JOY
As I’ve struggled to work out how to respond to events in the Ukraine I came across some inspiring words by William Sieghart. Commenting on a poem by Mary Oliver (‘Don’t Hesitate‘) he points out that the world has always been bleak but that joy enriches it – and is a persistent weed we can’t, […]
All Hallows Eve
As we approach Halloween, I thought I’d share this poem, written for a Halloween reading several years ago All Hallows Eve Tomorrow the saintsthe visionsthe blessedToday the ghouls Today the face paintthe fake bloodthe paper thin borderthe crossings letting stale air inToday we ward off ghosts and spectresToday no mirrors can reflect usas we scare […]
Magi
I know that, strictly speaking, the Magi, are still on camel back following a star but I also know everyone is bored with the story by epiphany so here is my final Christmas related poetry blog. Courage, doubt, fear and wonder, in the story of the Magi. What had they been part of? Like us, […]
Mary Sang
Just a week to Christmas and amid all the noise and controversy I thought I’d share a musical take on the Christmas story with this poem first published in the Mole Valley Poets Christmas Anthology last year Mary Sang Mary sang, a fine contralto, deep and pure.Joseph played bass, metronomic, steady, the beat nailed to the […]
The Fleece
I’m doing my best to ignore all the political shenanigans this week and focus on the festive season. Growing up in sheep country a high percentage of the pubs were called The Fleece and this poem honours them and the shepherds. The Fleece Over a few pints down the Fleece the story came out.How Jim was […]
Advent 2020
Hard to believe that it’s December and we’re coming to the end of a year that has presented many challenges. In the Christian tradition, candles are lit for Advent, representing hope, love, joy, peace, and the light of the world. This year we’re waiting for vaccines, an end to lockdowns and tiers and I’ve tried […]