Polyphemus
Polyphemus (After: J.W.M. Turner) At dawn they’d spiked his Cyclopean eye As he still deeply dreamed in stupored sleep. Sightlessly bloodied, he had heard their shouts As, from beneath his giant sheep, they dropped And […]
Elixirs of Love and Hope
Elixirs of Love and Hope Elixirs of love and hope flood the dreams of youth, Promising fulfilment’s scope through some strange new truth Energised by mystic power that is meant to pass […]
Immortality
Immortality The shining certainties of youth Lead straight towards ambitions’ goals; Quick learning lights the ways to truth And glories glow from ardent souls. The solid strengths of middle-age, Exerting skills where hopes aspire, Enforce success or help assuage Brief pangs of yet-unslaked desire. The frailties of […]
Ancient Symbolry
Ancient Symbolry When their new baby comes there will be mirth As, with melodious anthems they will raise Loud celebrations and loud shouts of praise For the succession which it then confirms Upon their family; all care’s concerns Paled by their […]
Swan Song
Swan Song [In Memoriam: E. J. (Ted) Hughes] (Poet Laureate: 1984-98) i. The suddenness of his departure caught Some unawares, though he had clearly guessed The time of his migration far ahead Since, in his final months amongst us, he Published those private poems which comprise […]
Age
L’Âge Les jours et les nuits Ma chevelure grise Tombe comme les pluies. Je dois rester sage, Reprendre courage; C’est juste mon âge !. [ Age By night and by day My hair, silver-grey, Rains down without stay. I must remain sage, Regain […]
Sausage in a Pot
Sausage in a Pot Sausage in a Pot (for Ana & Léo) I’m a sausage in a pot. A pot that’s getting far too hot!. But if I could escape this spot It would not much improve my plight Because the […]
Dreams
Dreams (Adapted from: A Theory for Art, stanza vi) Dreams may seem fragile eggshells, lying spurned In crowded farmyards’ trampling unconcerns, But over life’s worst hazards they prevail Since, while we dream, fresh triumphs cannot fail. Dreams are […]
Morning
Morning (Adapted from: Natural Memories, stanza iv) Often I have smelled The clinging, oily redolence Of clammy, tangy tall pines; Rare floral fragrances inhaled And breathed the odours which arose Whan morning mists from shadowed lakes Ascended to […]
Sphinx
Sphinx (Adapted from: Œdipus) The happy day Was inauspicious at the start. (Often Good luck comes when we least expect!). So when, One morning, coming close toThebes– a guard Preventing him from going nearer – he Enquired the cause. It seems there was a vile Marauder, […]