tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24107918916090600902024-02-20T00:28:43.387-08:00Ariadne's Thread - Mark B Harris PoetryAriadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-14042670809179709882019-07-12T15:27:00.000-07:002019-07-12T15:27:04.197-07:00
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear all, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Welcome to the station, a place of joy and sadness, missed connections, watching time fly. Perhaps we can all relate to the traveller, a foundation of sand, forever saying goodbye.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I hope you enjoy this short "mini set" accompanied with some images I hope enhance the poems. Make a connection, leave a comment, follow the thread.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US"><u><b>The
Allure of the station<br />
</b></u></span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US"><strong><u></u></strong></span></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US"><strong><u></u></strong></span></span> </div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
In
pursuit of perfection </span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Beguiled by the tattoo</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I
watch you running.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Conflating
Fantasies </span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
With
love and a future</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="en-US">My
heart misses a beat.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="en-US">You
board your train.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="en-US">The
allure of the station </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Fleeting
erotica</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Missing
connections
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Watching
time fly.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>My
Five a Day<br />
</b></u></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fell
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in love five times today.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I
am ahead of schedule.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Only
sixteen more times</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For
an average week.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
We
board a carriage </span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
At
the same time.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Repeat
sadness;</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Different
destinations.<br />
<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Missed
my Train<br />
</b></u></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking
at the</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Profile
of a corpulent man.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
He
isn’t waiting for</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Anything
in particular.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
His
freckly daughter</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Pulls
pints
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
For
customers</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">At
the buffet bar.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I
feign disinterest,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fall
at the first hurdle.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
If
you beckon</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
will leave it all.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Perhaps
a third of my age;</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
wake up, miss my train.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Watching
You Leave<br />
</b></u></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Summer
timetable migrant</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
A
swallow on wing</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Rides
a shimmering heat haze</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Pauses
under my eaves.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
A
rush hour romance</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US">But
no time to build nests.<br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US"></span></span> </div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I'm
a travel correspondent</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
You
a brief interlude.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Halved<br />
</b></u></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
could have watched butterflies</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Spent
an hour on the wing</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Shared
different perspectives</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
But
it wasn’t to be.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
<u><b>All
This without You<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b></u></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Timetables</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US">And
connections.<br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US"></span></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="en-US">A
few moments spent</span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US">Along
different lines.<br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="en-US">You’re
leaving</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aren’t
you?<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
How
I wish </span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">You
could stay.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
The
cruel </span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whistle
blows<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
My
heart</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Wastes
away.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Like
Fields of Poppies<br />
</b></u></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your
lips red like a poppy.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="en-US">My
heart crash lands</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
On
crimson petals.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Never
coming home.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Sat
Looking At You<br />
</b></u></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
thought suddenly strikes me</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time
has called time.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="en-US">I
have become too reticent</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">To
make the first move.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
An
ageing irrelevance. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Now
letting you go.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>I
wasn’t going To</b></u></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b> </b></u></span><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I<span style="font-family: inherit;">t
was not my intention </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">To
fall in love yet again.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I
have grown tired</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of
heightened emotions<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
But
your beauty dictates</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
And
I must react.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Desire
trumps </span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will
power.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
The
curve of your shoulder</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
A
fork in my road.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Making
me late<br />
</b></u></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll
catch the next train</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
That
way I can look at you</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
For
a little longer</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
And
dream</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
As
only a lover can.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Beauty
is a callous thing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><u>The
Swallow Has Gone<br />
</u></strong></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
</span><div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An
Empty Chair.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
The
waiting room</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barren
without you.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
You
left some rubbish</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
On
a table</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But
made your connection.<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
I
tidied up after you.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Carefully
placed my heart</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
In
a clear cellophane bag.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mark
Harris has asserted his right under</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Section
77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To
be identified as the author of this work.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-25448567766527637272018-12-01T05:19:00.000-08:002018-12-01T05:27:24.774-08:00<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Dear
friends,</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Can
it really be autumn already? </span></span></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Time
flies they say and I guess it's true. The endless work of revision
and preparation of the back </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"><span style="background: none;">catalogue</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">
has continued apace. At least when spare time is scarce there's
always something I can do! It's a good and sometimes sobering
exercise when one returns to old work. Having been writing for
over eight years now I've learned to distance myself from a
poem emotionally and </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"><span style="background: none;">analyse</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">
the work in the cold light of experience. I don't see this as a
negative process at all, being able to disengage has enabled me to
deconstruct and improve work that I have previously parked. One
learns a trick or two. It is often what you </span></span></span></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">take
out</span></span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">
that makes a poem.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Where
is the punchline? Is it hiding partway through an earlier draft. Will
changing the order of the poem improve its impact? Read your work out
loud to yourself. Check the flow. Does it work as a performance
piece? You are going to take some criticism in life and much can be
learned. Be open to what others have to say. Sometimes they will be
right, sometimes stick to your guns. Know which is appropriate. I
have seen work reach publication and it is clear the poet
has not had wise counsel. Sometimes the king has no clothes and needs
to be gently told. If any of this gives pause for thought then this
post has done its work. The result for both you and your reader will
be a much more rewarding and satisfying experience in the long run.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Now
for a few poems. Feel free to feed back, I may be able to improve
them as a result!</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="background: none;">Zeitgeist</span></u></span></span></span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Goddess
forgive my human frailty</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">As
I kneel before the feet </span></span></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">That
once graced a marble plinth.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
accept responsibility for placing you here</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Beyond
the soiling fingerprints</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Of
mere supplicant desire.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span lang="en-GB">Worshipping</span>
until you outshone</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">The
feeble midday sun</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">You
failed to bless me with increase</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Instead
visiting my base soul</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">With
a secular disease</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">And
I ceased to be a believer.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Now
I return to the shell</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">My
shallowness has left</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">And
cry out your name.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
bring no gifts or sacrifice</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Knowing
the bridges have been burned</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">That
your immortal back is forever turned.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Amid
fading memories of your face</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">With
a new reverence for the divine</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
venerate this sad and ruined place.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="background: none;">Mictecacchuatl's
Children</span></u></span></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Across
a bridge of skulls</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">The
song of lead</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">A
harvest gathered in.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Our
altar sags with gifts</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">A
mother agitates</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Her
rosary of suffering.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">The
dead feast on marigolds</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Cast
toothless smiles</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">On
sweets from honeybees.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">We
dance beneath the stars</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">As
saguaros point the way</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Thorns
stitch our hearts to memories.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Revenant
from the soil</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">A
gila monster</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Emerges
hissing from its lair</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">A
sidewinder’s tongue</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Tastes
darkness</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">In
search of sustenance.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Paths
of love and loss</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Enfold
the dead </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Mute
spines pierce our hands</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Thoughts
of vengeance take flight</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Beating
bullet riddled wings</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Swirl
above a roadside shrine.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Flowers
for the disappeared</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Sag
in the midday sun</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Stoop
to kiss a bleaching photograph.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">While
the unscrupulous feed </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Filling
their ribs with angel dust</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Hungry
for a few dollars more.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="background: none;">Pompeii
Cast</span></b></u></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Screaming
hollow empty person</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Twisted,
gifted, curséd cast</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Blistered
skin, Vesuvius victim</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Pyroclastic
iconoclast.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Crawling
lover, ash bound body</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Eaten
by the mountain’s fire</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Concrete
lungs, gasping, airless</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0.17in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Frozen
in time’s tesserae.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0.17in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.17in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="background: none;">Miracle</span></b></u></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
heard your voice</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">A
disembodied plea</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Pregnant
with the past</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Calling
out to me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Across
the tides of time</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">The
realm where beggars chant</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">For
some kind of release</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">From
all the things they aren’t.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
pen these codes lines</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Like
spiders on a page</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Like
voices on a breeze</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Like
all the games we played.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">All
I have is this</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">A
mirror soul I seek</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Loving
what you were</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Plugging
holes in me.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Things
can’t be the same</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Now
you’ve been and gone</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Leaving
memories</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
recall at evensong.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">If
I believed in God</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">But
half of how I should</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">He’d
open up your heart</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Like
any lover would.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">He’d
whisper in your ear</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Why
you should be with me</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Smear
mud across your eyes</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Until
at last, you’d see.</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="background: none;">The
Salting of Carthage</span></b></u></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
understand, the light has dawned</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Cracking
across my furrowed brow.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
</div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">See
through it all,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Like
your empty glass sat next to mine.<br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
understand the subtle ins and outs, <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">The
beguiling voice you used</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">In
calculated thanks for <span lang="en-GB">favours</span> rendered </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">When
love was in full bloom.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
understand the meaning of those days </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">When
hope shone bright and new</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">And
desire seemed weatherproofed </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Against
the coming storm.<br />
</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
understand, post thunder, as tears evaporate</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">And
neurons weave saddened thoughts to memories.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">I
understand why the puzzle’s incomplete; <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">You
don’t want the final piece.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span lang="en-GB">Realisation</span>
pricks my heart as I ponder wasted years</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Understanding
is a sharp and two edged sword<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Leaving
wounds your studied absence daily salts.<br />
<br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Mark Harris has asserted his right under section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none;">Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-7126504929335502182018-02-20T02:37:00.001-08:002018-02-20T02:39:53.465-08:00<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear friend,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's spring 2018 and time to move forwards. Much has changed since my last post and now it is time to concentrate on writing. The decks are cleared and I'm ready to go. As I look out of the window I can see the early signs of spring. A few small flowers have appeared, the birds are singing again after the long winter months and the first buds are beginning to unfurl. The winter wasn't wasted and although time was a very limited commodity I took the opportunity to revisit and improve old poems and prepare for a new season.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A little time spent writing each day pays dividends in the end. If you think of a good line write it down and it will be there for you later. Springtime is a simile for new beginnings, for new life. I've been fortunate to find a new poetry group - Poetry Plus - and am making new connections. I've been able to resume regular performances. Now it is time for new material drawing on those lines I saved when life was too crowded with other more urgent things that had to take priority. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are you looking for a new stimulus to writing? Do you need to make new connections or revisit old work with a fresh perspective? Have you banked up lines and ideas to draw on going forwards? Are there new directions you can take your writing? Now is the time to get going on those ideas you set aside. Your perspective is unique, write about your life, how you see things. I'm am positive the greater the investment the greater the return. I sincerely wish you every success in 2018! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>Kernel</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fluttering
against the glass</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still
he beats his wings</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After
long and fallow years</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On
the outside looking in</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A
lonely, frightened mocking bird</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With
gold dust on his tongue</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carrying
the burden
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of
an imagined Midas touch</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So
much to say, so little time</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He
would sing for you</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bring
precious stones, a holly wreath</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Things
borrowed, old and blue</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s
cold out on the margins</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
brittle edge of time</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In
deepest dark the brightest stars</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gleam
in solitude divine</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Within
this darkest hour</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A
kernel only night can bring</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He
awaits the cusp of sunrise</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When
he’ll catch your eye and sing</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>Decades</b></u></span><br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
saw you playing
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In
the forest</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amid
sunbeams and flowers</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dancing
shafts of light</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
tried to touch you</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reach
out and touch you</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But
you faded away</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Into
memories.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
heard you laughing</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Somewhere
amongst the trees</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And
tried to catch your words</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As
they passed on the breeze</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
tried to listen to you</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Really
listen to you</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But
you faded away</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Into
silence.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
watched the seasons turn</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leaves
redden and fall</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like
myriad lips</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kissing
the soil</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
gleaned the bones</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of
the forest by night</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Searching
for footprints</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amid
moonbeams.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When
spring returns</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To
the sleeping trees</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bringing
birdsong and flowers</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dancing
shafts of light</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ll
try to find you</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reach
out and touch you</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fill
the years that remain</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With
new life.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>Schwere
Arbeit</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time
passes slowly in this place</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Minutes
are not of the same duration</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
enjoyable ones fly by more quickly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I stare at
the clock and the hands distort</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Slowly,
Dali like, it loses form
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Slipping
down the wall leaving a snail like trail.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trial by
time and torture by telephone</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With its
umbilical cord
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Waiting to
give birth to some new complaint;</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I’ve
been given your number to call when someone dies”.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Machinery
whirs, faintly humming
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An
electronic ode to the passing day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I insulate
myself like an electrical cable</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mustn’t
make the mistake of listening to the</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Interminable
tap-tap-taping of the lesser-spotted keyboard</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clicking
like crickets in the long grass</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clickety-clack,
clickety-clack</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One mating
board calls to another</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marking
out territories on veneered desks.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You don’t
fool me!
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No tree
has a grain so symmetrical.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grains
falling through the ether like</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sand
falling through an egg timer</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The egg a
symbol of life</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Especially
at this time of year<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pregnant
with promise as</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trees
outside celebrate in the sunshine.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring
arrives in a vivid burst of fragrance and colour</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Which the
dark little mushrooms in here can see but cannot feel.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>Japan</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a
different way of looking at things, it is the moment of sublime
perfection</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When
beauty stretches its fragile fingers as cherry blossom fronds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That
instant is the one to die, the passing in itself a supreme majesty.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nothing
is permanent and they know this, with their ancient wisdom.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They
celebrate the moment that the blossoms fall, fluttering down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To
settle on the water, thin pink droplets like fragrant tears.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I shed
myself the same for you. Lay upon your still waters for a moment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Passing
a torrent of myself, like blossom, through a needle gate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That
instant is the one to die, the passing in itself a supreme majesty. </span><br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<u><b>Exquisite Seam</b></u></span><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></u></strong> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
I am told these scriptures come from beyond the self</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
That the ebb and flow of productive thought must end</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
That one cannot continue to delve into the self ad infinitum.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
Yet I find the deeper I dig the richer the vein becomes, until I hit
pure gold.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
Pure gold is your smile and every thought I have of your exquisite
beauty.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>Au
printemps à la salle d'attente</b></u></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring
spreads its wings</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Outside
the waiting room</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Icicles
dissolve</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People
thaw out</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And
unfurl their arms</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remembering
what it’s like</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To
live and love.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
sky clears its throat</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And
coughs out clouds</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daffodils
erupt</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Through
broken soil</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As
trains ply to and fro</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spitting
out passengers</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Engulfing
waifs and strays.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring
illuminates the fields</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Empty
minutes pass</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
hour glass</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Re-fills
itself with sand.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunlight
pierces the realm</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of
battered dreams</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And
promises warmth</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A
train, a life to catch.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-46091427770903589252017-02-18T14:04:00.000-08:002017-04-14T12:14:25.121-07:00Dear friend,<br />
<br />
Since my last blog update a lot has been happening in life in general and poetical terms. <br />
<br />
I must begin by paying tribute to the late Leonard Cohen, simply the most important male poet in my personal pantheon of greatness. Amongst his many works Cohen's <em>"Book of Longing" </em>has probably inspired me more than any other piece.<br />
I cannot overstate its importance to me.<br />
<br />
Closer to home I'm nearing the end of my degree course and will be able to turn my full attention to creative writing after June 6th. Its been six long years to get to this point and I feel a mix of excitement and tiredness, the last lap seems to be the hardest one! Despite the inevitable demands on my free time (I'm doing the degree on top of a full time job), I have been able to finally complete Jackalope, a project of ninety poems, dealing with transition and change, appropriate as we are in the early part of 2017 a time of transition and unease for many. There is also another idea for a project in the pipeline but it's early days yet, more will follow as the year unfolds!<br />
<br />
The best thing I can do at this point, rather than wittering on, is to share a few pieces from Jackalope. As ever, I hope you enjoy them. <br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8bccd0e5f31486680231">
<strong><u>Precious Memories</u></strong><br />
<br />
I know I will forget your face<br />
Although fighting <br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
The thief called time<br />
Every inch of the way.<br />
<br />
Binding precious memories <br />
With cords around my heart<br />
<br />
I’ll treasure them happily<br />
Until the passing years betray<br />
<br />
And you drift just out of reach <br />
Becoming a beautiful dream<br />
Warm, fuzzy, indistinct...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8bcd7761b42920364239">
<strong><u>Maple Leaves</u></strong><br />
<br />
She loosened the band and her hair fell<br />
Like a red waterfall <br />
Like fire tumbling over her shoulders<br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br />
And in that moment my heart ran free<br />
Through ancient forests<br />
Through carpets of fallen leaves<br />
<br />
She loosened the band and her hair fell<br />
Unfettered across the curve of her neck<br />
<br />
And she flicked her head<br />
Her fiery hair describing an arc<br />
Like an autumnal goddess<br />
<br />
Her hair, red as a maple leaf<br />
Promising the open skies of the wilderness<br />
Her eyes as deep as the forest<br />
<br />
She loosened the band and her hair fell<br />
Wild and untamed<br />
And I raised my head and howled to the moon<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8bcd7764071d96707212">
<strong><u>Kernel</u></strong><br />
<br />
Fluttering against the glass<br />
Still he beats his wings<br />
After long and fallow years<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> On the outside looking in</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
A lonely, frightened mocking bird<br />
With gold dust on his tongue<br />
Carrying the burden <br />
Of an imagined Midas touch<br />
<br />
So much to say, so little time<br />
He would sing for you<br />
Bring precious stones, a holly wreath<br />
Things borrowed, old and blue<br />
<br />
It’s cold out on the margins<br />
The brittle edge of time<br />
In deepest dark the brightest stars<br />
Gleam in solitude divine<br />
<br />
Within this darkest hour<br />
A kernel only night can bring<br />
He awaits the cusp of sunrise<br />
When he’ll catch your eye and sing<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8bcd7768309896451998">
<strong><u>Celestial Fall</u></strong><br />
<br />
I wished upon a shooting star<br />
In its celestial fall<br />
Hoped my love would unlock you<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Prayers provide the key</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
My heart burned in solitude<br />
As it arced across your sky<br />
Although worn upon these sleeves of mine<br />
You never batted eye<br />
<br />
Love burned brightly for a season<br />
Now darkness has returned<br />
Silence blankets everything<br />
All trace of where we were.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8bcd776c9d0881181382">
<strong><u>All the Things</u></strong><br />
<br />
All the things I’d written for you<br />
A final touch, a careless stroke<br />
And everything is lost<br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
A screen full of emptiness remains<br />
Lilly white, like my coward’s heart<br />
Pierced on a crown of words.<br />
<br />
Irretrievable sentiments<br />
Brimming with all the things<br />
I never had the strength to say.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8bcd776a7b6154582246">
<strong><u>Au printemps à la salle d'attente</u></strong><br />
<br />
Spring spreads its wings<br />
Outside the waiting room<br />
Icicles dissolve<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> People thaw out<br /> And unfurl their arms<br /> Remembering what it’s like<br /> To live and love.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
The sky clears its throat<br />
And coughs out clouds<br />
Daffodils erupt<br />
Through broken soil<br />
As trains ply to and fro<br />
Spitting out passengers<br />
Engulfing waifs and strays.<br />
<br />
Spring illuminates the fields<br />
Empty minutes pass<br />
The hour glass<br />
Re-fills itself with sand.<br />
Sunlight pierces the realm<br />
Of battered dreams<br />
And promises warmth<br />
A train, a life to catch.</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8bcd7766269599795865">
<strong><u>Flight of a Swallow</u></strong><br />
<br />
Same place, different season<br />
Times unchanging flow<br />
A bitter wind<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Investigates our weakness.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
From right to left<br />
The grey sky cracks<br />
Across this frozen place<br />
The land that time forgot.<br />
<br />
People perch<br />
On battered stools<br />
Perfectly preserved<br />
Recovering <br />
From peace on earth<br />
And mercy mild.<br />
<br />
Who would think<br />
A swallow flying up<br />
From deepest Africa<br />
Could make its home here<br />
Beneath the eaves<br />
A few short months from now?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8be0cdc9b19666714704">
<strong><u>Cities of Glass</u></strong><br />
<br />
A silent flash<br />
Announces the fall<br />
Of a star to earth<br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br />
The power of the sun<br />
Boils rivers dry<br />
Sucks life into the void<br />
<br />
Possesses souls<br />
Fuses thoughts to glass<br />
Leaves only shadows on the walls<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>The Beating Heart Metaphor</u></strong><br />
<br />
Here I spoke <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Heartfelt words<br /> A brief confession<br /> How I wished things could be.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Here I gazed <br />
At a foreign shore<br />
And a distant smile<br />
Through rose tinted hours.<br />
<br />
Here I unfurled myself<br />
And tried to fill<br />
An empty space<br />
On an inner sea.<br />
<br />
Here surf broke<br />
Over expectation<br />
As I battled the tide<br />
And dared to dream.<br />
<br />
Here ozone scents<br />
Mixed with rain<br />
As hope departed<br />
In lamentation.<br />
<br />
Here a seagull mourns<br />
As sunlight fades<br />
And footprints concede<br />
To callous waves<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_58a8be0cdcf009368365705">
<strong><u>Drink Dissection</u></strong><br />
<br />
The body curio<br />
Tilts its head<br />
And swallows<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">Wondering how</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
The sectioned muscles<br />
Would appear<br />
In an exhibition<br />
Or a glass jar<br />
For all to see.<br />
<br />
The pen moves faster<br />
Ink unravels<br />
Scaring the page<br />
With spider trails<br />
And amputations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mark
Harris has asserted his right under</span></div>
<br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Section
77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988</span></div>
<br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">To
be identified as the author of this work.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-83206309627399826032016-07-12T12:25:00.001-07:002016-07-30T14:09:22.491-07:00Summer update - July 2016<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I wrote my spring update last year I had no idea how busy a time would intervene or that there would be no new material to share until now. The hiatus was entirely unplanned and uncharacteristic. The academic year 2015 - 16 was particularly tough. Coupled with umpteen other things its seen writing take a back seat for the first time since I took up my pen and wrote in 2010. Time flies and I can hardly believe we're into the second half of 2016 already. The intervening period saw some success before everything got buried under an avalanche of mandatory reading and essays... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting into print for the first time in last August's edition of Writer's Forum magazine was undoubtedly the highlight and proof that hard work and persistence can pay off. It is worth exposing yourself to constructive criticism. I'd been sending in poems for several months prior, taking the optional critique along the way. I learned a lot about what makes a poem work versus common pitfalls and the dangerous lure of cliché. (Needless to say I've sailed close to these rocks on occasion).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe my work will be better from here on as a result of taking some risks. For what it's worth, my advice; don't be afraid of sticking your head above the parapet. You'll get some knockbacks along the way but nothing ventured, nothing gained. It will all be worth it in the end if you marry belief with being prepared to listen to what others have to say about your work. My long term goal is have a published collection. I'm not going to waver from that course and I believe it will happen. The steps I'm taking now will be the foundations on which I will achieve my goal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There has been only very limited time for performing poetry. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Southwold festival in Suffolk last summer. A lot of varied performances from music to poetry were to be had and it was well worth the journey. Also I got to perform at the Light Bulb Festival, Colchester, alongside Leanne Moden and Martin Newell which made for a great evening. I am one of these types that enjoy performing but it isn't the primary goal of writing for me. My favourite thing is to sit down with a poem I enjoy, read it through several times and just think about what the speaker is saying. There are collections I will return to time and again simply for the reading experience. Particular favourites are Leonard Cohen's "Book of Longing", Pasquale Petit's "What the Water Gave Me", The collected works of Freda Downie, Kapka Kassabova's "Someone Else's Life" and of course Emily Dickinson. That's the goal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These poets allow the reader to return again and again and still find something fresh. Push me to name a favourite and I'll say Dickinson but am acutely aware all arts are subjective and you most likely don't share my opinion. Isn't that what it's all about though? Cordial disagreement is an increasingly rare commodity. A final thought before some short poems regarding the subject of subjectivity. I'd rather be what we Brits call a "marmite poet". Marmite is a peculiar yeast extract that people either love or loathe in equal measure. There seems to be no middle ground. Surely the worst thing is for the reader or listener to sit on the fence with an uncommitted shrug of the shoulders when you've given them your best shot! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Enough rambling already, poems...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Junk
Mail</span></b></u></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
waited for the fall of your card upon the doormat</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ached
to hear a sound that said you cared</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Strained
my ears for the fall of envelope on carpet</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A hope
of thoughts you might have kindly spared.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
waited through a cold grey winter morning
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
those words to light me, like your smile</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Daydreamed
in colour of our door step conversation</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
your toes playfully gripped the carpet pile.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
waited for hours slowly turning into days
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sat
forgotten under a covering of dust</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Motionless
as spiders weaved their webs around me</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Warmed
only by false memories of “us”.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you
know the pain your omission brought me?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emotionally
I’ve turned into a ghost</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Silence
only broken by the shattering of hope
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No
love, just junk mail through the post.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Junk Mail is the poem that made print. Its dedicated to the moment the speaker realises the "magical other" is not going to send them a birthday card. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I referred earlier to Leonard Cohen's "Book of Longing". It had a tremendous influence on me. I'll leave you for now with some short pieces I wrote in the wake of that book, trying to reach the shore. Until next time...</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sea
of Longing</span></b></u></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today
is a day of longing</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
In a
week of longing</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a
year of longing
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sailing
on the sea of longing.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There's
no land in sight</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No
other ships in sight.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">None
pass in long nights</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spent
on the sea of longing.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<u><b>Tigress as Sexual
Predator</b></u></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I saw a
tigress in my dream</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Representing
female power</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sexuality
with a hint of aggression.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She was
a seductress</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hiding
under stripped fur</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I
stroked her she purred.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coming
to the surface</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She was
a repressed feeling</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">An
erotic fantasy coiled to strike</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And we
knew</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As she
opened like a flower</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She
could eat me at any moment.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also
knew</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
secret of the jungle</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was
a feast we both wanted.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monk’s
Eye View</span></b></u></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
penitence I will shave my head</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Clad
myself in sunset’s orange robes</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And sit
in the crook of a crescent moon</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Painting
love across the canvass of your sky.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Dead Line</b></u></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was all a pointless exercise</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Trying to mend broken thoughts</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Repair hopes which died long ago</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sat waiting, by a silent phone. </span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
Neutrino</span></b></u></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
Falling
through the earth</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Streaming
through your eyes</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hollow, disembodied</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
pass right through you</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A
massless ghost particle</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You
do not interact with me at all.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Three Phases of the Moon</span></b></u></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
"Three Phases of the Moon" is a three part poem about longing for the “magical other” expressed as the moon. The speaker begins by losing their identity in the “magical other”, becoming indivisible from them. When they try to join with the other in any meaningful sense the object of their affections is as elusive as the moon in water. When they try to reach out and touch the other it proves impossible to connect. The final phase sees the speaker trapped by their own desire.</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<u><b>Possessing the Moon</b></u></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was
over the moon in my dreams</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ready
to enter the sea of tranquillity.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Raw
desire threatened to drown me
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until I
became the man in the moon.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<u><b>Reflections of the Moon</b></u></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking
at the moon is akin to longing</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I yearn
to lasso the silver disk, tie it to a stick,</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wander
around basking in its glow</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve
seen its likeness in many different faces
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seen it
mirrored in many different eyes</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heard
its echo in many different voices</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are
the source of the moon</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Waves
of you bridge the gulf between us</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cut
though my heart with the speed of sound</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
reminds me of fishing for your favour</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Elusive, like a reflection in a puddle</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I tried to connect, you dissolved at my touch</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Still you stubbornly coalesce
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Flooding me with an intangible smile.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How many more times must I return?</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How
many more times try to lasso the moon?</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Under
the Moon</b></u><br />
</span><br />
</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You’re
still there, shining above me</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
realised as much in twenty seconds</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spent
longing over a doorstep.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
moon I worship will never change.</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">_______________________________</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, that's it for this time. I hope you enjoy the update and I promise not to leave it quite so long again, God willing! <br />
<br />
Kind regards<br />
Mark</div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-73718366910183990072015-03-23T16:03:00.003-07:002015-07-01T14:25:55.464-07:00Spring update - 2015<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello and Welcome to the first update of 2015! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
It's been a funny old year so far and I've certainly had all the writing time one could wish for as I convalesce from surgery. After eight weeks laid up I'm well and truly on the mend. The plus side being all that time to make use of (and another six weeks yet by the looks of things)! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
So what have I been up to? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Firstly I've had time to thoroughly revise the whole back catalogue, right back to the first work from 2010. A little judicious pruning here and there, getting rid of that word I was never quite happy with and more drastic revisions of poems where I had a sound idea but it really needed more work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also been updating the individual pages for each poetry "collection" to give some explanation at to what each is about starting with Minutiae. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
End result: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Reasonably happy with everything going forwards and determined to do something with this writing bug in the future. I'll try to push the work "out there" much more in 2015 and we'll see what happens. It won't push itself, so I need to be prepared to take a few knocks and be brave! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Meanwhile as I psyche myself up for the "great out there" how about a few poems to be going on with?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly here's where it all began, where the writing journey started. I didn't have the words to say what I needed to convey to a family that lost a full term baby on the day of his birth and wrote this, April 2010. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I removed the dedication as I never sent it to the intended recipient, circumstances and a more appropriate consolation won the day (and beat me to it). But I realised the power of words, how they can express and heal, articulating what would otherwise remain trapped within. The floodgates opened and the rest as they say...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From <i>Minutiae</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Mayfly Baby</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And love held so
loosely in the arms <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As life it fades
and shades of darkness dawn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who shall know
the fresh born babe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And where shall
rejoice his form forlorn?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ascend on wings
of innocence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh skin with
bitter tears adorn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of such loss a
struggled sense to make <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A mother’s
beating heart remains…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With pain it breaks </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interestingly this poem also represents my first rejection (2010) from a group that welcomed input from all comers for their web site. The words were something like:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Thank you for submitting The Mayfly Baby, it is obviously a very heartfelt and emotional poem. We are sorry not to be using it"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br />Secondly three updates from<i> The Body Curio;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anima</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She inhales a
swirling flock of words<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the soiled
roost of the past<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That rises,
circling far above us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before alighting
in startling patterns <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her eyes roll
back in their sockets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until only their
whites show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As she rescues
reality from chaos <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lassoing
prophesy from black holes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slowly she
exhales filling the future <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With vapours
from the Kerna spring <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birthing herself
from a crack in time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poems breaking
over her lips. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h1>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Many Summer's Past</span></u></b></h1>
<div>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I have ten
thousand lovers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’ll always be
the first<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fragrance of
youth <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Framed by fading
memories <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I try to
recapture the moment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience the
elusive perfume<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you
reflected in someone else<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always failing
to connect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You fall across
my thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like passing
summer rain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfolding
yourself <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like the petals
of a flower</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h1>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Genie in a Bottle</span></u></h1>
<div>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spin the bottle; see what
personality emerges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What kind of character
climbs out of its neck? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the snow falls and the
hands numb <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the sun shines and the
flowers grow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The “bon viveur”, the
maudlin bore<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fool, the cheat, the
whining boy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spin the bottle; see what
personality emerges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What kind of character
climbs out of its neck? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As days become months and
years<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As dice roll and words flow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the spider spins its
habit web<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As deceit becomes our daily
bread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spin the bottle; see what
personality emerges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What kind of character
climbs out of its neck? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until I can look you in the
eye<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pleading honesty, telling
lies<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of updates from <i>Venus Veins;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gone<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m skating on blades again, sharp steel blades, gliding over ice<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like glass, a window pane, a droplet like a tear, shed when friendship dies<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Running slowly down the liquid in suspension, fired mind and crystal<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking on blades of grass, a green baize called lawn, it’s raining hard<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This late summer’s day, the droplets cold, run down my cheeks<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The back of my neck, I’m shivering now, I think of you, as if you were here<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hugging your black cardigan, damp, it clinging to your fragile frame <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your soft pink toes, sinking in the grass, mown cuttings on your soles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I nuzzle the scene, imagine your taste, your smell, the tang of salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is just rain mixing with my tears, near silence, the swifts have gone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singularity</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was happily dreaming, when
you interrupted me, shooting words into my ear <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You pulled me to the event
horizon, where everything, even time slowed <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I looked over a shoulder and
saw life bustling in the cosmos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I looked before me and
remembered your smile<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I watched your mouth
rhythmically opening<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you engulfed me, crushing
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Into a dense cube of matter <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reducing me to a <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singularity <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And newbies in the preparatory phase for a project I call </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Jackelope"</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u>Jackelope</u></span></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rot ridden flesh stitch-sown<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Festering at the seams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Odd ears and tail<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My legs like springs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speak to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the ears in my chest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mouth in my groin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cross fertilising<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My hermaphrodite bones</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That rattle in your dreams</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head held low<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stooping down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I fill you with fear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Garlanded with the stench<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of taxidermy<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My formaldehyde eyes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Occasionally I pause</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Savouring you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the barb o</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">f my tongue</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the sheer thrill of it</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yolk</span></u></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blood-red heart
exposed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fall before her<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clasping her knees </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In
supplication<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praying she will </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part herself
for me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it is she that eats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cracking me open<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Greedily lapping up the yolk</span><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kingdom of the Saguaro</span></b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you have finished your
sojourn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the distant lands of summer
rain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be here waiting, an
ageing sentinel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Presiding over a thorn strewn
kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you eventually decide to
return<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use the old familiar opening
in my chest <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lodge in the space where sap
once rose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the deepest emptiness of my
being</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be here with my arms
outstretched<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Myriad spines clawing at the
desert air<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uncertain roots grasping at shifting sand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That slips between them as once
you did<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever you need a safe haven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will always welcome you home</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am become an echo chamber
for love <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are become an unslakabe
thirst<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Parody of the Self</span></u></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The monster in the mirror<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leaking anger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That old thing staring back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glass eyed and hollow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A war of words raging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside a ransacked skull<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slack jawed with excess<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both sides of the argument<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Struggle, die, re-birthing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every empty morning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking for a rope to climb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And leave this face<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the outside looking in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the foolish heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paints a picture of itself<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I christen “parody”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u>Utrecht in a Suitcase</u></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An origami week<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Folded into neat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regular shapes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dreams replaced by<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mundane considerations</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadness still</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bubbles inside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As summer fragrances<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Fill my lungs</span><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barren years removed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From a musty memory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That lingers in my mind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still wait patiently<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For your exquisite finger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN">To press the rotting doorbell</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without Hope<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I honey the hemlock chalice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drink a bitter distilment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That numbs my feet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Climbs the ladder of my spine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completing the work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Capturing on canvas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The raiment of my pain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brush-bristle rough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I smear bright pigments<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Into a raw retablo</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst the Sybil sings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Days of future past<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h6>
<span lang="EN"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Driftwood Crowns</span></u></span></h6>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A bell tolls, a seagull cries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For an audience of one<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grey and melancholic clouds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roll down to restless seas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer has long flown his nest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've no flowers left to
bring<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our golden beach is empty now</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wearing driftwood crowns</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If moments could be lived
again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What different paths we’d take<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sun has set on Shangrila<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Across your cold and empty bed</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's enough to be going on with for now. An important lesson I've learned is not to worry too much about writing, about acceptance from others. It is a personal journey we make and if we enjoy the process and it heals us, putting things that might otherwise remain internalised, contextualises them, giving them a relatable form, the work is done. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it helps anyone else, if others like it, that, for me, is a bonus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Writing can touch us in a unique way. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems appropriate to leave off with one final poem written as a tribute to someone who's writing and story touched me. </span><br />
<h1>
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Daughter of the Beat</span></u></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first, like everyone we ever see, she’s an image, an
assumption</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gazing from the page at me, from a time before I’d even
heard </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her name, let alone stood on the cusp of these innermost
thoughts </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lain bare as words for all to read. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know my walk in this garden of candid prose will be unique
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeking more than others seek, I'm following a path only</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mine to find, revelations from between the lines leading to</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Appreciation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the day the photograph was taken, if I’m not wrong, her
eyes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflected more than a cameras lens. An energy reaching out </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decades on – a fragile being, aware of her mortality </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing she’ll soon be gone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smiling, I'm enjoying alternating shades of light and dark </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding depth beyond a perfect face, colour beyond </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black and white, happy knowing words can endure death </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making more than fitting epitaphs – they tell a story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s through her words the beat goes on, she herself</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has gone but if eyes are indeed the gateway to a soul </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasn’t wrong.
Turning the final page I also offer words</span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Hoping she’s found the peace that she deserved.</span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kind regards</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">Mark
Harris has asserted his right under</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">Section
77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">To
be identified as the author of this work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-69235126163328271032014-11-08T14:10:00.001-08:002014-11-08T16:12:09.015-08:00Autumn update 2014<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a long absence from the blog I'm back with an update of what has been going on in my poetry world. The break has been spent re-writing material from Testimony which I "completed" in mid 2010. Rather than making radical changes it has been a case of refining what was there and then testing the same out at meetings of our local poetry group SKOPT before putting together a set of material for performance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The opportunity finally came on 26th October at the Sunday Matinee held at Slack Space in Colchester. My thanks to those concerned for the chance to read and making the whole event happen. I've appended the set below; if you were there you'll have a chance to revisit the material if you wish and if you weren't you can have a read if you'd like to. Going forwards I aim to complete the Testimony re-write, some sixty poems in all and work on some new material that I've got typed up in "rough form" at the moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't think a poem necessarily gets "frozen" for ever, an ossified work set in tablets of stone that can never be revised but some are at a point where I can't do much more than tweak them here and there. I guess I'm happy with them as they stand and in the final analysis that is enough for me going forwards. Poetry is a very personal thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you like the set, in the end it is all about the poems, they articulate what I want and need to say..... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Matryoshka</span></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you remember when we started our journey, took off that
first brittle outer shell and bared a second layer of ourselves?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--></span><br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My sweet Matryoshka, did you think I would reveal myself all
at once? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You were guarded the same as me after all.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was like diving in the beginning, swooping to a different
level and getting a glimpse before </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Soaring back up again.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you remember those first kisses, the delicate touches of
reverent explorers? </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we opened another level like a brightly wrapped present
and I felt your intimate touch.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was then we lost control and first spoke of love.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The thrill of loosing ourselves to exhaustion like an ebbing
tide will stay with me forever.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you remember my sweet doll, the next layer, when we
became real and showed our faults? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To one another, like growth rings. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We sometimes cried together, always making up with tea and
kind words.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The levels got smaller but more intense, deeper as each
unfurled like the petals of a flower </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kissed by the sun. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each time we split in the middle we opened ourselves anew in
an intimate shrinking</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our worlds melting together like chocolate.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Still looking for the kernel of who we are, we fooled
ourselves that we could ever know what one another thought.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We carried on our quest into an inner universe where
everything became increasingly compressed.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It got harder to breathe then sweet Matryoshka, the very act
of filling my lungs began to hurt.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not sure who panicked first as we fell into smaller and
smaller spaces, until we realised we’d gone too far, could never extricate
ourselves from one another.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We hunted each other relentlessly to the last atom trying to
satisfy our thirst to know. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You’d long since fused with my very life essence
but my sweet doll, it was never enough, you had to possess all of me and I fell
into you head first.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Others heard me crying and wistfully remembered who I’d
been, as I span ever more quickly, caressing your inner space until I’d
disappeared into you altogether and only a faint echo remained.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
<o:p><div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Curving</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought by hinting hard enough you’d read me</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thought if I wished with all my soul you’d need me</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thought if I launched prayers on tears God would hear me</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thought if I could curve time I’d bring you near me</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hoped against all hope you’d kiss and feed me</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hoped beyond desire you’d heed my pleading</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hoped I could give all that wasn’t mine</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hoped, sincerely, I could curve time</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanted to be the centre of your universe</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wanted to rapture you in sweetest verse</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wanted a magic hour when you’d be mine</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">And set with all my heart to curving time</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0cm; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Peacocks</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0cm; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></u></b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love has many layers, multi-coloured shades<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A hundred different moods, filled with falling
thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I sent my love to guard you, protect you from all
ill<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Life tried to turn the flame away but love keeps
vigil still.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some have tried to tame love, lulling it to sleep<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But I gave mine to peacocks, as guardians, to keep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When they fan their feathers on mornings clear and
chill<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A hundred eyes are keeping watch, a triumph of my
will.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Songs can echo sentiments, hope be a substitute for
words<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Patterned thoughts make butterflies, build nests
like bower birds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love has many aspects, will you heed the clarion
call?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I await your only
answer, before the Cherry Blossom falls.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Carnegiea Gigantea</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Driving my car across Arizona, </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or somewhere, vast and empty, flat as forever</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thinking you'd be by my side</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I swear I can see your face </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peeping at me from behind a saguaro. </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was fun whilst it lasted, giving me something to hope
for,</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even to live for.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember how you tipped your head to face the sun</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And when it kissed you in return, thinking I saw a halo. </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You were my angel.....</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What to do now? </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">An empty seat, so many miles ahead, endless hours to
pass....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span> </div>
</span><div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps I'll drive naked into the sunset, there’s nobody
here to mind after all.....</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You’ll see where I’ve been from the trail of clothes </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like the shirt I discarded fifty miles ago</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m heading for the border: destination Teotihuacan..... </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--></span><br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once I'm there, atop of the pyramid of the sun, I’ll tip my
head as you once did</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Look along the avenue of the dead and allow myself a smile </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Always knowing, in my heart </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m walking in the footsteps </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of those who have travelled the road to the
Gods. </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
</o:p><div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Japan</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a different way of looking at things, it’s the moment of
sublime perfection</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where beauty stretches its fragile fingers as cherry blossom
fronds</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That instant is the one to die, the passing in itself a
supreme majesty.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing is permanent and they know this, with their ancient
wisdom</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They celebrate the moment that the blossoms fall, flutter
down</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Settle on the water, thin pink droplets like fragrant tears.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I shed myself the same for you. Lay upon your still waters
for a moment</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Passing a torrent of myself, like blossom, through a needle
gate</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">That instant is the one to die, the passing in
itself a supreme majesty. </span></span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Junk Mail</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I waited for the fall of your card upon the doormat</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ached to hear a sound that said you cared</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Strained my ears for the fall of envelope on carpet</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A hope of thoughts you might have kindly spared.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I waited through that cold, grey, winter morning </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those words to light me, like your smile</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Daydreamed in colour of our door step conversation</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When your toes playfully gripped the carpet pile.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I waited through hours that slowly turned to days </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sat forgotten under a covering of dust</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Motionless as spiders weaved their webs around me</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Warmed only by false memories of “us”.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you know the pain that your omission brought me?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As emotionally I turned into a ghost</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Silence only broken by the shattering of hope </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No love, just junk mail through the post.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Growth Rings</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read me with your
finger tips<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trace the rings of
years<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel when I was
young and strong<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wipe away my tears<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Run your finger
round my lips<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll whisper you my
thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel when I
withheld myself<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And when I gave my
all<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Smooth your palm across
my spine<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel when you came
to me<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Touch the painful
curvature<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Caused when you set
me free<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The ache of passing
tracts of time<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have left their
bitter mark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Run hands across my
ageing skin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's wrinkles feel
like bark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A chill wind blows
across the fields<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And sooths the tree
that weeps<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s relive the
moments that we spent <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Swap secrets that
we'll keep<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s spread our
arms in sunshine<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Live in daylight
not the dark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Place a lover’s
hand upon my chest<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And feel a beating
heart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Over</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Walking the cold of a winter’s morning<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Emulating the desolation of skeletal forms</span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I too have shed myself <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stride spindly and wind chilled</span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time removes us with every pace<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And sadness reins within</span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You have delivered <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your parting overture </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What now as I walk the valley <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And silence sings from the hillside? </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but this: </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leafless trees and stones on the top of an
icy lake <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where I tried to skip them</span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or a word blowing through me<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like a falling leaf</span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whispering it’s over </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over</span></span></div>
<o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wire Walking</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fibres of my heart are stretched to breaking point
between twin towers forming a wire, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Taut and ready to break. Carefully I test the tension,
throat tightening with anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once committed I know I can never look back, can never turn
around or roll back time<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet I take a deep breath and step out, remembering the words
of a wise man who </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Said we’re born with only two fears, loud noises and
tumbling into the abyss. </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The journey is an imperative. </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Suspended amid the clouds between earth and sky I apply the
principle of moments, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Performing a delicate balancing act between East and West
between love and love. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I daren't look down or allow myself to contemplate the chasm
that yawns beneath me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">High above the birds I make careful adjustments, risking it
all, knowing one mistake separates</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me from spinning, helplessly, like a sycamore seed. Up here
I understand the seagull’s lonely </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Call, a cry birthed between loss and tension.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Borne on wings of sweat, I'm buffeted by the storm, shaking
with the fear of love, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until I hear gentle soothing notes, the tiny singularities
of Trois Gymniopedies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The beauty of the moment stills my wind-blown soul. Suddenly
none of it matters any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I lay down on the wire, smile at the sky and touch the face
of God</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Zvyozdochkin’s Children</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></u></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The geese came early this year, covering our
steppes like snow, heralds of the cold to come</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">First flakes falling yesterday, slowly at first,
soon painting the endless fields in brilliant white</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Stretching far away into a cloud kissed horizon.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s hard to imagine summer’s sea of flowers,
nodding their heads in fragrant agreement <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">With gentle breezes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Now Mother Russia’s icy breath is upon us, it
settles in hoar frost flakes on your eye lashes</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Glistening like jewels on your furs.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We too had our day in the sun, lying by the
lakeside, watching swifts wheeling above us </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Their shrill cries of delight filled the air,
mixing with our own.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">What became of you my dearest girl?</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We played Russian dolls you and I, each reduction
revealing a different hidden personality.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">How we loved losing those layers, running hand in
hand through air filled with seed!</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I <i>knew</i> your every need before you’d even
asked.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Your voice echoes in my memory clear as ice, the
white of your smile still lights my mind’s eye.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Promise you’ll return my sweet Matryoshka, light my
world with the songs of spring</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paint my sunsets red
again with the fire of your kisses.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span> </div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">Mark Harris has asserted his
right under<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">Section 77 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">To be identified as the author
of this work.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: ZapfChancery; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ZapfChancery;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-hyphenate: auto;">
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<br />Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-1362352657971848022014-06-28T10:20:00.001-07:002014-06-28T10:20:46.695-07:00Light Bulb Festival Poetry Slam Competition<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear all,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is a great honour to win my first slam competition at the Light Bulb Festival of the Arts in Colchester today, particularly against such worthy acts. My thanks to all concerned, in particular Mr James Sarek of Colchester Poetry for organising the event. Here are the three poems I performed today in order of reading:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span><strong><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Social Elephantitis<o:p></o:p></span></u></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here I stand all club footed, deformed of thought<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The elephant man, stunted pigmy man<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Angry repressed, unspoken agenda boy<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twisted tree trunk human<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frustrated misshaped pretzel-person<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Want to say what I think chip removed<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Defused, limp, flaccid, unexploded</span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All emotion safely shrink-wrapped <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like sausages in a butchers window<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nodding in the right places android<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trained not to rock the boat cadet<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reverse crashing kamikaze suicide <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Socially acceptable taboo swallower<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mustn’t say that acceptance non-doer<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mustn’t complain about <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The supremely underdone vegetables<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The un-cleaned restaurant carpet<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The dropped knife covered in human hair<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The blackened pizza there<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The cremated shoe leather steak<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The hard-cold hot-soft chocolate brownie<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The extortionate bill<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The surly waiters<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The un-flushed toilets<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The flat, pump machine cola<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The tips that go to the company<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Awful re-heated mediocrity <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Utterly, totally, repressed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Social Elephantitis sufferer<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Smorgasbord of chemicals eater<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’ll go away if I ignore it believer <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cowardly, timid underachiever<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Victorian table leg coverer<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inward facing instigator<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Embryo in incubator<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Socially engineered shrink-wrapped person <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Glutinous deformed personality<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Genetically engineered tomato eater<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t smoke live longer person<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t drink live longer person<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cut calories live longer person<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t have sex live longer person<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It just bloody well seems like it sufferer<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thoughtless C of E box ticker<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Baby’s mouth dummy sucker<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hunch-backed agreement mediator<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Craven hollow ingratiatory</span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Plastic rubbish in the streets<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mac Donald’s never rotting feast<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweatshop Addidas on the feet<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything from China going cheap<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crazy person getting irater<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I blame it all on the creator<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Washed up choking oily birds<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gorilla hand ashtray displays<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cutting down the Amazon<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No fall-back plan when it’s all gone<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Man’s putrid arrogance <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I sit on the fence</span></span></o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Primordial dwarf, pusillanimous</span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not wishing to cause offence</span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Sweet Nothings<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Least said soonest mended</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I said <i>nothing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Never dared to utter </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">My unfathomable love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mustn’t cause offence</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I said <i>nothing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Never ran the risk </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of saying how I felt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mustn’t rock the boat</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I said <i>nothing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even as I bled </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">From your neglect</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Better to keep quiet</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I said <i>nothing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Swallowed the pain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of losing you for good</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Grown men don’t cry</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I said <i>nothing</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lest a tremor in my voice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Should give the game away</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All the times I said <i>nothing</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lie stacked like corpses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fading in my memory</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">All the times I said <i>nothing</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lie within like tinder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Waiting for a match</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All the times I said <i>nothing</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Beating their balled fists</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the fortress of my chest</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All the times I said <i>nothing</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Acting a non-speaking part</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unbearably repressed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Least said longest broken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I should have swallowed pride</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Better to have loved and lost</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Than never even tried</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<u><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></strong></u> </div>
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<u><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Hitting the glass</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When reality stubbornly refuses to fall in line with projection</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Filled with joy, the cardinal bird has seen his true love’s reflection<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seen her face with those little summer freckles on her nose<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like the sweet skin of a deliciously ripe banana!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love fills his heart and he longs to soar into the sky<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To proclaim at the top of his lungs this love, this longing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s the same every time he sees his mate<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He never tires of studying her</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He thirstily drinks her every detail<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cool green eyes, like a jade rock-pool<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unable to bear her cathartic beauty a moment longer<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He beats his wings and rides the length of the nearest sunbeam<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her sweet smell intoxicates his nostrils, floods his senses<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her smile triggers sparks of iridescent excitement<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flashing through his innards like a bolt of lightning<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leaving glowing patterns in his eyes as if he’d stared at the sun…..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All sense is lost, all rationality subsumed in the joy of the moment<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He sings his song, a melody of love spun silk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He longs to clothe her in devotion<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sip sweet honey from her navel<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spend all eternity wrapped in her charms<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But there’s always the pane of glass between them<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He cannot reach her…..</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark Harris has asserted his right under<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">To be identified as the author of this work.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
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<o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-37615830726653636002014-05-13T15:21:00.000-07:002014-05-14T14:19:12.180-07:00The subtle art of time.....<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Dear all,</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">It's been a long while, so busy have I been with my work and O.U. course that I would feel I'd lost my way were not the thread waiting for me.....</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Seriously it has been five months since I updated and it has gone in a blur. The highlight of the intervening period has been a poetry reading for Slackfolk - a folk music group that meets in Colchester that very kindly guested me to read and afforded the biggest audience I've yet faced, up there, alone, just me and the mike. It's a funny feeling and yet somehow so very necessary, a chance to slough off a skin or two and face myself alone in public.....</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><u>Python and Dove</u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Side winding on a moment<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">The emboldened tongue<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Exposes
hidden form</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Love uncoils</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">In strange new ways<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Gifting
pleasure storm</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Sloughs its skin<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">A heartbeat missed<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>python and the dove</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Slithering helpless<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In surrender</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">On the forked tongued peaks of love</span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Now, what is interesting about that is in my last post this thought thread was called "Raven and Dove" and hopefully the new version demonstrates the writing process in action. An initial idea, growing and changing to become something else filled, in this case, with snake imagery.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<h1 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
<span lang="EN"><u>Ethereal Peaks</u></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">The wildest sea resides within<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A white capped storm of longing<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ethereal peaks of magnificence<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Found in hopeless striving</span></span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: white;">
<br />
</span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Slow the world, too fast it turns<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The moment defining all I am<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Such a pale illusion cannot last<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No inner grasp of time unfolding</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="color: white; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Another interesting aspect of time constraint is the short poem. You don't need a long rambling discourse to say something that is on your heart</span><br />
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<h1 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
<span lang="EN"><u>Preparation</u></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">My heart beats with an agonised lilt<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Round and round the shining light<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leaving gold dust from my wings<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon the sweet bloom of your lips<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sprinkling frankinsense</span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Until I can no longer fly....</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">One of my greatest influences is Emily Dickinson and she never wrote "long". I figure if I can just manage five percent of her genius.....</span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><u>On My Skin</u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">I read letters from the dead <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fear traps me, fly like, in its web<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
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</span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I look upon the stars with dread<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
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</span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Knowing my earthly course<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Is but a footnote to the universe</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I briefly illuminate<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The spreading cloak of time<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Such a shrinking lot defines<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The worth of treasured things<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">The pale flame I lit for you<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Burns against the darkness<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As quietly I meditate<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your loving touch, sublime…..<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">But<b> </b>cannot feel it on my skin.</span>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">My latest "collection", in the loosest sense of the term, is currently labouring under the title "Apotheosis" or roughly the process of translating something (or someone) into a god or goddess. Perhaps this is something we all do at some point or another in our lives as we seek (or strive to fulfill our lives purpose) in finding the "magical other".</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><strong><u>Bloom</u></strong></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">There is a new flower in the field<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A lovelier bloom than all before<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She turns bright petals to the sun<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whilst her lover sings in solitude<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">No greater pleasure can there be<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Than see her carpel opened wide<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweet inner sanctum, holy ground <o:p></o:p></span></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Love's fragrant altar for sacrifice</span>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Who, or what, is the "magical other" to you? What does he or she or it look like? Do you want to write about or articulate that emotion? I would encourage you to do so.....</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><strong><u>Ajar</u></strong></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I’m on the outside looking in<o:p></o:p></span>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Watching as your footprints<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the shifting sands of time<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are washed away<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Intently listening from a distance<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An ear pressed to the ground<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm like a piece of flotsam</span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lost and found<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">I'm a face in the rear-view <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the place of the skull</span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When there was wailing<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And gnashing of teeth<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">I'm still reaping the harvest<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of summers past</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inadequate encounters </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All too brief<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">You tarried for a season<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Passed your darkest hour<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now like a sated vixen </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gone to ground<o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark Harris has asserted his right under<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To be identified as the author of this work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span> </span>Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-55966215196223257662013-12-15T15:13:00.000-08:002014-01-04T15:32:35.514-08:00End of year round up - a seasonal post.It's that time again, soon this year will turn into something new and uncharted - 2014. Is it just me or did 2013 seem to pass quicker than any before it? I think personally it's because I've been too darn busy - hence the over long gap before returning to the world of blog. I'll make a commitment here and now to take more time out for personal writing projects in the new year. We all have to create a space, somehow, amid all of our busyness, and writing is my very necessary escape. All summer long I've been jotting down ideas, a line here, a thought there and now it's time to unravel them - to pick up the thread again that leads me back here, to myself.....<br />
<br />
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>It
Matters</b></u></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It
matters to me</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal;">This isn't wrong</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s
not a crime</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
stunted bough</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
twisted rhyme</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm;">
<br />
<br /></div>
</h3>
<h1 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br />
</h1>
<h1 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br />
</h1>
<h1 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><u>Celestial Fall</u></span></span></h1>
<div>
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></span></strong></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
did wish upon a shooting star</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
its celestial fall</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Hoped
my love would unlock you</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">My
prayers provide the key</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">My
heart did burn in solitude</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As
it arced across your sky</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Although
worn upon these sleeves of mine</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You
never batted eye</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lost
moments sincerely spent</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now
darkness has returned</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mute
silence blankets everything</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">All
trace of where we burned</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</h3>
<br />
It's been a good, if steady year on the performing front and I've enjoyed the opportunities that have come my way, courtesy in particular of Colchester Poetry. I was fortunate enough to do three months worth of sequential performances at Open Mike nights for September, October and November, plus a couple of performances earlier in the year and an appearance at the Sunday Matinee in January. There was also the Festival at the Hythe, Colchester, in the summer, so not too bad I think. My sincere thanks to all concerned in organising these events and giving chances to folk to have their moment.<br />
<br />
<h2 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>All
the Things</b></u></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></div>
<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">All
those words I’d written for you</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One
final touch, a misplaced stroke</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
everything is lost</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A
page full of empty space remains</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lilly white, like a coward’s heart</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Elusive
tender moments</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Brimming
with all the things</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal;">I never said</span></span></div>
</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
So has the desire, the passion for writing diminished in these fallow months? Not at all! How can it when it is something I love doing and so value sharing? These pieces posted tonight are all new, the first harvest of summers thoughts. I hope you are enjoying them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>Galatea</b></u></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></div>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal;">I carry a personal Galatea</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal;">In my mind</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Pure
psychology</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">She
oozes like beeswax</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Love
and erotica</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Melting
in my undecided flame</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br />
</h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br />
</h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Raven
and Dove</u></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Spread
eagled on a moment</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
emboldened tongue</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Exposes
hidden form</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Love
uncoils</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
strange new ways</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Gifting
pleasure storm</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fire
meets ice</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A
heartbeat - missed</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
raven and the dove</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Falling
helpless</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
surrender</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">On
the outer lips of love</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Erased</u></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 0.18cm;">Hollow
heart, running loose</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 0.18cm;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 0.18cm;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’m
just like a frightened deer</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">But
if I were a preacher man</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Bold
- I’d entreaty God for you!</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">With
a useless broken antler</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Snapped
at rutting time</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">On
a hill, I’m straining upwards</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Towards
Artermis’ shrine</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
never meant to hurt you</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Though
my aim was straight and true</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
gods have made my choices</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">They
dictate from depth of void</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Colour
turns to black and white</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
I struggle to recall</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Why
on earth I wait here</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Set
for a bruising fall</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
hope that you are happy</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Beyond
the touch of man</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’ll
erase my thoughts, forget you</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
every way I can</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br />
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br />
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br />
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br />
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>The
Holy Grail</u></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Of
love and stone I speak</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One
dances like a moth drawn to a flame</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
other broods, unyielding, brute</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One
is passionate, fleeting, delicate</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Until
the holy-grail is reached</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
it fails, beating frail wings</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
other enduring, faceless, mute</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Removed
from the fire dull and cooled</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Merely
exists in splendid isolation</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One
burns with all urgency</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
other drains and chills</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Which
I ask myself were you?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As
I roam desolation's hills</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Kernel</u></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fluttering
against the glass</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Still
he beats his wings</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">After
long and fallow years</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">On
the outside looking in</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A
lonely, frightened mocking bird</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">With
gold dust on his tongue</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Carrying
the burden of</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">An
imagined Midas touch</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So
much to say, so little time</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">He
would sing for you</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Bring
precious stones, a holly wreath</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Things
borrowed, old and blue</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s
cold out on the margin</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
farthest edge of time</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
deepest dark the brightest stars</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Gleam
in solitude divine</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Within
this darkest hour</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A
kernel only night can bring</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">He
awaits the cusp of sunrise</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When
he’ll catch your eye and sing</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
I'd like to thank everyone whom I have shared the writing journey with so far, everyone who has taken time out to read Ariadne's Thread. I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2014!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Proximity</u></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Sleep
walking the halls of sadness</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
wrote this for a heart like mine</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Though
none abounds</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
time abhors my ethereal ways….</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To
what shall I compare her?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">All
my words are but the guttural</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Aping
the divine</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">My
striving the profane to the profound</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
to know her, how?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To
roll back time and take her hand</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
mine, would be a splendid thing</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
together walk a path so intimate</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Surely,
to miss its proximity, a crime?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To
experience every leaf and flower</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Watch
each heavy pollen laden bee</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Upon
a bloom’s explosion feed</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">All
confirms creation's glory</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
but mere and flawed can scarce conceive….</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To
know her, how?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Except
through the Ariadne’s thread</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Of
words she's left behind</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Leading
me by the heart</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal;">Toward her light sublime</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="line-height: 0.18cm;">
<br />
<br /></div>
</h3>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark Harris has asserted his
right under<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Section 77 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To be identified as the author
of this work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
<br />
</span>Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-47437882118964331032013-09-16T02:16:00.000-07:002013-09-18T14:45:13.050-07:00Update w/c 15/09/13I didn't realise when I returned to the blog that it had been over three months since my last update. It's been a busy summer and seems to have flown by faster than any I can remember but at least this year we had a summer with some glorious hot days! I have also returned to the poetry. Although there has been some note scribbling and idea collecting there really hasn't been time to write a great deal, although I did write a series of sketches for St John's Church, Colchester based on the Epistles of St Paul which were quite a challenge and something very different to be asked to do.<br />
<br />
There's nothing like a live performance to re-focus energy however! I was lucky enough to get a slot at "The Waiting Room" a new venue for the arts in Colchester that I wish every success for the future. It's early days but there are good things planned. The evening itself was very enjoyable with several local performers including comedy, poets and musicians and no two alike so great variety as well! I would like to thank Colchester Poetry and James Sarek in particular for organising the Open Mike.<br />
<br />
My own writing has revolved around a re-appraisal of some older efforts, The "Body Curio" in particular coming under renewed scrutiny and in places a thorough re-write where I felt the material needed strengthening. The challenge has been to keep the "feel" of the original whilst improving it. The relevant page has been updated with samples from the piece so you can judge for yourself whether the process has been a success.<br />
<br />
One new poem that got it's first outing on Saturday 14th Sept. follows, called "Maple Leaves" I hope it is suitably evocative of Autumn.....<br />
<br />
<b><u>Maple Leaves</u></b><br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">She
loosened the band and her hair fell</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Like
a red waterfall</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b> </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Like
fire tumbling over her shoulders</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">She
loosened the band and her hair fell</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Unfettered
across the curve of her neck</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
she flicked her head</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Her
fiery hair describing an arc</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Like
an autumnal goddess</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Her
hair, red as a maple leaf</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Promising
the open skies of the wilderness</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Her
eyes as deep as the forest</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">She
loosened the band and her hair fell</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Wild
and untamed</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
I raised my head and howled to the moon</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
that moment my heart ran free</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Through
the ancient forest</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Through
carpets of fallen leaves</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
the moment she loosened the band</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
her hair fell</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I also include another re-write from the "Body Curio" that formed part of Saturday's performance.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.49cm; margin-top: 0.49cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b>Unconsciously
You</b></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Perhaps
you took pity on me, sensing my need</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And
deigned to show me the manifold wonders of love</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
height, breadth and depth of sublime womanhood</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
tasted sunshine in your smile, saw beauty in your eyes</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Day
and night you were always on my mind</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Unknown
pleasures soared within my heart like birds</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Forming
a facsimile from the clay of love</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Unconsciously
needing someone to worship and adore</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
worked an errant likeness with childlike thoughts </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Gently
I smoothed every inch of its skin</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Faithfully
captured every curve and detail </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Reproduced
every rise and fall of your breast</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
made more of you than drab reality</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Birthed
a deity from the pearl of desire</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It
rose like Venus from the clamshell of my heart</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Your
likeness beguiled me, promising perfection </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
couldn’t live without the hope my idol brought</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mine
the age old error of loving what I’d wrought</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Time
and time again I threw exhausted arms </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Around
the unyielding torso of my goddess</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">With
tear soaked kisses begged </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>you</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
to awaken and replace it…..</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you have enjoyed the update (and I'll try not not leave it so long next time), hopefully see you at an Open Mike or local event soon!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Kind regards</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Mark</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">Mark Harris has asserted his right under<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">Section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">To be identified as the author of this work.</span></div>
</div>
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-4408734138751608132013-06-04T13:40:00.001-07:002013-06-04T13:42:14.075-07:00Much ado about somethingHi all! Inbetween exam preparation I've been lucky enough to do a couple of live sets at The Hythe to Port Festival and Firstsite Colchester and I must thank Tess Gardener of SKOPT & Col Po fame for the former and James Sarek of Col Po fame for the latter. Thanks both for the opportunities! I've really tried hard to up the ante with live work and the material is so heartfelt it seems to come accross from the feedback I've had. I'd welcome comments as ever. The Circles project has been a bit of a watershed in so far as I'll take time out from the usual source material for my work and try to do something a bit different for the next project "Auto Pathology". It's been on the back burner for a long while and now seems the time to complete a thorough examination of my and those around me's relationship with all things medical. It's a long story but hopefully it will all make sense, so from witch doctors to councelling via psychology here goes! Meanwhile I continue to "fine tune" Circles but it's certainly ready for it's own page on the blog. I have added some material from the same and hope you like it. This Saturday sees another opportunity for live work at a fund raiser for the "Lightbulb Festival of the Arts" which will take place in Colchester from July 11th to 14th. Please, please back this if you can. Better still come along to 15 Queen St, Colchester from 7pm onwards to see some great acts strutt their stuff! I'll sign off now but do please look to the "Circles" page link to get a flavour of what the last nine months have been about in Mark (poetry) world! See you at an event nearby soon!Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-28675613519547620542013-04-24T13:04:00.001-07:002013-04-24T13:17:12.364-07:00Update W/C. 24/04/13Sorry its been so long but pressures of study and other commitments have dominated, the good news is we're nearing the end of the academic year so there will soon be time for more regular poetry ramblings! All has not been quiet however and I'm pleased to say a very big thank you to Colchester Poetry for the recent open mike on 13/04/13 where I was able to vent regarding the topic of bullying, which is a real bug-bear of mine. I'm passionately against the strong (usually backed up by several cohorts) picking on the weak and I am very grateful for the positive feedback I received on the night. I was quite undecided about whether I should go for it or not and I'm glad I did. The "Circles" project is in its final stages (I promise) and will be finished soon. I thought to add the poems I performed on the 13th of April here. I promise that everything in "Comprehensive Indeed" is true, it contains strong language (for me anyhow) so I've posted it last in the latest entry. The poem is from my first offering "Minutiae" from 2010. I've included "Daughter of the Beat" my peon to Jan Kerouac, daughter of Jack Kerouac founder member of the beat poet movement and "Rear View" which is dedicated to one of the more difficult life moments I've endured. Both are part of "Circles". As ever I'll be grateful of your feedback and comments and I sincerely hope to catch up with you at a poetry event soon.....<br />
<br />
Kind regards<br />
Mark<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><u>Daughter of the
Beat</u></span></h2>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At first, like everyone
we ever see, she’s an image, an assumption</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Gazing from the page at
me, from a time before I’d even heard
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Her name, let alone
stood on the cusp of these innermost thoughts
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Lain bare as words for
all to read.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I know my walk in this
garden of candid prose will be unique
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Seeking more than
others seek, I'm following a path that’s</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mine to find,
revelations from between the lines leading to</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Appreciation.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On the day the
photograph was taken, if I’m not wrong, her eyes</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Reflected more than a
cameras lens. An energy reaching out
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Decades on – a
fragile being, aware of her mortality
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Knowing she’ll soon
be gone.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Smiling, I'm enjoying
alternating shades of light and dark
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Finding depth beyond a
perfect face, colour beyond
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Black and white, happy
that words can endure death
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Making more than
fitting epitaphs – they tell a story.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It’s through her
words the beat goes on, she herself</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Has gone but if eyes
are indeed the gateway to a soul
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I wasn’t wrong.
Turning the final page I also offer words</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hoping she’s found
the peace that she deserved.</div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Rear
View </b></u></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
All I had to do was
subtly glance behind me</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A surreptitious rolling
of the eyes
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To see you there,
sitting in my present
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yet somehow belonging
to the past</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I wanted to see if I
still found you beautiful</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Traced the familiar
contours of your face</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A numbing sadness
tugging at my heart
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Feelings from another
time and place</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I heard your voice in
the here and now</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Felt your presence just
behind</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Not something I had to
recreate</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
From the forbidden
corners of my mind</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Wishing I could say I
hadn’t felt the yearning</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A desperate desire to
re-connect</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Resolutely I drove on
through gaps of silence</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Always one to humbly
genuflect</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With trepidation I felt
the old fires burning</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Of the love you’d
chosen to reject</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I’ve often tried but
there’s no going back</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No dressing the wounds
of your neglect</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Wisdom’s lines trace
the pain of learning
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Framing the damage
that’s been done</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I pull away with no
thoughts of turning
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No more rear-view
glances at “the one”</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Comprehensive
Indeed</b></u></span></h2>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Lined up like wide-eyed
frightened meerkats we await the verdict</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Delivered from sneering
faces of contempt part hidden by big brother</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
(And there’s always
the guardian angel-rock-ape that waits outside the gate</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Of this hellhole, after
school, the ultimate tattooed guarantor)</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fingers pointing they
progress slowly down the line
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A single phrase, a
word, mark of the beast conferred:</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“He’s a poof, he’s
a poof, he’s a poof, he’s alright, he’s a poof”</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Said with an amazingly
dispassionate contempt
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And now for the less
fortunate it starts:</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Bullying, shoving,
sneering, name-calling
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And those endless
portent laden threats</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I’ll get you after
school</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I’m going to kick
your fucking head in</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Give us a sweet you
poof (always “you poof”)</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As if they even know
the meaning of the word</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Powerless teachers
often fare no better</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pale timid mediators
that our tormentors know
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Can’t be everywhere</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Can’t be outside the
gates</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Where their spineless
jurisdiction ends</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On the sprawling estate</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I swear there are vines
hanging from the lampposts</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To help the rock apes
swing their way to school</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
My punishable crimes: A
briefcase not rucksack</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No standard issue Doc
Marten boots (in brown or black)</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The branded gather in
clusters at playtime</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Frightened little
penguins, bewildered, scared, lost</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When the bell goes the
buildings spill their stomachs</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
From the upper floors
looking like a swarm</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
An eruption of
scurrying
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Faceless ants</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>ii The Tools of the
trade</u></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The shove</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Safety in numbers</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A Big brother or two</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And (preferably) a rock
ape for extra immunity</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A cover all insult</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“You poof”</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A flexible threat</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“I’ll get you after
school”</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
(Effective even if you
don’t follow through)</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The threat produces a
sick sinking-stomach feeling</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Making the victim
recipient sweat for hours, fart with fear</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The realisation of the
portent:</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“I’ll kick your fucking head in, you poof”</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>iii How to be left
alone</u></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Obey the law of the
jungle!</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A hapless victim will
be selected for you</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Unwilling gladiators we
form up
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Before the bully
overlord and his gang</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For their delectation
and delight</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I can see his sneering
face</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He knows you’re a
spineless shit</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
More afraid of him by
far</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The bully cook book
recipe:</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A pinch of Insults
lightly stirred</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A seasoning of shoving</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Lots of “you poof”
for a fuller flavour</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Then get kicking!</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A Doc Marten to the
shins</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Or windmill punches to
the crying reddened face</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You’re learning fast!</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A revolting piping hot
dish will soon be served</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Blood spattered, for
good old bully, already salivating
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At the prospect of the
feast</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Show no mercy under any
circumstances</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The more your overlord
grins the better you’re kicking the shins</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Don’t forget when
they go down a kick to the nuts</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The victim is a “poof”
anyway, they won’t need them!</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Iv The day that
friendship died</u></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
My dear childhood
friend:</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If it makes it any
easier for you</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Forgiving myself gets
harder with time</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I wish I could make
amends</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Turn back the clock and
stand up for you</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Your crimes: polished
enunciation</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Parents interested in
your education</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I can see the bullies
surrounding you</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Laughing, linking arms,
forming a tight ring</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Framing your frightened
face, bed sheet white with fear</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I can hear the chanting
begin
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“Kill the poof, kill
the poof, kill the poof”</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On a given signal the
dance begins</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Like a macabre vicious
can-can</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Doc Marten’s in
unison, to the shin, to the groin</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Every time you try to
fall</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They grab your collar
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hold it tight, kicking
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Forcing you upright</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Game over the suddenly
disinterested circle brakes apart</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To reveal your face
racked with tears and pain as you stagger</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Trying to walk,
shooting a look at your cowardly “friend”</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
That says quite simply
the friendship ends
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I’m sorry</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Wish I’d had a spine
back then.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>V Music teacher</u></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I can see and hear you
today</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Clear as a bell in my
memory</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You had a beautiful
voice</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Long, lustrous blonde
hair</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And I can see your red
face</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Unwilling tears
starting to form</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Behind thick black
rimmed NHS glasses</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No interest in classic
arias here</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The boys at the back
won’t listen</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They’re too busy
picking the next victim</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Planning today’s
playground torment</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They merely jeer and
barrack you</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It is with great
sadness I hear the news</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A few years later</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The throat that sang
arias</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The rope you used to
hang yourself</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Vi Comprehensive</u></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“Here I sit bored as
hell waiting for the bloody bell”</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I will always remember
that tribute</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Deeply scratched into
the wooden table top</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Like a pale brown scar
cut with a penknife, sutured by splinters</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A mute verdict on
algebra, geometry, Pythagoras Theory</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A hundred things we’ve
never had cause to use since</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Five long, draining
years coming to an end</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Unbelievably they’ve
put out squash, cakes and biscuits</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
To see us on our way,
trying to create an informal party hat atmosphere
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A fitting send off from
the 1960’s build penal colony</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We disaffected stand
sullenly, shifting our weight</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
From boot to boot when
a lone digestive is thrown</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The air suddenly sports
a display of cake</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It’s a riot out of
control!</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The headmaster is
called</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And he bursts through
the double doors</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mortarboard and black
grim-reaper cape</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Billowing in the wind
of his assumed authority</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A superhero like Batman
arrived to save the day</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We all pelt him, the
mortarboard’s knocked off</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Rolls impotently on the
floor like a chastened dog</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A trail of cream and
jam adorn his high forehead, spatter his hair</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He retreats the scene
with undue haste</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Then it’s over and we
leave, just ebb away, like a retreating oil slick</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No thought of a
backward glance at the grey prison
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Nowadays dying of
concrete cancer, what a bloody waste</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Vii A legacy </u>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And there you still
stand</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ofsted special measures
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Re-branded Art College</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Failure</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I still bleed from your
stigmata</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Curse you when I drive
past
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Through the jungle-vine
estate</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Realising I’m scarred
just like the table top</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mark
Harris has asserted his right under</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Section
77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To
be identified as the author of this work.</span></span></div>
<br />Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-48898469071272462822013-03-10T13:11:00.004-07:002013-03-10T13:21:52.601-07:00Update w/c 10/03/13Well, its been a bit of a funny old time on the poetry front not helped by flu and study commitments! However, I'm now well on the mend and bubbling over with ideas and keen to keep the new work coming! To that end I thought I'd share a couple of pieces from the current project entitled "Circles". The name is no accident - do we not travel in Circles going back to where we've been - re-assessing the decisions we made, the people we interacted with, the feelings we had and perhaps trying to re-create them, re-enact them? Maybe we're looking to re-live a situation with a different outcome?<br />
The theme of circles goes deeper - yin and yang - the circle of life - the unbroken ring - eternity......<br />
<br />
If I look too deeply - it's the way things are and I won't change any time soon. For me my work must ask questions primarily of myself but we all struggle with the same universal issues at one level or another at some point in our lives. If I'm wrong well - tell me so - I'd welcome your comments and thoughts on the matter.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aphelion<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I‘m clutching at receding shadows</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reaching back through time </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the years that passed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a loving procession</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Genuflecting to a fleeting moment</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I freeze-framed your beauty</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And hope shone within me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like a palindrome of the sun </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can no longer <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel</i>
our song </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s insufficient to hear it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I listen over and over</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In willing supplication</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Searching for you</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until my ears ache</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until my heart pounds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And my thoughts derail </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m trying to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">experience</i>
you </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To break through the eclipse </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the core of my being</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And let the light flood in</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To see your face in my mind</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recreate your touch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a warm summer’s day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When love was the game I played</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A half forgotten feeling remains </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Locked in the vault of my heart</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Awaiting authentication</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like a fake antique painting </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Masquerading as a grand master</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I willingly commune with the past </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That surrounds me, unaccountable </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like an unfinished symphony</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your picture becomes memories</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the abyssal plane </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So real I can taste them</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In bland consolation </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll win you some day, over the rainbow</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Petition the silence until you repent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And admit you were swayed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">In that prefect sunlit moment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">Zeitgeist<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Forgive me goddess my human frailty</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>As I kneel before the feet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>That once graced a marble plinth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I’m responsible for placing you here</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Beyond the soiling finger prints</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Of supplicant desire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I whitened you until you outshone</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>The feeble midday sun </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>But you failed to bless me with increase</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Instead visiting my base soul </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>With a secular disease</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>And I ceased to be a believer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Now I return to the shell</span> </div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>My shallowness has left</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>And cry out your name</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Knowing the bridges have been burned</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>And your immortal back is turned</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>So I bring no gifts or sacrifice</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I approach this sad and ruined place</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>With a new reverence for the divine</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Amid fading memories of your face</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span>Now, the fun thing here is the first poem above starts with 'A' and the second 'Z' so there's a whole world in between...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ring Cycle<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The more things change</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The more they’re the same</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perfecting the circle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An unbroken ring</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Round to the start</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back to the end</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Out of the frying pan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Into the fire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disconnecting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leaving a hole</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nothing there</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simply a hole</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nothing at all</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where it should be</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You’ve asked the question</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asked what it is</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Had the round conversation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Studied the ring</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A circular system</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The depth of the void</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The answer lying</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the centre of things</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A rotating ring cycle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An eternal wheel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Devoid of substance </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Devoutly believing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What the answer can’t be</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Some of the world inbetween is dark and some light so I'll finish with a bit of fun.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dreaming<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I kiss times full lips </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And venerate the stars</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will I get to row my goddess</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Down the red canals of Mars?</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I win Saturn’s glowing rings</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place them on her slender fingers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can I get walk her<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Round the gardens of the sun?</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will we dance together</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the music of the spheres</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Riding on our moonbeams </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Till morning light appears?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will the polar caps of planets</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be pillows for our heads</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Or should I stop my dreaming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And live reality instead?</span><br />
<br />
I'm looking forwards to giving birth to Circles.......<br />
<br />
Well, that's if for the moment I look forwards to meeting you at another poetry event soon<br />
<br />
Keep looking on the connections to Colchester Poetry for local events!<br />
<br />
Until then.......<br />
<br />
Warmest regards<br />
Mark<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark Harris has asserted his
right under<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Section 77 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To be identified as the author
of this work.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></u></b><br /></div>
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-10811301455770216472013-01-29T14:37:00.001-08:002013-02-03T05:52:22.555-08:00W/C Sunday 27th JanHad a very enjoyable couple of hours at the Sunday Matinee at Firstsite Colchester on the 27th which saw a wide variety of talent on display. I was first up and did the same set as the recent Open Mike as studying and a loss of I.T. for a few days mitigated against putting a new set together. However on the plus side not everyone had heard it before! The "Circles" project is progressing well and there will be some new material to share soon. This will be a quick in and out sort of post as I really ought to have my head buried in a book right now. However, I can't resist sharing an Emily Dickinson poem in the Gothic style number "410" from the year 1862.....<br />
<br />
The first Day's Night had come - <br />
And grateful that a thing<br />
So terrible - had been endured -<br />
I told my soul to sing -<br />
<br />
She said her strings were snapt - <br />
Her Bow - to atoms blown -<br />
And so to mend her - gave me work<br />
Until another morn<br />
<br />
And then - A day as huge<br />
As yesterdays in pairs,<br />
Unrolled its horror in my face - <br />
Until it blocked my eyes -<br />
<br />
My Brain - begun to laugh<br />
I mumbled - like a fool<br />
And tho' tis years ago - that Day -<br />
My brain keeps giggling - still.<br />
<br />
And somthing's odd - within -<br />
That person that I was -<br />
And this One - do not feel the same -<br />
Could it be Madness - this?<br />
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---------------------------------<br />
<br />
I love the enigmatic quality of Emily's work, a great influence on me<br />
<br />
Well that's the mini update over, hope to see you at a Poetry meet soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-1471434484607686782013-01-13T04:33:00.004-08:002013-01-13T04:39:31.135-08:00W/C 13th January 2013Welcome to the first post of 2013 and it's been a busy week. Firstly there was the January meeting of Colchester Poetry on Tuesday the 8th and very enjoyable it was too. The themes of 'Berbatov' and 'Scavenger' brought forth some interesting work from all concerned. My own submission on the 'scavenger' theme will follow shortly.<br />
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Last night, 12th January, saw Colchester Poetry's first open mike of the year including poetry performances from Jonathan King, Jason McLean, Belinda Colaianni-Federl, SteveOvel, Steve Lawton and the 'Wingless Heron' ensemble of Tess Gardner, Phil Mill and Joe Elliot-Purtell, plus music from Alex Yandle, and performances from Modal Roberts and Mouth amongst others. Colchester has wealth of acts out there, so if you weren't there that's a flavour of what you missed, don't miss the next one! Follow via my Facebook friends for links to Colchester Poetry and the various performers and acts concerned to know more about them.<br />
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I've added a new page 'Minutiae' with extracts from the first collection of poems dating from early 2010. The collection is subtitled "the poetry of the first half of a life" and tackles many thorny issues close to my heart. As ever I hope you like the poems.....<br />
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Now its time for the scavenging submission from Tuesday.....<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Hyena<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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I pick the bones of my elysian fields<o:p></o:p></div>
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As clock hands work their way around <o:p></o:p></div>
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A sad face marking passing hours<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spent scavenging your memory<o:p></o:p></div>
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From pictures that besotted me<o:p></o:p></div>
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I pull ragged little bits of love<o:p></o:p></div>
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All night through my longing plays <o:p></o:p></div>
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Like an insular game of lone charades<o:p></o:p></div>
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A dark sarcophagus held your heart<o:p></o:p></div>
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I tried to crack its outer shell <o:p></o:p></div>
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And win your shining x-ray smile<o:p></o:p></div>
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With futile hopes that lie exposed <o:p></o:p></div>
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You left in such indecent haste<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now burning questions sting my lips <o:p></o:p></div>
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As I lick this poisoned chalice clean<o:p></o:p></div>
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Savouring its strange metallic taste<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the end of the path that leads nowhere<o:p></o:p></div>
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All the answers to the riddle writhe <o:p></o:p></div>
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Within me, myself and I, like a splendid carrion<o:p></o:p></div>
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Served nightly in a thin membrane of dreams<o:p></o:p></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;" />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Mark Harris has asserted his
right under<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Section 77 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">To be identified as the author
of this work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-88841714276265210602012-12-28T03:34:00.001-08:002013-01-13T14:37:48.769-08:00End of year week commencing 30/12/12Well its been a busy year! I'd like firstly to thank Mr James Sarek for giving poetry in Colchester such a boost. The group aptly named Colchester Poetry only kicked off in February of this year when the town seemed very quiet on the poetical front. What a difference a year makes! There has been much organised to give local performers a platform to share their work, the most recent being December 15th when an end of year get together took place at Colchester Slack Space hosted by none other than Father Christmas himself! I'd like to thank his mince pie and sherry eminence for taking time off from more pressing duties in Lapland.<br />
I'm certainly looking forwards to 2013, no doubt there will be more poems to be dreamt up and completed.<br />
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Meanwhile I'll share one of the poems that made it onto the Dec 15th set. Very much a "Winters Tale" of sorts. The poem is taken from "Germination" and you can find more from the same on the relevant page.....<br />
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<u>The Dance of Shadows</u><br />
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As darkness falls and the wild wind speaks</div>
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Like a moaning wraith in death bereaved</div>
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Making tortured scraping sounds</div>
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It whips across the frozen ground</div>
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A wise owl hoots his warning word</div>
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Not to enter this night time world</div>
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Of leafless trees, clawing like hands</div>
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They rise, yet tortured, from the land</div>
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Winter’s breath berates the trees</div>
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That dance in moonlight revelries</div>
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Ghastly forms spring from darkening holes</div>
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And grimly dance their shadows </div>
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The wind is rising, stronger still</div>
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Pregnant with night time’s eerie chill</div>
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Branches beaten into frenzy</div>
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Shadows dancing, faster, chanting </div>
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The spirit of deep winter’s God</div>
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Blackens the land, with his cloak outspread</div>
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All light is masked, the land it shouts</div>
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For even the shadows are blotted out<br />
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I've also added a new page "Venus Veins" with some poems from my project of the same title which I hope you enjoy. The work comes from the high summer of 2010 and is very much part of a "journey through the soul".</div>
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Well, that's just about it for 2012, see you next year!</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Mark Harris has asserted his
right under<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Section 77 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">To be identified as the author
of this work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-51141018230662006302012-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:002012-12-08T13:46:22.485-08:00Week commencing 09/12/12Well, it's been a couple of quieter weeks on the poetical front as studies have taken priority but inevitably there's things, ideas, for new work swirling around the backwaters of my mind for the latest project I've given the working title of "Circles" to. However, there's also plenty of archive material to draw upon.<br />
<br />
2010 really was a busy year on the writing front and I've added a new page from a project completed towards the very end of that year, 'The Body Curio'. The work was done on the re-bound of material I'd written for 'Testimony' which was completed in the autumn of the same year. Indeed, it was like 'The Body Curio' was a child of 'Testimony' and every bit as intense in places.<br />
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The subject material ranged far and wide and took the form of three distinct 'movements' of which I've only given a taster here, many of the pieces having been performed live in recent months. As always I hope you enjoy the new page and post.<br />
<br />
I'll hopefully be back soon for another update!<br />
<br />
Kind regards<br />
MarkAriadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-3869501210166258732012-11-26T12:41:00.002-08:002012-11-26T12:41:20.548-08:00Week commencing 25/11/12It's time to add a new page, albeit somewhat unusual.....<br />
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In late 2011 I completed a project called "Germination" (A teenage resurrection).<br />
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Rummaging around in the detritus of life I came across a long lost book of poems actually intended in the first instance as song lyrics back in the days when I thought I was going to be in a band, typical teenage stuff.<br />
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The lyrics had long outlived the very short-lived band but I was struck by their often very bleak alienated content and wondered if they would make a sort of half way house between song lyrics and poems "pongs" without losing the original "feel" they had for me.<br />
<br />
I got totally absorbed in the process like I was translating an old papyrus and ended up with over seventy "pongs" in a short but very intense period of work of which I have added a sample here. The overall piece has an almost Gothic horror quality about it, I wondered who the person was who had written them some thirty years before.....<br />
<br />
Plus ca change, plus la meme chose?<br />
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Anyway I hope you like the taster.....<br />
<br />
MarkAriadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-45622558967634362162012-11-24T12:08:00.002-08:002012-11-24T12:08:32.263-08:0024/11/12<br />
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Well, it's time for an update and I must begin by saying that I have discovered a new "holy grail" poetry wise to add to the Leonard Cohen holy grail that I've nurtured for a while now. The new discovery is Emily Dickinson a nineteenth century American poetess who wrote such perfect work and in such profusion that my head is in a whorl. What to do when you encounter true genius? Be inspired, be very inspired so I write a piece as an ode to all I have learned this past week: -<br />
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<b><u>Awe<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Alone on the shore of eternity’s sequind hem<o:p></o:p></div>
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And all that it enfolds<o:p></o:p></div>
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Endless realms stretch beyond my mind<o:p></o:p></div>
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And all that it can hold<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yet creation’s womb was smaller than a grain of sand<o:p></o:p></div>
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So tonight I playfully mask heavens glory<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cover everything that ever was <o:p></o:p></div>
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With my mortal hand<o:p></o:p></div>
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________________</div>
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Well, I hope you liked my attempt, I feel awed by Emily, I have discovered a universe in her work.....</div>
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<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Mark Harris has asserted his
right under<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Section 77 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">To be identified as the author
of this work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-28962321144952648322012-11-15T14:31:00.001-08:002012-11-15T15:20:36.615-08:00Week commencing Sunday 11th November 2012<div>
<b><u>Latest News:</u></b></div>
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Welcome back to Ariadne's Thread, it's been quite a week on the poetical front!<br />
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Firstly the Colchester Poetry Open Mike on Saturday featuring strong performances from all concerned was a very enjoyable experience and took place at Colchester Firstsite on Saturday 10th November. I'm certainly looking forwards to the next one. Having completed rather more urgent assignments, I'm back in writing mode and making some progress with the latest project "Circles". </div>
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As I continue to add extracts from some of my completed projects, I thought it might be useful to give some sort of chronology to what I've done so here goes:</div>
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<u>Completed</u></div>
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Minutiae - The poetry of the first half of a life (2010)</div>
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Venus Veins - (2010)</div>
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Testimony - (2011)</div>
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The Body Curio - (The diary of an intimate wounding) - (2011)</div>
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Rumpspringa - (Letters from the sea of longing) - (2011)</div>
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Teenage Resurrection - (2011)</div>
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Apocrypha - (Exploring aspects of the void) (2012)</div>
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<u>Still writing</u></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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Circles - (A ring cycle)</div>
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I do realise that's quite a lot of "stuff" and the initial torrent has slowed to a more considered pace now. Each work has a macro theme which explains the sub-titles given to some of the pieces. I firmly believe that writing things down, giving experiences, particularly the difficult ones, some sort of tangible form is very therapeutic. When asked I have always said I'd have written all this anyway just for myself. People have generally responded positively to what I've written hence the decision to share some of it. I've added extracts from 'Rumpspringa' as a new page today, hope you like them. </div>
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To close for today, I'm currently reading about the life and times of Emily Dickinson, a particularly prolific 19th century American writer. Some of her pieces are really beautiful and enigmatic. I think it's healthy to have something to aspire to if at all possible.</div>
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Until next time..... </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Mark Harris has asserted his
right under<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Section 77 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">To be identified as the author
of this work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-47333088566694076642012-11-10T10:13:00.001-08:002012-11-15T14:34:13.803-08:00Week commencing Sunday 3rd November 2012Looking forward to reading this week which I really enjoy, although I still get rather nervous to say the least!<br />
<br />
I've posted some of the reading material which I've permed from a project called 'Testimony' under a new page of the same name. Completed late in 2010 'Testimony' remains a personal favourite of mine and<br />
I do hope you enjoy the new page.<br />
<br />
<br />Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-2980764584961356012012-11-08T12:04:00.005-08:002017-02-18T14:26:22.664-08:00Well, so far so good as I begin to understand what makes a blog work and we're up and running! Enjoyed meeting with Poetry Colchester on Tuesday, attended by eight, with some very interesting readings and conversation to be had. The next pit stop on the calendar will be Saturday Nov 10th from 7:30pm at First Site, Colchester so why not come along? It looks to be a good line up forming. Not sure what exactly I'll be reading but there's plenty to chose from in the back catalogue. Maybe one or two from what I call my "Russian" series when I got interested in Russian dolls and snow. I've not written anything new this week (oh the shame) but reviewed one or two pieces and spruced them up a bit, including a peon to the old D.D.R. which I read on Tuesday. I firmly believe in the maxim it's not what you leave in but what you take out that matters so tend to tighten older works up by removing the odd extraneous word or two. The writing method is to produce something I'm reasonably happy with "freeze" it for a bit and then "thaw it out" later to see if anything needs changing. That way you don't lose the immediacy of the initial idea by over thinking it. Well that's the methodology I've used thus far. So let's thaw a couple of poems out together on Saturday!Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410791891609060090.post-40707849163338200242012-11-04T13:53:00.000-08:002012-11-04T14:47:37.324-08:00Well, here we go, a tentative start for a techno-phobic to join the blog community and share a fast growing back catalogue of poetry with the like minded out there! With almost 500 poems written there's plenty to chose from, I hope you find something you like. Watch this space!Ariadne's Threadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997195343808770834noreply@blogger.com0