Ha ha don't worry about it! I just like that you like it.
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Ha ha don't worry about it! I just like that you like it.
Fantastic OOP - really made me smile - you've caught it exactly.Quote:
Originally Posted by OneOffPoet
Thanks! It's been half done for ages and i finally managed to finish it off. I'd write one for the finish line, but that would just be a short, inarticulate wreck!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mossdog
To Solitude
O Solitude! if I must with thee dwell,
Let it not be among the jumbled heap
Of murky buildings; climb with me the steep, --
Nature's observatory -- whence the dell,
Its flowery slopes, its river's crystal swell,
May seem a span; let me thy vigils keep
'Mongst boughs pavilion'd, where the deer's swift leap
Startles the wild bee from the foxglove bell.
But though I'll gladly trace these scenes with thee,
Yet the sweet converse of an innocent mind,
Whose words are images of thoughts refin'd,
Is my soul's pleasure; and it sure must be
Almost the highest bliss of human-kind,
When to thy haunts two kindred spirits flee.
John Keats
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneOffPoet
What a fantastic piece of poetry, i love the observation about niggles made me laugh, which one of us hasn't remarked pre race about a particular injury which is giving us jip?, excellent stuff OOP, hope Mrs OOP is doing ok, not long now!
Alf I really liked the ambition bird choice especially the lines "I would like a simple life, yet all night I am laying, poems away in a long box"
MG- I loved the Rain poem, there is (sometimes) something really soft and beautiful about the rain
Nuthatch
Something in the line of you
That long black eyeline
Framing the BLUE
Is like the meaning of longing.
The strength of those feet
Which helped you creep
HEADFIRST.
All pristine supercilium
and survival writ large
in the meticulous excavation
of your very own, necessary
cavity.
I wonder, at times
If the gods painted your being
Gently and with loving attention
To each and every detail.
Each one of the twelve feathered tails
The flush of ochre on your stomach
Which has travelled many a mile.
You, a gift,
all the more persuasive
in its impermanence.
I know that it is folly to wish
The same gods would stop
The hands of our clock.
Allowing me to breathe
Allowing me to know
It is isn’t (yet)
TIME
for you to go.
She's doing great thanks, no sign of action yet, due date arrives in 90 mins but who knows when junior will! She's very calm and together (so I had better be!).Quote:
Originally Posted by freckle
I'm glad the poem rings a bell - i'm a bugger for start-line excuses and so the poem is, in part at least, a form of confession really!
Wishing you both well, take careQuote:
Originally Posted by OneOffPoet
Excellent choice MG :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountain Goatess
Lovely poem that freckle :cool::thumbup:Quote:
Originally Posted by freckle
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneOffPoet
I really enjoyed your poem OOP and best wishes to you and Mrs OOP for your imminent arrival :D
On Seeing the Elgin Marbles for the First Time
My spirit is too weak; mortality
Weighs heavily on me like unwilling sleep,
And each imagined pinnacle and steep
Of godlike hardship tells me I must die
Like a sick eagle looking at the sky.
Yet 'tis a gentle luxury to weep,
That I have not the cloudy winds to keep
Fresh for the opening of the morning's eye.
Such dim-conceived glories of the brain
Bring round the heart an indescribable feud;
So do these wonders a most dizzy pain,
That mingles Grecian grandeur with the rude
Wasting of old Time -with a billowy main,
A sun, a shadow of a magnitude.
John Keats
I liked the Keats poem very much, and am impressed with the range of things that are cited on this thread. I'm very much a late-comer to poetry and as a result know absolutely nothing about it as a subject (i couldn't tell you who my favourite poet is). I decided to write a poem early last year about doing the BGR because it was an itch i had to scratch. I thought it would be a one-off, hence the username, but ever since then i've had the urge to write something now and again and i've posted the ones that i actually finish on here, that's 15 of them so far!
THing is, i would like to learn a bit more and get something of a grounding in poetry. I've ended up writing things as they pop into my head and i've really enjoyed it. People on here have been very encouraging and that's provided the confidence to post things that i've written (thank you!) but i feel like i know nothing. Most if not all the regular posters on here seem to have more than a grounding in all things poetic, so does anyone have any advice on things i might want to read? How would you introduce someone to poetry and what would you suggest they look into? Any advice gratefully received.
It's a tough question i know because it's a matter of taste. Where do you start?! I loved the 'Milkpan' poem (Liz Berry was it?) that was on here a few days ago and am generally drawn to poems about people's experiences, how they read/relate to other people and especially how they describe their significant events and experiences.
Hopefully this will improve my own offerings, but most importantly, i'm really keen to enjoy reading other works as well as writing my own
Thanks
OOP
Poems inspired by thread titles.....
"Blisters on arches" got me humming "raindrops on roses" for some reason
Blisters on arches
And plum coloured toenails
Crammed into walshes
And bashed over wet trails
Soaked, smashed and frozen
The skin stained with peat
These are the things that I do to my feet
When my toe stubs
When my ankle turns
When I feeling glum
I look at the hills and the moors all about
And remember why...I run!
sorry it aint keats
Eulogy
Dear Ciaran
The proper use of the past tense deserts me
You weren't meant to be confined to the past
I know you never found this life too easy
I think maybe we knew it couldn't last
But we always kept on hoping we could save you
We always hoped our love might be enough
But somewhere inside where we couldn't reach you
Is where you fought your demons by yourself
I'm happy that I had the chance to know you
I can't believe I've lost what I had found
If there's a heaven then all the drinks are harmless
And when I get there you c*nt then it's your round
Quote:
Originally Posted by ratfink
Excellent that ratfink :cool: I could find myself singing that when i am back out running again :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by ratfink
That's excellent as well ratfink. :cool: Nice line at the end :D
Forlorn, My Love, No Comfort Near
Forlorn, my Love, no comfort near,
Far, far from thee, I wander here;
Far, far from thee, the fate severe,
At which I most repine, Love.
Chorus-O wert thou, Love, but near me!
But near, near, near me,
How kindly thou wouldst cheer me,
And mingle sighs with mine, Love.
Around me scowls a wintry sky,
Blasting each bud of hope and joy;
And shelter, shade, nor home have I;
Save in these arms of thine, Love.
O wert thou, &c.
Cold, alter'd friendship's cruel part,
To poison Fortune's ruthless dart-
Let me not break thy faithful heart,
And say that fate is mine, Love.
O wert thou, &c.
But, dreary tho' the moments fleet,
O let me think we yet shall meet;
That only ray of solace sweet,
Can on thy Chloris shine, Love!
O wert thou, &c.
R Burns
Ok, so its more of a song than a poem but it's lovely nonetheless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneOffPoet
15 poems, isn't that just fab? and all really good quality...
I am by no means an expert at poetry and am still finding my way around it all. I found that anthology's such as "staying alive", "being alive" "my life in verse" and other more comtemporary stuff such as the forward book of poetry is a good way in, they introduce you to a range of poets who you can then look up individually either in books or on the net at leisure...i also have a local second hand book shop and one of my favourite pasttimes was to browse the poetry sections picking up books by specific authors for between £1-£2.50 a go....some poets have their own websites (e.g. simon armitage) and i would highly recommend attending a poetry reading if you get a chance, they are cheap as chips usually and really bring it to life (tho you might not have as much free time v soon!)...anyhoo, hope that helps OOP, keep writing!
oh and I personally would love to do some creative writing classes but just can't fit in yet!
sigh.............................................. .................................................. .............lovely choice mossyQuote:
Originally Posted by Mossdog
i like ratfink this...a lot....sad but incredibly well written with shades of bukowski, did you write it?Quote:
Originally Posted by ratfink
yes - it feels a bit weird sharing it.Quote:
Originally Posted by freckle
i think it makes it all the more brilliant (and brave) !, thank you so much for sharing it!Quote:
Originally Posted by ratfink
The Rights Of Woman
While Europe's eye is fix'd on mighty things,
The fate of Empires and the fall of Kings;
While quacks of State must each produce his plan,
And even children lisp the Rights of Man;
Amid this mighty fuss just let me mention,
The Rights of Woman merit some attention.
First, in the Sexes' intermix'd connection,
One sacred Right of Woman is, protection. -
The tender flower that lifts its head, elate,
Helpless, must fall before the blasts of Fate,
Sunk on the earth, defac'd its lovely form,
Unless your shelter ward th' impending storm.
Our second Right-but needless here is caution,
To keep that right inviolate's the fashion;
Each man of sense has it so full before him,
He'd die before he'd wrong it-'tis decorum. -
There was, indeed, in far less polish'd days,
A time, when rough rude man had naughty ways,
Would swagger, swear, get drunk, kick up a riot,
Nay even thus invade a Lady's quiet.
Now, thank our stars! those Gothic times are fled;
Now, well-bred men-and you are all well-bred-
Most justly think (and we are much the gainers)
Such conduct neither spirit, wit, nor manners.
For Right the third, our last, our best, our dearest,
That right to fluttering female hearts the nearest;
Which even the Rights of Kings, in low prostration,
Most humbly own-'tis dear, dear admiration!
In that blest sphere alone we live and move;
There taste that life of life-immortal love.
Smiles, glances, sighs, tears, fits, flirtations, airs;
'Gainst such an host what flinty savage dares,
When awful Beauty joins with all her charms-
Who is so rash as rise in rebel arms?
But truce with kings, and truce with constitutions,
With bloody armaments and revolutions;
Let Majesty your first attention summon,
Ah! ca ira! The Majesty Of Woman!
By Robert Burns
I think you are turning into Yoda freckle http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...ebit/wink2.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by freckle
I have got 'Staying Alive' as well by the way. Its a great collection and I have posted quite a few poems on here from it (as you have probably noticed http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...gebit/grin.gif )
Another one:
Postscript
And some time make the time to drive out west
Into County Clare, along the Flaggy Shore,
In September or October, when the wind
And the light are working off each other
So that the ocean on one side is wild
With foam and glitter, and inland among stones
The surface of a slate-grey lake is lit
By the earthed lightening of flock of swans,
Their feathers roughed and ruffling, white on white,
Their fully-grown headstrong-looking heads
Tucked or cresting or busy underwater.
Useless to think you'll park or capture it
More thoroughly. You are neither here nor there,
A hurry through which known and strange things pass
As big soft buffetings come at the car sideways
And catch the heart off guard and blow it open.
Seamus Heaney
Any sign of the little one yet OOP?
I didn't know much about poetry until I picked up this thread so all I know about poetry started from here. I bought a few compilations. I especially liked Poems on the Underground which has such a varied selection and got me started. That led to discovering other poet's works. Oxfam is always good for random second hand poetry books. Some times they're good, sometimes not, so I just take them back. There are lots of good poetry websites. I like PoemHunter, Black Cat Poems, Poet's corner and Poet's graves for starters.
Another wonderful introduction, especially if you are wanting to write more is Stephen Fry's An Ode Less Travelled. A good read, and certainly enthused me to write more.
As with so many things, just best to dive in and see what happens.
All the best
Harry
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneOffPoet
Fun though eh?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ratfink
"I think you are turning into Yoda freckle http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/t...ebit/wink2.gif"
I am such a typo head!
or should i say "typo head i am"
Aw of course it is Burns night, I am reminded...and slightly gutted that I have missed out on some haggis and neeps followed by some glenmarangie with a certain old hound...aw well....here is a little excerpt from "to a mountain daisy" by the man himself...Quote:
Originally Posted by XRunner
"Wee, modest, crimson-tipped flow'r,
Thou's met me in an evil hour;
For I maun crush amang the stoure
Thy slender stem;
To spare thee now is past my pow'r,
Thou bonie gem."
Moving words as ever Freckle... It's almost a Haiku??Quote:
Originally Posted by freckle
dom...you are still on your mission i see!Quote:
Originally Posted by dominion
Moi???Quote:
Originally Posted by freckle
not playing....sorry!Quote:
Originally Posted by dominion
(largely because i can't write haiku, never mind witty retort type haikus)
That's right Sisters. Let's hear it for Robbie on Burns' Night!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by XRunner
Cheers!
A Bottle And Friend
There's nane that's blest of human kind,
But the cheerful and the gay, man,
Fal, la, la, &c.
Here's a bottle and an honest friend!
What wad ye wish for mair, man?
Wha kens, before his life may end,
What his share may be o' care, man?
Then catch the moments as they fly,
And use them as ye ought, man:
Believe me, happiness is shy,
And comes not aye when sought, man.
Robert Burns
Thanks Harry, and Freckle for your advice too on this oneQuote:
Originally Posted by Harry H Howgill
No sign of the little one, so s/he's a day late. Feel like we're in real limbo here!
I took your advice HHH and went to Oxfam and had a poke around. I found a book of poems by Clive James called 'The Book of my Enemy', collection of poems he'd written over 45 years. I found myself both moved and laughing in the shop whilst having a browse, so bought the book. 'Bring me the Sweat of Gabriella Sabatini' being especially funny!
Looking forward to getting into that during the long nights to come
OOP
Congrats to Jo Shapcott for winning the Costa book of the year award for her poetry book :cool:
From Country House Hotel (anyone got the full poem please post)
"It’s like a comfy, undemanding club
where the guests blush when their feet ring on the floor
and where the world of Securicor and Chubb
is as rude and far off as a working whore."
Well you have wet our appetite now Oop so I will have to post it :DQuote:
Originally Posted by OneOffPoet
Bring Me The Sweat Of Gabriela Sabatini
Bring me the sweat of Gabriela Sabatini
For I know it tastes as pure as Malvern water,
Though laced with bright bubbles like the aqua minerale
That melted the kidney stones of Michelangelo,
As sunlight the snow in spring.
Bring me the sweat of Gabriela Sabatini
In a green Lycurgus cup with a sprig of mint.
But add no sugar, the bitterness is what I want.
If I crave sweetness, I would be asking you to bring me
The tears of Annabel Croft.
So let me drink deep from the bitter cup.
Take it to her between any two points of the tie-break,
That she may shake above it her thick black hair,
A nocturne from which the droplets as they fall,
Flash like shooting stars.
And as their lustre becomes liqueur, let the full calyx
Be repeatedly carried to me.
Until I tell you to stop,
Bring me the sweat of Gabriela Sabatini.
Clive James
is it me or is this really a bit risque? :o anyway I like it!Quote:
Originally Posted by Alf
Oooo Alf you beat me to it! My mother informed me tonight over a cuppa !Quote:
Originally Posted by Alf
I don't have the poem you mentioned but I do have her book "Of mutability" which won and is indeed excellent (in my humble) , i hadn't realised that she had suffered from breast cancer which makes the followng poem even more spine tingling....(I had the pleasure of hearing her read it at newcastle's lit and phil society a truly "lush" institution which merits support in this awful climate of cuts!)...
oh..and she has the most amazing voice...so try and imagine a husky voice reading this....
Stargazer
If I'm not looking at you,
forgive; if I appear
to be scanning the sky,
head thrown back, curious,
ecstatic, shy, strolling
unevenly across the floor
in front of you, my audience,
forgive, and forget what's
happening in my cells.
It's you I'm thinking of
and, voice thrown upwards,
to you I'm speaking, you.
I'm trying to keep this simple
in the time left to me:
luckily, it's a slow
and selective degeneration.
I'm hoping, mainly, to stay present
and straight up despite
the wrong urge that's taken hold,
to say everything, all
at once, to everyone, which
is what I'd like if only
I could stay beyond this moment.
you can find her voice reading "deft" here...
http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetrya...do?poetId=6473
turns out its not that husky afterall! (that's memory for you!...but a nice voice nevertheless!)