Poetry

Advent Calendar Poem #6: That Time Of Year


Nostalgia enters on the chirrup of a wren
and the first cord of wham on the radio 
it’s only a matter of time before the tree
goes up and grows baubles      and lights 
as smiles widen on our faces
we’ll go for a woodland walk 
hand in hand, glove in glove 
maybe pick up some pinecones 
as a memento 
then later under December’s full moon
sip our hot chocolates 
sending warmth into the air.

Thanks for dropping in to read today’s poem. I hope the start of you week has gone well.

How does nostalgia for Christmas hit you?

Let me know in the comments…

Take It Easy

Paul

Advent Calendar Poem #5: The King Of Christmas Dinners

The turkey’s too large
or the ovens too small
What are we meant to do about it, Paul?

A midnight axe job will do the trick,
have no worries I’ll fix it quick!

So twenty minutes later
the bird is fully prepped
it’s easy to see the funny side
when a tin foil crown rests upon your head.

Thanks for stopping by for today’s poem. I thought I’d inject a little humour into the advent calendar. I hope you liked it!

Take It Easy,

Paul

Advent Calendar Poem #4: Woodland Wisdom

Holly berries gleam 
in the bewitching winter blue-light
ruby red and      alive 
held tightly in the arms  
of emerald flames burning    darkly  
all along        the hedgerow  
reminding passers-by  
to live with passion  
            and warmth.

Thanks for stopping by to check out day 4 of the Advent Calendar of Poems I’m creating.

I hope you’re enjoying the weekend so far…

Take It Easy,

Paul

Advent Calendar Poem #3: Last Year’s Candles

Matchstick  struck 
smoulder  of smoke
 candle burning       brightly 
memories triggered by scents
of orange, cinnamon, pine
dance in rhythmic flame - 
and I lose myself 
         - willingly 
until the last wisp       of wax 
has burned away.

Thanks for reading day 3 of the advent calendar of poems. I hope your December is going well.

Let me know what you’re up to in the comments…

In the meantime, take it easy.

Paul

Advent Calendar Poem #2: Spectators

Marble clouds of mottled pearl and pewter
roll seamlessly across the sky
lost in the tilt 
of the turning world 
I am just one  
       - of the many spectators below 
still breathed and silent 
staring upwards 
wistful for a simpler times.

Thanks for reading ‘Spectators’. Inspiration came for this poem during a recent forest stay. We all revert back to watching the natural world, when the digital juggernaut of social media becomes overwhelming.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks for reading,

Paul

Advent Calendar Poem #1: Firebird II

Bare branches lay still 
frozen in the murk of the mist
a gloom of grey blankets the world
that even the luminescence of street lamps 
offer only obscurity 
and it seems that the day is destined 
to be lived in a monochromatic mire
        - until - 
a flicker on the horizon
soft-focused flame of white
fluttering on a breeze of its own making
white warms to the copper 
copper burns to crimson
the firebird has returned 
melting wintry melancholy
with its presence.

Welcome to day 1 of my Advent Calendar of poetry for 2022. I hope you enjoy the poems I’ll be sharing over the next 24 days.

Please let me know any thoughts or comments you may have below…

I hope you have a wonderful December.

Thanks for reading,

Paul

Natural Causes

From my window,
I can see a sycamore is dying, 
limp branches bereft of leaf and bud,
can’t hide the pallor of the trunk - 
                    a doomed fading grey, 
with sickly green blotches, 
as the lichen’s fate intertwines
with the withering tree.
Soon, wailing saws will end the pain, 
settling buried roots - 
	           to their final sleep.

Thanks for reading Natural Causes. Did the words resonate with you?

I have a few poems lined up to be released over the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for those.

Take it Easy

Paul

A Poem To Remember Her Majesty The Queen

The bells toll in your memory,
soft and enduring,
a portrait of your life,
and dedication to the kingdom;
your majesty, witnessed by all 
- when the weight of the crown 
was placed upon you,
as you carried our country,
from the shadow of war,
to the light of a new world. 

In the dark days,
you were there,
a pillar in our lives, 
picking up your people, 
when we were down,
with wise words and warm eyes,
the epitome of a true Queen. 

Throughout it all,
you showed courage, grace and decorum,
with a smile so bright, 
it coloured the dullest of spaces,
with a renowned wit and humour,
sharper than the swords,
you used to cut your cakes. 

Now your duty is complete,
and the burden you bravely held is lifted,
may your spirit soar,
Prince Philip is waiting,
for the next part of your journey. 

Rest In Peace Your Majesty.

*********

Like many, I was saddened at the loss of The Queen. A lady who took the weight of more than 15 nations on her shoulders at a young age, reigning over 70 years. She was a monarch and matriarch who served not only Britain and the Commonwealth but also the world. She resonated with so many as so many grew up with her presence; as my mam said, The Queen was like the nation’s Gran, a thought echoed by many. She will be missed.

Thanks for reading.

The Night People

The rhubarb and custard floating fish,
always call for me 
- at a minute past midnight 
to take me to the Night People;
deep above the violet vertigo clouds
where I join the citizens to sip starlight,
and cavort with the moon;
while the Queen hosts dice games,
that she never wins and rarely loses,
just enjoying being among her subjects.

When I bid farewell, 
I sleep peacefully.

I’m currently experimenting with some different poetry styles, and this mystical-inspired poetry was originally entered into the Dai Fry competition. Although I was unsuccessful in being longlisted, I thought I would share my work with you all.

How are you all? I hope you’re keeping well and enjoying the summer wherever you are in the world (unless it’s a different season where you are!).

Take it easy and have a great day

Paul