Today's poet

Christ Mossy - that's damned good!

"an Eton mess of peat, soil, sheep piss." is my favourite among many favourite lines.

funnily I had been recently lamenting the recent lack of HHH originals compared to when the thread started. I love the Oyster Catcher poem, and I reckon if it was compared to some of the early HHH, a new richness would be apparent. And the MD Howgill poem hits the right spot in so many ways. Good to see originals among the well chosen published poems today.

Alas, I am something of a stranger to the thread these days as I snowed under with work.

Mossdog, your poem was absolutely brilliant. Every line was obviously really carefully thought out and the imagery was wonderful. I think it is one of the best that we've had on the thread in ages. It makes me want to go on a long run if only to try and gain inspiration again...roll on Thursday!

HHH, I loved your oystercatcher poem. It was so sweet and I too really enjoy this time of year. After last night's excitement of the eagle owl, I have just been appreciating the smaller birds such as a gorgeous little blue tit rescued from the road this morning and the curlews calling in the fields.

Owl

Is my favourite. Who flies
like a nothing through the night,
who-whoing. Is a feather
duster in leafy corners ring-a-rosy-ing
boles of mice. Twice

you hear him call. Who
is he looking for? You hear
him hoovering over the floor
of the wood. O would you be gold
rings in the driving skull

if you could? Hooded and
vulnerable by the winter suns
owl looks. Is the grain of bark
in the dark. Round beaks are at
work in the pellety nest,

working. Owl is an eye
in the barn. For a hole
in the trunk owl's blood
is to blame. Black talons in the
petrified fur! Cold walnut hands

on the case of the brain! In the reign
of the chicken owl comes like
a god. Is a goad in
the rain to the pink eyes,
dripping. For a meal in the day

flew, killed, on the moor. Six
mouths are the seed of his
arc in the season. Torn meat
from the sky. Owl lives
by the claws of his brain. On the branch

in the sever of the hand's
twigs owl is a backward look.
Flown wind in the skin. Fine
Rain in the bones. Owl breaks
Like the day. Am an owl, am an owl.

George MacBeth

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hes

Alas, I am something of a stranger to the thread these days as I snowed under with work.

Mossdog, your poem was absolutely brilliant. Every line was obviously really carefully thought out and the imagery was wonderful. I think it is one of the best that we've had on the thread in ages. It makes me want to go on a long run if only to try and gain inspiration again...roll on Thursday!

HHH, I loved your oystercatcher poem. It was so sweet and I too really enjoy this time of year. After last night's excitement of the eagle owl, I have just been appreciating the smaller birds such as a gorgeous little blue tit rescued from the road this morning and the curlews calling in the fields.

---

Don't forget to have a break now and then Hes!.....:) speaking of which think i will hit the hay soon but just wanted to say hi!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by freckle

Don't forget to have a break now and then Hes!.....:) speaking of which think i will hit the hay soon but just wanted to say hi!

---

Hi Freckle, nice to see you even if it is brief, I need to get a bath and go to bed too so I'll say goodnight but hope to catch you here again soon.xx

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hes

Hi Freckle, nice to see you even if it is brief, I need to get a bath and go to bed too so I'll say goodnight but hope to catch you here again soon.xx

---

Night wandering star
sleep sweetly
and rise renewed

x

One for the early risers :eek:

A gentle but persistant tune
steals the peace of deepest sleep
surely it can't be morning yet?
what kind of time is this to keep?

I stumble clumsily, eyes half closed
wincing as I stub my toes
the tears well, oh damn it hurts,
where did I put my running clothes?

As I hear the dawn chorus
half blind, ouch, another bump,
I fight the urge to sneak back to bed
I must not be such a lazy grump!

Another bruise, I find my clothes
and get dressed with only a little haste
what's that spattered down my top?
No way? and yuck, I've dribbled toothpaste!

Cursing my insanity
I emerge into morning sun,
sharp frost and brightness shock my senses
I start my watch and begin to run

Arms and legs at first reluctant
soon respond as I find my pace
chuffed to be up and out this early
steady on Stef, this isn't a race!

Five miles later, and still in one piece,
I arrive home hot, sweaty and panting
refreshed and ready to face the day
no longer do I feel like ranting!

I take a moment to reflect
on how good it is to feel the power
of muscles strong and lungs filled full,
and afterwards a nice hot shower!



Oh boy, that wasn't easy to write. I hope it doesn't read like hard work.

Stef

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Stef F

One for the early risers :eek:

A gentle but persistant tune
steals the peace of deepest sleep
surely it can't be morning yet?
what kind of time is this to keep?

I stumble clumsily, eyes half closed
wincing as I stub my toes
the tears well, oh damn it hurts,
where did I put my running clothes?

As I hear the dawn chorus
half blind, ouch, another bump,
I fight the urge to sneak back to bed
I must not be such a lazy grump!

Another bruise, I find my clothes
and get dressed with only a little haste
what's that spattered down my top?
No way? and yuck, I've dribbled toothpaste!

Cursing my insanity
I emerge into morning sun,
sharp frost and brightness shock my senses
I start my watch and begin to run

Arms and legs at first reluctant
soon respond as I find my pace
chuffed to be up and out this early
steady on Stef, this isn't a race!

Five miles later, and still in one piece,
I arrive home hot, sweaty and panting
refreshed and ready to face the day
no longer do I feel like ranting!

I take a moment to reflect
on how good it is to feel the power
of muscles strong and lungs filled full,
and afterwards a nice hot shower!



Oh boy, that wasn't easy to write. I hope it doesn't read like hard work.

Stef

---

Good one Stef, morning sun at 2.25 though:eek::D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hes

Owl

Is my favourite. Who flies
like a nothing through the night,
who-whoing. Is a feather
duster in leafy corners ring-a-rosy-ing
boles of mice. Twice

you hear him call. Who
is he looking for? You hear
him hoovering over the floor
of the wood. O would you be gold
rings in the driving skull

if you could? Hooded and
vulnerable by the winter suns
owl looks. Is the grain of bark
in the dark. Round beaks are at
work in the pellety nest,

working. Owl is an eye
in the barn. For a hole
in the trunk owl's blood
is to blame. Black talons in the
petrified fur! Cold walnut hands

on the case of the brain! In the reign
of the chicken owl comes like
a god. Is a goad in
the rain to the pink eyes,
dripping. For a meal in the day

flew, killed, on the moor. Six
mouths are the seed of his
arc in the season. Torn meat
from the sky. Owl lives
by the claws of his brain. On the branch

in the sever of the hand's
twigs owl is a backward look.
Flown wind in the skin. Fine
Rain in the bones. Owl breaks
Like the day. Am an owl, am an owl.

George MacBeth

---

Good selection Hes :D I love the way the poem is a mixture of soft longer and hard shorter lines which fits perfectly with the soft appearance and hard actions of an owl itself.

I enjoyed Mossdog's poem and Stefs poem about running very much as well.
I must admit I didn't get the "Eton mess" line and felt a bit ignorant asking but have just googled it so now I know :cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hes

Alas, I am something of a stranger to the thread these days as I snowed under with work.

HHH, I loved your oystercatcher poem. It was so sweet and I too really enjoy this time of year. After last night's excitement of the eagle owl, I have just been appreciating the smaller birds such as a gorgeous little blue tit rescued from the road this morning and the curlews calling in the fields.

---

Thanks Hes. I wasn't feeling particularly poetic at the time, but the image was so striking when I saw them that I just had to write something. The Curlews haven't reached this far inland yet, but everything does seem to be a couple of weeks behind this year. I've normally got a big colony of Black Headed Gulls by now, but there are only a couple of birds loitering about so far.

I've got a haiku somewhere about a wheel of blue tits. I think it is refering to the way they buzz round each other in the branches, rather than being run over! :eek:

Nice one Stef

You are putting us to shame; whilst we are all sleeping you are running and composing all at the same time. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Stef F

One for the early risers :eek:

A gentle but persistant tune
steals the peace of deepest sleep
surely it can't be morning yet?
what kind of time is this to keep?

I stumble clumsily, eyes half closed
wincing as I stub my toes
the tears well, oh damn it hurts,
where did I put my running clothes?

As I hear the dawn chorus
half blind, ouch, another bump,
I fight the urge to sneak back to bed
I must not be such a lazy grump!

Another bruise, I find my clothes
and get dressed with only a little haste
what's that spattered down my top?
No way? and yuck, I've dribbled toothpaste!

Cursing my insanity
I emerge into morning sun,
sharp frost and brightness shock my senses
I start my watch and begin to run

Arms and legs at first reluctant
soon respond as I find my pace
chuffed to be up and out this early
steady on Stef, this isn't a race!

Five miles later, and still in one piece,
I arrive home hot, sweaty and panting
refreshed and ready to face the day
no longer do I feel like ranting!

I take a moment to reflect
on how good it is to feel the power
of muscles strong and lungs filled full,
and afterwards a nice hot shower!



Oh boy, that wasn't easy to write. I hope it doesn't read like hard work.

Stef

---

Stef

I've just noticed your wotsit (can't remember the technical term!) at the bottom of your posts. That would make a good haiku...

Happiness sneaks in
through a door you didn't know
you'd left open.

Quite true too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by merrylegs

Good one Stef, morning sun at 2.25 though:eek::D

---

No sun today. It was nice for the last two days after what seemed like weeks of endless rain.

An accidental caffeine induced sleepless night! Needless to say I failed to get up early and run this morning and am now struggling to keep my eyes open!

I feel a lunch time shopping trip coming on...that might wake me up a bit!

Stef

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Harry H Howgill

Stef

I've just noticed your wotsit (can't remember the technical term!) at the bottom of your posts. That would make a good haiku...

Happiness sneaks in
through a door you didn't know
you'd left open.

Quite true too.

---

A footnote?
I saw it on a leaflet offering some sort of psychiatry (spelling?) It looks lovely as a haiku. Thanks for that. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Harry H Howgill

Nice one Stef

You are putting us to shame; whilst we are all sleeping you are running and composing all at the same time. :)

---

I agree ! lovely poem stef! hope the shopping trip went well!

Recession

30 years working but no longer required the recession has bit with no national assistance his home is no castle it’s a shell of a fortress with its stuffing knocked out and the bank has no mercy for good honest people who for decades have contributed cash to the system and he sees on TV the handouts to migrants and can’t fathom the nation in which he is living so crawls into bed in a fetal position so fearful and nervous he ponders the future but can’t see any future the future it’s black.
By Ady.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ady In Accy

Recession

30 years working but no longer required the recession has bit with no national assistance his home is no castle it’s a shell of a fortress with its stuffing knocked out and the bank has no mercy for good honest people who for decades have contributed cash to the system and he sees on TV the handouts to migrants and can’t fathom the nation in which he is living so crawls into bed in a fetal position so fearful and nervous he ponders the future but can’t see any future the future it’s black.
By Ady.

---

Oh dear :(
Is this about you or the state of the nation?
If its you, what work were you doing?

Stef

Hello how many of you are aware that Simon Armitage is planning to walk the Pennine way North To south this year. He's asking on his website if people who live in the areas where he is stopping over would be willing to arrange aplace for him to do a reading, such as a pub, village hall etc... I reckon that there must be someone on this thread who could do something or indeed someone on the forum.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Stef F

Oh dear :(
Is this about you or the state of the nation?
If its you, what work were you doing?

Stef

---

Just my perception of the current jobs crisis Steff.

Hes that poem you posted of the Owl inspired to write something that I have been thinking about for a while

Green Woodpecker

Serenity, the forests silence split by
the peppered whirr of his work. Now,
a glance,
a momenatry flash,
of green brilliance,
Wings tucked beneath
for swift elegance, as he
darts through a copse of birch

Nature has clothed him well
Kitted out in superhero garb
viridian cape that drips
from nape to slick wing tips,
and a red cap for doffing to those
once a year ladies.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by N-dubya

Hes that poem you posted of the Owl inspired to write something that I have been thinking about for a while

Green Woodpecker

Serenity, the forests silence split by
the peppered whirr of his work. Now,
a glance,
a momenatry flash,
of green brilliance,
Wings tucked beneath
for swift elegance, as he
darts through a copse of birch

Nature has clothed him well
Kitted out in superhero garb
viridian cape that drips
from nape to slick wing tips,
and a red cap for doffing to those
once a year ladies.

---

Very good, particularly viridian cape, drips and red cap for doffing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by N-dubya

Hello how many of you are aware that Simon Armitage is planning to walk the Pennine way North To south this year. He's asking on his website if people who live in the areas where he is stopping over would be willing to arrange aplace for him to do a reading, such as a pub, village hall etc... I reckon that there must be someone on this thread who could do something or indeed someone on the forum.

---

This is a brilliant idea NDubya, I wonder if we could co ordinate it with a fell race? ie ask him to come to do a reading at a pub near where a fell race has taken place? that at least a few of us could do? my sense of geography is appalling as some on this thread are aware! i reckon a good idea would be to pick a race, draft a letter to ol armitage enclosing a copy of the fell poets article that is about to be published in the fell runner magazine with a bit of info about us lot asking him if wouldn't mind doing a reading in a pub to coincide witha race ...just an idea, what do you think NDubya and all? can anyone suggest a race that would fit with the route?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by N-dubya

Hes that poem you posted of the Owl inspired to write something that I have been thinking about for a while

Green Woodpecker

Serenity, the forests silence split by
the peppered whirr of his work. Now,
a glance,
a momenatry flash,
of green brilliance,
Wings tucked beneath
for swift elegance, as he
darts through a copse of birch

Nature has clothed him well
Kitted out in superhero garb
viridian cape that drips
from nape to slick wing tips,
and a red cap for doffing to those
once a year ladies.

---

Nice.............

goodto see you on this thread Ade in Accy!

A reasonable request please.

I started to reread this thread last night but I am finding that it is growing faster that I can read:confused:

How can I catch up with the latest posting?:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by XRunner

A reasonable request please.

I started to reread this thread last night but I am finding that it is growing faster that I can read:confused:

How can I catch up with the latest posting?:)

---

good to see you back!

right here is the link for the armitage penine walk

http://www.simonarmitage.com/

does anyone have any connections in any of the places outlined? and would like to help organise something? i notice dufton is one of the places he is stopping off...having just been there last sat for high cup nick i can vouch for the hospitality of the people of dufton but i am not sure if anyone there is interested in poetry!......

That's brilliant. Especially the peppered whirr. I can hear it perfectly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by N-dubya

Hes that poem you posted of the Owl inspired to write something that I have been thinking about for a while

Green Woodpecker

Serenity, the forests silence split by
the peppered whirr of his work. Now,
a glance,
a momenatry flash,
of green brilliance,
Wings tucked beneath
for swift elegance, as he
darts through a copse of birch

Nature has clothed him well
Kitted out in superhero garb
viridian cape that drips
from nape to slick wing tips,
and a red cap for doffing to those
once a year ladies.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ady In Accy

Just my perception of the current jobs crisis Steff.

---

Oh that's a relief....and yes it's a sorry state we're in.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by freckle

right here is the link for the armitage penine walk

http://www.simonarmitage.com/

does anyone have any connections in any of the places outlined? and would like to help organise something? i notice dufton is one of the places he is stopping off...having just been there last sat for high cup nick i can vouch for the hospitality of the people of dufton but i am not sure if anyone there is interested in poetry!......

---

Anywhere from Dufton to Hawes is pretty near to me. We shouldn't just think about his stops, we are the FPS; we should be meeting him up a hill somewhere. I might know somewhere near Hawes that might be able to host him. I'll make some enquiries.

I found the haiku on blue tits I mentioned earlier...

as one lands, one flits
to the branch where the next sits -
a wheel of blue tits

Hamish Ironside

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Harry H Howgill

Anywhere from Dufton to Hawes is pretty near to me. We shouldn't just think about his stops, we are the FPS; we should be meeting him up a hill somewhere. I might know somewhere near Hawes that might be able to host him. I'll make some enquiries.

---

Ooooooooo, so exciting! i like the idea of us all meeting him up a hill somewhere! and just so he doesn't feel left out i'll offer to walk alongside him when you all speed off into the distance! ;).....perhaps i should drop him a line, drawing his attention to the thread and saying that we would like to help out? is that ok with you guys? he could always do a poetry reading up a hill? anyone with a giant tent?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by freckle

Ooooooooo, so exciting! i like the idea of us all meeting him up a hill somewhere! and just so he doesn't feel left out i'll offer to walk alongside him when you all speed off into the distance! ;).....perhaps i should drop him a line, drawing his attentrion to the thread ands saying that we would like to help out? is that ok with you guys? he could always do a poetry reading up a hill? anyone with a giant tent?

---

Yeah, go for it. Tell him all about us and that we'll see him somewhere.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by N-dubya

Hes that poem you posted of the Owl inspired to write something that I have been thinking about for a while

Green Woodpecker

Serenity, the forests silence split by
the peppered whirr of his work. Now,
a glance,
a momenatry flash,
of green brilliance,
Wings tucked beneath
for swift elegance, as he
darts through a copse of birch

Nature has clothed him well
Kitted out in superhero garb
viridian cape that drips
from nape to slick wing tips,
and a red cap for doffing to those
once a year ladies.

---

There's some lovely imagery here N-D, it really made to smile. You're right, 'superhero garb' , I'd never thought of w/ps in that manner before - thanks:)

Love

Love is talent, the world love's metaphor.
Aflame, October's leaves adore the wind,
its urgent breath, whirl to their own death.
Not here, you're everywhere.

The evening sky
worships the ground, bears down, the land
yearns back in darkening hills. The night
is empathy, stars in its eyes for tears. Not here,

you're where I stand, hearing the sea, crazy
for the shore, seeing the moon ache and fret
for the earth. When morning comes, the sun, ardent,
covers the trees in gold, you walk

towards me,
out of the season, out of the light love reasons.


Carol Ann Duffy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by N-dubya

Hes that poem you posted of the Owl inspired to write something that I have been thinking about for a while

Green Woodpecker

Serenity, the forests silence split by
the peppered whirr of his work. Now,
a glance,
a momenatry flash,
of green brilliance,
Wings tucked beneath
for swift elegance, as he
darts through a copse of birch

Nature has clothed him well
Kitted out in superhero garb
viridian cape that drips
from nape to slick wing tips,
and a red cap for doffing to those
once a year ladies.

---

This is really great NDubya. I love it. You really capture the magic of a fleeting glimpse of a green woodpecker and the sound of his drumming.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mossdog

Love

Love is talent, the world love's metaphor.
Aflame, October's leaves adore the wind,
its urgent breath, whirl to their own death.
Not here, you're everywhere.

The evening sky
worships the ground, bears down, the land
yearns back in darkening hills. The night
is empathy, stars in its eyes for tears. Not here,

you're where I stand, hearing the sea, crazy
for the shore, seeing the moon ache and fret
for the earth. When morning comes, the sun, ardent,
covers the trees in gold, you walk

towards me,
out of the season, out of the light love reasons.


Carol Ann Duffy

---

awesome.........................:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Harry H Howgill

I found the haiku on blue tits I mentioned earlier...

as one lands, one flits
to the branch where the next sits -
a wheel of blue tits

Hamish Ironside

---

I do like that HHH! Wish I had more time to post but this is just a 5 minute break after harriers and my tea before I go and slap a load of glue on some paper...don't ask!:rolleyes:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by freckle

Ooooooooo, so exciting! i like the idea of us all meeting him up a hill somewhere! and just so he doesn't feel left out i'll offer to walk alongside him when you all speed off into the distance! ;).....perhaps i should drop him a line, drawing his attention to the thread and saying that we would like to help out? is that ok with you guys? he could always do a poetry reading up a hill? anyone with a giant tent?

---

Count me in! I love Dufton and that area and know some pubs, B&Bs & campsites up there. Just hope it is not when I'm running a workshop or invilved in some arty event...they seem to be clashing with my running exploits. Better go...sorry for the lack of poetry...it is just the current work stress.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hes

Count me in! I love Dufton and that area and know some pubs, B&Bs & campsites up there. Just hope it is not when I'm running a workshop or invilved in some arty event...they seem to be clashing with my running exploits. Better go...sorry for the lack of poetry...it is just the current work stress.

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Don't apologise for having a real life Hes!

sending a big hug to my favourite artist!
:)