My 2015 World Book Night choice

Real Poems for Unreal Times #WBN has been running for four years now. This is the third year that I have been participating and the third year that I'll be handing out my first choice pick - this year it's Essential Poems from the Staying Alive Trilogy. I love poetry. Before I could read - heck, … Continue reading My 2015 World Book Night choice

REVIEW – Fancy Pants Poetry 2 – Agostino Scafidi

Recently I reviewed a book of poetry by Agostino Scafidi. No sooner had I pressed publish, then he let me know that the sequel had become available. While there are no major stylish or drastic format changes, this is a very different book from its predecessor. The original was dark, cynical and sarcastic - caustic in … Continue reading REVIEW – Fancy Pants Poetry 2 – Agostino Scafidi

POEM – Notes on the Art of Poetry – Dylan Thomas

Notes on the Art of Poetry I could never have dreamt that there were such goings-on in the world between the covers of books, such sandstorms and ice blasts of words,,, such staggering peace, such enormous laughter, such and so many blinding bright lights,, , splashing all over the pages in a million bits and … Continue reading POEM – Notes on the Art of Poetry – Dylan Thomas

Poetry Moment – Dust if you Must – Rose Milligan

Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better To paint a picture, or write a letter, Bake a cake, or plant a seed; Ponder the difference between want and need? Dust if you must, but there’s not much time, With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb; Music to hear, and books to read; … Continue reading Poetry Moment – Dust if you Must – Rose Milligan

REVIEW – Fancy Pants Poetry – Agostino Scafidi

Recently Agostino Scafidi left a message on the blog about his new book of poems. As I'm always on the lookout for new authors and poets, he sent me a copy to review. Laid back, contemporary and bitingly sarcastic, these poems are a mix of specific and stipulated themes and vague concepts and thoughts - allowing the … Continue reading REVIEW – Fancy Pants Poetry – Agostino Scafidi

101 Poems about Childhood

As well as recently becoming an aunt; many of my friends have brought splendid little people into the world. Naturally, my first impulse has been to read up on the whole experience. So last week I checked out '101 Poems about Childhood' from my local library. While I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting … Continue reading 101 Poems about Childhood

A Visit From St. Nicholas

A Visit From St. Nicholas    by Clement Clark Moore (1822)   ’T WAS the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that ST. NICHOLAS soon would be there; The children were nestled all … Continue reading A Visit From St. Nicholas

Andrea Gibson – How It Ends

On each occasion that this poem is receited; it has a unique opening. Ms Gibson uses the actual time period elapsed; a device which provides context for the experience and connects with the audience anew. I particularly like it because it pushes the event further and further back without reducing the emotional impact. The song … Continue reading Andrea Gibson – How It Ends

The Poetry of Jill Scott

Jill Scott   Actor, Musician and poet. (I don't agree with all of her stances and statements but love her poetry) Haiki #2 It was a loud cry When I was brought to this world Been loud ever since When the women gather Ever watch the women? How they laugh? bend from the waist Like … Continue reading The Poetry of Jill Scott

Excerpt from the Princess – Lord Alfred Tennyson

Metrophobia is the name for a fear of poetry. Perhaps it's a bit less scary if Tom Hiddleston reads it? Happy National Poetry Day!