view, I dived in and read 'Disappointment'. It was met with noises of deep appreciation from the front rows of the crowd. It was hard to know how it was being met whilst concentrating on delivery, but I was there to flex my poetic muscles and to find my voice in a place where any viewpoint would do. I was there to push through any insecurities about what I should and shouldn't read in front of others. They (the abused; homosexuals; God haters...) have a voice, and so do I. Their voice is no more important than mine and nor is mine more important than theirs. I have a voice and have a right to be heard. It was also good to find a place where poets were understood, where angst of the soul was accepted as the 'norm' and where sharing words was considered to be an evening out well spent. I have found my home: amongst poets.

Spoken Word: Walk and Talk

I'm researching ways to present Spoken Word in different ways for a current project. Here are some different styles I've found: 'Face to camera (plus words)'; 'Animation accompanied'; 'Walk and talk' (names created by me rather than 'official' terms). See this link for 'Walk and Talk' (WARNING: Adult language used), see below for 'Animation Accompanied' (despite this not being a poem, it is the style of the animation which inspires me), and further below for 'Face to Camera (plus words). 

Spoken Word: Animation Accompanied

Spoken Word: Face to Camera (plus words)

Grime vs Spoken Word

BBC Radio 1 produced a Live Lounge special entitled: 'Grime vs Spoken Word Special' (5/6/15). It was a fantastic series of duets from the two styles, enabling the sound of lesser known artists to come to the fore. Check it out.

BBC: The Poets Will Be Heard

The accompanying blurb for this BBC programme stated: 'The UK’s leading spoken word poets share how they found their voice. Featuring George The Poet, Suli Breaks, Hollie Poetry and more.' It was a short but interesting programme about the rising voice of poets in the country and how it can be used to connect people with stories. I was particularly impacted by the words of George the Poet in his poem 'Impossible': '...there are no winners until someone's won it, you won't know what I'm capable of until I've done it. ...Fear of trying is fear of flying. ...you are starting to doubt yourself, ...now you're worried about people calling your bluff, second guessing your ability and all of your stuff, but no: you alone is more than enough. ...I knew my time would come eventually, so I celebrate every test that's sent to me, because what's about to be, was meant to be. It's remarkable to try, but I can't afford to die, knowing my ambition didn't kill me. Forget the voice of reason, listen to the real me: no guts, no glory.' I'm tempted to buy his book. The more I listen or read other people's poetry, the more I realise we all have our own niche. Everyone's words have a place and a purpose.

Heaven Touches Earth

I'm finally typing up more poems from my poem journals. I'm way behind, typing up poems from July 2013+. I have a long typing session / sessions ahead of me! I've updated up to 605 poems, with more to go. Despite sounding like a laborious task, typing them up gives me the opportunity to 'live' them again, to feel how I felt when I wrote them, and to experience the presence of God that I felt in that moment. Sometimes it's an emotional experience, which I allow myself the space to press into. Others, they bring me joy again. I so appreciate the gift of words to express my journey with God. Heaven touches earth every now and again...

On a wider note, poetry is just one of the methods that I use to journal my way through the ups and downs of life. I love doodling in my sketch book and listening to music, both of which help me enter God's presence. Life is good when Heaven touches earth...

'Released' Women's Conference TBC 31 Jan 2015

It was a pleasure to have been part of the programme at the 'Released' Women's Conference held at Tonbridge Baptist Church today. The worship at the start was incredible, the speaker, Jenny Baker, presented a discussion about gender equality, image and empowerment, and the lunch included a wonderful rustic bread and cheese spread. My eyes widened on seeing what looked like a French dinner table scene. In the afternoon, I had been asked to lead a workshop on 'Released to Create', in which we explored a range of ways to release our creativity with words. I used Isaiah 55:8-9 as inspiration to reach higher than our normal self-imposed limits, whilst Isaiah 55:10-11 was used to encourage those who felt less confident in their potential:

Isaiah 55:8-11 New International Version (NIV)

 

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

 

Having the pictures of enlarged flowers in my mind to represent the buds flourishing, I had a go at an overdue creative project and made some giant paper flowers, formation and materials courtesy of Pinterest and a wonderful trip to Hobbycraft. Some lovely women participated in the workshop, reminding me that gold can be found in the fewest of words, whilst experience and context can make some writing styles more accessible for some than others. It was a precious time of personal reflection and intimate sharing. Feedback as we worked our way through various word play techniques included: 'It was fun! I did things I did not think I could do.' Thank you for making it enjoyable to lead.

 

  

 

 

Abandoman - Improvisation

This evening I went to see 'Abandoman', described as 'Ireland's top comedy hip hop improv team with their biggest show to date'. They have performed at the Edinburgh Festival and have supported Ed Sheeran on his UK tour. Improvisation, story telling with the use of audience participation and flowing words create an entertaining evening of word prowess. I felt exhausted for him. It's quite hard work thinking up rhymes for an hour solid. Yet he managed, despite some unfortunately placid audience offerings, and, ably accompanied by his musician 'band' mates, he fed off those who offered richer pickings for his word gymnastics. It was an hour, so short, but intense and held your attention throughout. I'd like to see them with a different audience to see how they adapt to the different context.

 

Easter Worship Day

It's been a while since I have shared a poem of mine, and as this is primarily a poetry blog, it's about time: Yesterday, whilst sitting and enjoying the chilled out vibe at the Easter Worship Day at Tonbridge Baptist Church, I took the opportunity to read through my current poetry note book. Towards the end, I found this poem which encapsulated for me, in the moment of writing, back in December, how words are inadequate to describe the depth and breadth of God, despite the richness they might try to convey:

Few Words

There are but few words that can adequately describe you.

Each word relying on the other

To bring another facet into play

To fully display

The fuller array of you.
For no word will do
To fully display you.

How words cannot compare
to this sight so rare
of you.
If my experience of you could be as rich
as the hundreds of words that exist,
I'd only catch a glimpse of you.

Oh how words fail to satisfy my desire
to convey you.

I could twist and turn,
I could tumble and shake,
But no sound do they make
In comparison to
the symphony of you.

Oh how could I stay true to the truth of you
with mere words,
despite their flooding to me
in herds?

Copyright EH 2013. 
All rights reserved.

It was great to revisit a poem and give it some 'air'. The worship was led by the youth leaders and returning university students. They set it up in the round with opportunities for others to lead as they felt led, whether pre-planned or spontaneous. Thank you to them for the opportunity to share some words in praise of our wondrous God.

The National Gallery Room 9

On the 5th April 2014, I went to see the 'Magnificence in Renaissance Venice' exhibition at the National Gallery. It was a show case of around 50 masterpieces by the painter Paolo Veronese, the biggest collection of his works to be displayed in the UK, including some major loans from around the world. According to the National Gallery exhibition page,  it required a large scale re-hang of the gallery's collection, with some works being reunited in the same location for the first time in hundreds of years. What has this to do with poetry? Well I fell in love with his work 'The Adoration of the Kings' years ago when it was displayed in Room 9 of the National Gallery. I returned on many occasions to see this same painting as it symbolically represented something quite close to my personal experience of God. I also fell in love with the painting 'The Conversion of Mary Magdalene,' about 1548, previously entitled 'Christ Addressing a Kneeling Woman', which was also displayed in Room 9. I wrote a poem simply entitled 'The National Gallery Room 9' expressing the links between the two paintings in my mind. Then the inevitable, yet unthinkable in my naivety, happened: they removed 'The Adoration of the Kings'. I was sad, but knew that things change and it wasn't my room to decide what was displayed in there. Nevertheless, I excitedly discovered, on reading about this current exhibition, that the reason for its removal, was that it was being restored! Excellent news. So I paid for tickets to see two paintings that I have seen numerous times for free, but within the context of Veronese's other works, including a previous version of the 'The Adoration of the Kings' which I didn't know existed. All that to say that it has given me reason to revisit my poem, simply entitled 'The National Gallery Room 9'. It is good to reflect on times past and to see how far your journey has brought you, how things change, and underneath it all, how great it is to have a faith in God with whom you can share the journey.

'The Adoration of the Kings', Paolo Veronese, 1573-4

As for other links, it seems that Veronese was influenced by Michelangelo - another favourite painter of mine (see 'The Temptation of Saint Anthony Abbot, 1552) who was also a poet. See my previous post 28 April 2011 on this topic.

Women's Creative Worship Evening, 16 November 2013

I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the team setting up the women's Creative Worship Evening at the Tonbridge Baptist Church on 16th November 2013. We had areas set up for varied avenues of expression, designed for the women to filter in and out of throughout the evening with no fixed timetable. I was brought in to add a 'Words' section where those who wished could write, in any form, standard or amount, in order to express their worship to God, (even blank pages are fine). However, following a picture in my mind of a river, during one of the pre-event prayer / planning meetings, the area I was developing moved from a simple table with examples for thought and resources, to a full blown river, created out of material and cardboard boxes, (to create the 3D illusion), placed / sewn together. (Six hours of sewing was involved, but I have been looking for a project to use textiles with for years so it was a very satisfying process.) I knew this had to be an interactive space, so I researched the bible for 'water/river' linked quotes and I was excited to find Acts 16:13:

'On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.' Acts 16:13

So I set about putting cushions around the 'river' to allow the women attending the event to sit around and 'reflect, contemplate, think, doodle, write, pray...' I also created a 'tree' at the top on a stand alone notice board and the remnants of material, to frame example poems of mine, one being tree based, which were offered to prompt inspired creativity or simply just something to meditate on. I was also excited to find the below example from scripture:

'Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,    and who meditates on his law day and night.³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.' Psalm 1:1-3

To encourage the women to interact with the 'river' further, I put a selection of water/river themed quotes from scripture at the bottom of the 'water's edge' to be taken away and kept by those who felt the quotes spoke to them in some way. One woman said that she had had a picture of a river in her mind that morning which was evening more exciting! What an honour to have been part of the process of her meeting with God. I was inspired to see the women interacting with river and tree area, and all in all it was a wonderful evening full of time to stop and reflect on God, whether via sung worship, art, prayer, words, dance or prophecy. I look forward to the next one...



National Poetry Day 2013

In a nod to National Poetry Day 2013, Thursday 3rd October, I have updated my typed poetry journals, but I'm still about 20 poems behind. Hey ho! It's great to dip in and read some of them again. The theme of NPD 2013 was water. I'll add something creative here in that regard next time I update. UPDATE: 25/11/13 - Oh my gosh! I have inadvertently joined in on the water theme! See above post.

The Relationship between Poetry and Art

And if the creative and cultural links that we are making this morning haven't been enough: I've just discovered, by browsing through my Poetry Products links on the right hand menu, the following quote by Leonardo da Vinci: “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” Oh my word, and I thought Michelangelo was the poet. (I love the links between these two artists!) This reminds me of my poem 'The Pictures in My Mind' - see top of right hand menu. In this poem I express a frustration at not having as good an artistic talent as I would like, but also a gratitude for the gift of words that enable me to express what I see in  my mind at times. Leonardo's quote gives more weight to the communicative power of words than perhaps I am giving them credit for in this particular poem. (There will be others where I have waxed lyrical about their communicative power, however.) Perhaps Leonardo da Vinci wasn't actually a poet, but through his art came to this conclusion. I also presume he means wordless art, i.e. not the style of Stephen Raw in the below post. Nevertheless, I need to continue reading the yet unfinished book that I started ages ago 'The Battles' to see if it can shed some light. I'll blog again with any further in sight...

Stephen Raw - Making Language Visible

I'm going blogtastic with inspiration this morning. (It's amazing what you can do and discover with time allowed for a bit of creative space in your brain.) Having read some of Carol Ann Duffy's work 'The Bees' this morning, I was excited to discover that some of the words had been put into a visual art form by the artist Stephen Raw. To read his biography on his website brings me great joy: ‘Fundamental to all my artwork’ Stephen says, ‘is a love of language and how that language is given a visual dimension through signs we simply call letters: never-failing sources of inspiration. Letters are images in themselves and, for me, that’s more than enough to be getting on with.’ In those two sentences I'm converted to 'fan' status.` The limited edition prints, signed by both author and artists were made available for order. I'm inspired. Having dabbled with word art in the past, I hope to have time to do something of this nature again in the not too distant future.



'The Bees' - Carol Ann Duffy

It's a strange thing, reading the poetry of others. You'd think, as others have, that being a poet I'd automatically enjoy reading the poems of others. However, to get inside the poem of another is not always an easy thing.* I love writing poems because they allow a vent for my soul's musings, joy and struggles with the world. They connect me in an acute way with my inner feelings. Re-reading poems that I've written in the past can evoke as intense emotions as on their first writing due to their ability to transport me back to that exact period in time and season on my path. However, at times, the poems of another can remain locked to their meaning even after analysing every word and nuance. Nevertheless, I've been excited to discover the work of Carol Ann Duffy in her book 'The Bees'.** I received the book as a birthday present this year and have waited for a quiet moment to digest its contents. After the first three poems I'm hooked! What eloquent use of language to convey a scene, pull you into it's emotions and to initiate a knowing nod of the head. My favourites so far are: 'Last Post' and 'Echo'. Only three in, I'm in anticipation of more favourites as I continue to read. Such poetry joy!

* I've obviously felt a bit lighter on this subject in previous posts. I've most likely been frustrated at the reading of a few lesser accessible poems in between then and now. Repeating what I said in that post, I'd encourage anyone who finds poetry inaccessible to read to have a go at writing their own - however short or simple. This, I find, is the best way to appreciate the poems of others. Or, at least, to start the journey into appreciation.

** I'm also pleased to have a positive angle on Carol Ann Duffy's work after having previously discovered less favourable reviews.

Edinburgh Fringe 2013

My word! (My WORD! Get it!?) What a fantastic time at the Edinburgh Fringe 2013. I really enjoyed myself. Launching in with a Fringe experienced cousin we covered five shows in one day and three in another. My only one stipulation was that we had to see at least one spoken word show. Based on my official Fringe website research, my poet of choice was Scroobius Pip. This was going to be my first official spoken word show, and I LOVED it! I hung on his every word and rhyme, following his flow of meaning through the rhythms of his speech. I bought his book at the end (Poetry in (e)motion, the illustrated words of Scroobius Pip). I've read the introduction and the first poem so far, (1,000 Words), and I'm already inspired. What I love about this book is that Scroobius Pip invited artists via his MySpace page, to illustrated his poems. The book is a result of the submissions that he received. This ticks both my love of words and doodles / art to illustrate them. I'm in poetry heaven!

 

A second spoken word poet that we saw was David Lee Morgan, a previous UK and London Slam champion winner. (Warning: Explicit language and ideas in the video on his site.) Watching this man speak was like truly arriving at 'gritty' yet pure Edinburgh Fringe. This time the show was free, the dark atmospheric room in the underground vaults of the city, having been provided to him for free by the venue, his only income being our donations. Yet he spoke with such passion in his show 'Science, Love and Revolution'. See here for a review. I met him afterwards too and he gave me his card. He told me that if I contacted him he would give me direction as to the spoken word scene in London. I'm in double poetry heaven! I'll blog more if this comes to something.

 

 

The Power of Pictures and Words.

I have a problem. It's paper. There is too much of it in my home. In an effort to reduce the eternal pile I often pick up pieces of printed debris, of any sort, from the table tops to the floor, in order to make an emotionless decision as to its fate that day. During one such flurry, I read about the picture above. This isn't my image, but I understand, from 'The Big Issue', (that I had just picked up too quickly browse through before recycling), that it went viral at the end of March after being posted on Twitter. According to the Editor, the tweet explained how this boy had lost his mother in an attack in Iraq. He missed her so much that he drew a picture of her beside him and lay against it to sleep at night. Perhaps it is the mother in me but I wept at the thought sporn from the words, let alone the actual picture which I took a moment to find on the page. The editor's point, however, was that 'If this picture tells a human and horrific narrative in a simple, quiet way, then it has done a job more powerful than the well-meaning but ultimately futile visits to these places by princes and senior politician's wives. We have voices and we can make our voices heard.' (p.3 Apr 1-7, 3013. No.1045). This led me to thinking about poetry and doodles. Powerful messages can be evoked with the simplest of words. Result of today's paper tidying frenzy: I feel, as a poet, greatly encouraged, and 'The Big Issue', saved from the fate of the recycling bin, and held in greater reverence from one swift moment to the next, currently sits on my table to allow the power from the words and picture to digest slowly in my mind.

Thy Will be Done.

I've finally grown up and done it. I am making my will, ('Thy WILL be done' - get it? Do you see what I did there??), including the crafting of my letter of wishes. I am including some poems that I have written to be read out at my funeral. What an emotional process! To re-read a poem that you have written means that you re-connect with the emotions that were present at the time of writing. Nevertheless, I have to admit that I found it quite releasing as it afforded me an unexpected sense of freedom. (Or, at this point, do I have to be honest and admit that it is the sense of control from the 'other side' that has given me this edge? Oh, the continuous humbling journey we are on!). I'd include the poems here, but then that would spoil the surprise now wouldn't it? ;o)

Spoken Word Inspiration

Look What I've found via Linkedin: Binge. A site where poets upload spoken word videos. Included is a Spoken Word / Motivational Channel for a 'Speak Up' contest that promotes the use of spoken word videos that share knowledge and wisdom without glorifying violence, ignorance, and negativity. Here is Shane Romero with his entry. Sign up and 'Like' if you want to help him in the competition via this link.

On scrolling around I found the Faith category of uploads and found this gem by Eric Nixon. A powerful testimony of his struggles through life and finding Christ. Touchingly the filming of his testimony turns into a testimony itself. Watch and see.

Here also is a video from another of my favourite sites: www.ted.com. Here is Shane Koyczan as a performance poet delivering a powerful poem accompanied by art on the subject of his youth and bullying.

 

Adoring Alliteration Adventures

During a poet's workshop yesterday I discovered a love of "form" i.e. writing poems with some constraint to them, rather than simply off loading my soul's mumblings without a care for metre or rhyme (see 'Poetry - Intellectual vs Soulful' blog post). It was rather refreshing and I discovered a craving for experimenting more with word creativity. This is what he said about alliteration: 'It's a battle between you, the writer and what you want to say, and the constraint (i.e. having to write with only words beginning with a certain letter). The skill is to make it look like you are writing what you want to say (rather than your words having been obviously directed by the constraining letter).' I had a go and here is the result: 'W' being my spontaneous, unplanned constraining letter:

Wild are the winds of my wanton words,

Wrapped around Wednesday's wicked wrangling of wanting word whores.

What, when, who and why,

Waste not words or do and die.

Copyright EH 2012.

He also spoke of 'Oulipo' the French poetry group founded in 1960, which sought to add constraints to writing in a reaction against the Surrealists. Their idea was that the more constraints you have, the deeper into your consiousness you will go in order to write around it, hence you are freer than the Surrealists ever were. How fascinating! He offered us a poem where we had to guess the constraint. No-one managed it but once said it seems obvious. Only the vowel 'e' was used. This is called Univocalism. I'll offer an attempt of my own when I can get my head around that one...

In The Eye of The Storm

I have had a wonderful week: two days visiting my God son followed by a four day study residential with WTC. Studying God academically can be, for some, the path to creating a very dry faith based on intellectual debate and reason. However, I have found it to be nothing further than the truth. Studying Theology has simply brought me closer to Him. The increasing intellectual comprehension has merely served to widen my awe and appreciation of Him. Getting to know Him more can also help you discover more about yourself. It is exciting to say the least. In the past year I have met Him in ways that I had never met Him before, and I am enjoying continuing to listen out for His voice, in whatever form that may come. It also gives me great joy to serve Him in what little ways I can too. Yesterday's final morning worship session was one of those such moments. I offer the poem below to those who have requested it, which tied in with a picture that was shared from another student of the faculty and the teaching that we received on learning to live with 'waiting' and the process of being transformed through tough times:

In The Eye of The Storm

I stand in your praise

In the eye of the storm.

I’m feeling the strain,

My body is worn.

My mind is cluttered.

In my prayers I have muttered

Words of seeking

Of searching the dawn,

The answers, the guidance,

The knowledge, the sign,

To guide me to

The path that is mine.

I seek your face,

I seek your will.

And until then,

In the eye of the storm,

I stand still.

Copyright EH 2007. All Rights Reserved.

Rubbish, I can't sleep: 03:00 a.m.

Oh, Why Can't I Sleep?

Oh, why can't I sleep?

I haven't even had a peep

Into the world of darkness.

No sign of slumber

To take me under

To its lair.

Oh how I wish I was there,

But too awake to sleep

Too tired to reap

Any benefits from this late hour.

My dreams turned sour

Of a good night's rest

To ensure I'm my best

For tomorrow.

Copyright EH 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Retreat into Nature & #treetuesday

I recently visited Michelham Priory and its gardens. I haven't managed to go on a quiet retreat this year. So this provided a short but welcome chance to let my thoughts wander.

Silver Droplet

Silver droplet twinkling in the sun,

Your life only just begun

Lest the sun and its hot rays

End your days.

Yet you shine with all your might

In this glistering light,

Faithful to nature’s ways.

(Michelham Priory Gardens 03/08/12)

(Copyright EH 2012. All Rights Reserved)

I also note that on Twitter it's #treetuesday today! Unfortunately I am too tired and it's almost too late (23:49) to join in. However, here is a tree poem for the sake of being thematic:

There’s an Old Tree

There’s an old tree

Reaching towards me.

Its branches are strong,

Its reach is long,

But there’s a gap between it and me.

For it is I that needs to be

Walking more closely

To its girth,

To its range of earth

That I spy so wondrously

Spread.

One would think it be dead,

But the arms that are reaching for me

Do so so gently and lovingly,

It’s like it knew I was there.

With a branch to spare

For me.

(Michelham Priory Gardens 03/08/12)
(Copyright EH 2012. All Rights Reserved)

Olympic Fever

Winning Words is an effort to use the Olympics as a spring board for poetry in public spaces. In it's own words: "Winning words is a project to enhance peoples lives through poetry. Using the Olympic Games as a spring-board, poetry will leap off the pages and into the physical spaces that surround us all."

On another note, the Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, has created a specially commissioned poem for the Olympic Games entitled: "Eton Manor". Another poem "Translating the British, 2012" was also written to capture the Olympic mood. Far be it for me to criticise a poem from someone deemed to be of such high standing in the literary world. However, Rev Dr Peter Mullen has done just that. Check out his scathing commentary. Evidently poetry is truely subjective!

Doodling brings power to words

Brilliant! Doodles are justified! Per Sunni Brown on TED.com. In Sunni Brown's words: "Doodling is an incredibly powerful tool..." She also states that doodling, redefined, is "to make spontaneous marks to help yourself think. It has a profound effect on creative problem solving and deep information processing....doodling should be leveraged in precisely those situations when information density is very high and the need for processing that information is very high." I often doodle whilst writing a poem, praying something out or studying. See past attempts on the 18 Feb 2010 blog post. Even the simplest doodles can add power to words and vice versa.

Christmas and Rainbows

I was honoured to be asked to assist in the leading of the worship at a retreat day led by Jennifer Rees Larcombe at the Red Hill Christian Centre on 17 Dec 2011. Whilst taking great pleasure in serving with the main lead through voice and poetry, it was a wonderful opportunity for some down time and reflection on the realities behind the Christmas festivities that we often forget. The day was full of both laughter and sadness, reflection and fun. During the lunch break we witnessed a beautiful full arched rainbow stretching from one side of the fields to another with the Red Hill barn in the middle. As I gazed at the wonderfully clear colours, from one perspective the rainbow ended slap bang in the middle of the farm house roof. It was a beautiful picture to see which many of us were fortunate to witness. I only regret not having taken a photo!

Thoughts of a Poet

This is one of my latest poems taken from my "Thoughts of a Poet" collection. When appropriate, I offer poems out to those to whom I feel the words might be a comfort if they are going through something which I have also experienced. My heart felt hope is that this will encourage them on their path through the trial that they may be facing and help them emerge triumphant on other side. However, at times this is a risky venture as when the words are "out there" they leave a window into my soul that is unprotected.

Naked / Carefree

Sometimes I don’t want to think like a poet.
I want to think normally, carefree

Without the depth of thought
From which I cannot hide the true me.

I want to be carefree
Without a soul that exposes the true me,

Laid bare, for others to see
Whilst I stand exposed and naked be.

These words express my frailty
Or my inner strength through the trials that be.

Yet, no matter which the side you see,
I still stand exposed and naked be.

(Copyright EH 2011.
All Rights Reserved)

Michelangelo - The Poet

I didn't always enjoy learning about history at school. However, I do love art, and when I learn about history through art, making connections between historical figures or events through art or poetry, it fascinates me. Having read some of Michelangelo's poetry in his book "The Complete Poems of Michelangelo", and also being a great fan of Michelangelo's artistic portrayals of the human body, as well as the detailed attention to fabric by Leonardo da Vinci, I was intrigued to find a book entitled "The Lost Battles" by Jonathan Jones, whilst browsing through the National Gallery shop on a recent trip through London. It details the bitter feuds between the two artists during Renaissance Italy. Interestingly it describes how Raphael, a rival painter to Michelangelo, painted Michaelangelo amongst the characters found in the wall painting entitled: "The School of Athens":

"Raphael wittingly included Michelangelo in his mural, brooding massively, leaning his head on his hand whilst he scribbled poetry on a sheet placed on the stone block beside him. His face is downcast in introspection beneath his unkempt black hair."

And here is the painting. A glimpse into the life of the poet at work! See if you can spot Michelangelo in the painting.

A New Beginning

I cannot express how much I have valued and appreciated the last week that I spent at the Penhurst Retreat Centre in Battle, East Sussex. Such a beautiful and peaceful place where you can escape from the world and REST. I met some wonderful people too. Lots of love to you all in your new beginnings! Thank you also to Richard and Storm, and all the other staff at Penhurst Retreat Centre.

Well hello Mr Bee!
(Or another of He)
How honoured am I
To see you buzz by
Doing your daily rounds.

I don’t know why you are here,
There are no flowers near.
Oh but look, there is just one - no two!
Ah ha! A whole field for you!
So in fact your wisdom is sound.

(Penhurst Retreat Centre Orchard
13 Apr 2011)

(Copyright EH 2011.
All Rights Reserved)


The retreat entitled "A New Beginning" was led by Jen Rees Larcombe, author of the book "A Year's Journey With God" and many others.

World Book Night 5th March 2011

I'd only been to one poetry reading session before, back during Book Day 2009, and that was filled with secondary aged students eating their lunch with crumbs dropping into their laps as they eagerly listened to the next poem to be read. A kind audience. I braved reading one of my own poems at that one too. This time, however, on World Book Night 2011 the audience was comprised of seasoned poetry lovers, cooing with excited appreciation for the next "Betjeman" or "Keats". I discovered "Diary of a Church Mouse" to be rather entertaining when read with the voice with which it was intended. I also discovered that my knowledge of our poetry heritage was dire. (I need to either read up, or learn to nod or coo in the right places.) The local Book Night organiser, whose focus on poetry readings was responsible for enticing me in, via a good friend's invitation, read her selected poems like a stage actress whose pronunciation of vowels were all simply perfect (a history of elocution lessons it transpired). She put her heart and soul into each reading, not thinking for a moment to feel subconcious of the onlooking audience. She read with her whole body emphasising the roll of the poem's rhythm. I looked on in awe wondering if I had the same sounds when I spoke or if my lack of elocution would betray me. I jumped in when the chance came to read my poem with an announcement that I was offering "one of my own". (It's a hard job to follow Keats but someone's got to do it). I stayed safe with the first one "The Peace of 6.a.m. on a Sunday". Then later, once others had the chance to read too, I offered two more to give them some air, (there is no point in writing 479ish poems just to leave them gathering electronic dust on my hard drive): "For She Who Hates Herself Not to Eat" and "The Cycle that Turns", both based on my observations of young people during my time either as a teacher in a secondary girls school or as a volunteer youth worker. I had some good feedback and was encouraged to keep writing. This was a good day in my journey into the sub-world of poetry readings.