GEYSERS OF BRIGHT LIGHT

Indoor fireworks, do you remember them? I thought they were a thing of the past but a quick search has informed me that they are available today. I bought some once and needless to say was disappointed. I was thinking about the incident recently and it led to this poem.

INDOOR FIREWORKS

Undeniably the box held promise

a sun bleached label with wonky grammar

overprinted geysers of bright light

Reality was something different

a splutter of iron filing sparkle

a brief magnesium flare

As the house filled with smoke

I was grateful back then

there were no smoke detectors

Some life lessons are best learned early

I've had about four attempts at writing this poem. I think it's finally worth showing people. At the time the whole house stank of smoke. I wonder if indoor fireworks have improved. I shall not be finding out anytime soon.

Danny Thompson died last week. He was an amazing bass player who played with everyone you could think of. Here he is with John Martyn.

Until next time.

SIDESWIPE

I was saddened to hear of the death of Brian Patten this week. I can't claim to have known the man but we talked on occasion and he was complimentary of my poetry. He was generous enough to offer to write something more for the blog the last time I saw him read. I don't know why I did not take him up on his offer, I suppose I thought I could in the future, sadly it was not to be. Here he is in full flow. 

I've actually just got back from Catalunya and this was the last of the posts I'd written before I went. Have you ever had one of those experiences when something catches you off guard and evokes a forgotten memory that is so strong it knocks you sideways? That is what the following poem attempts to capture.

SIDESWIPE

Out of nowhere a song knocks me off my feet

and I am miles ago and years away

You are asking me what ever is up

because I look like I’ve seen a ghost

I stare at you mute

because that’s exactly what has happened

Everything vanishes as I tumble towards today

I've been struggling with this one for a couple of weeks. I've been writing down lines as they have occurred to me and I still think it is not quite in focus. 

Here's a short video featuring The Wave Pictures live. They are on tour at the moment and well worth catching.

Until next time.