My poetry writing journey started back in 1979 as a result of listening to an album by The Jam called All Mod Cons, then subsequently reading poetry written by a former member of the band - Dave Waller. The full story and much more memorabilia can be found here.
To start off I would like to rewind to 1979. After reading a booklet of Dave Waller's poetry called 'Notes From Hostile Street' a whole new light was shone on the area of poetry for me, which I previously had viewed as a rather dry subject. Reading Dave's work, combined with my love and admiration for Paul Weller's lyrics was what inspired me to start writing poetry of my own.
The poem below was written after walking home alone one November 5th. Fireworks were exploding in the sky creating clouds of colour. There was something about it I found eerie, atmospheric and inspirational.
The poem later went on to feature in issue one of my fanzine.
The Day The World Turned Blue
I looked to the sky for consolation,
The moon had been replaced
By thousands of coloured lights.
They shone from behind the clouds,
Creating eerie shadows
Which seemed to move nearer
As I quickened my pace.
A blue haze drifted over the tarmac,
Distorted shadows swaying
Like a drunken man in the park,
Pointing insensitive fingers
Towards my trembling body.
The church bells rang out, but time stood still,
Houses in complete darkness,
Enveloped by thick blue smoke,
Assaulting the darkness
Street lights flickered in vain
Until they ceased to illuminate.
I peered around each corner cautiously
No people could be seen,
No traffic on the roads,
No animals, no movement,
I was complete alone.
Drowning in a sea of thick blue smoke.
Sadly life got in the way and I drifted away from creative writing altogether from the late 80s. I had a brief spell of writing poetry in the mid 90s following the birth of my sons, some of which were published in various anthologies. Beyond this there was a gap of 22 years. Then in November 2018 I felt compelled to pick up a pen and write a poem called "Twin Flames". This poem is featured in an earlier post here on my blog.
From this point on the creative fuse has well and truly been lit and I am back to writing poetry on a regular basis. I am so thankful! What it has confirmed to me however is that if you are a creative person, that creativity never actually leaves you. It's just that sometimes it takes something rather unexpected to relight the flame.
Sunbeams
Sunbeams dancing
Through golden leaves,
A moment preserved
In my memory,
Reflections of all
That could have been
Are swept away
By the whistling wind.
The Robin
As light as the feathers
On her breast,
She landed by my feet.
Uncertain dark eyes
Sparked a memory
Of the way you could always
Read my mind.
She settled down by
A fluttering leaf
And in that moment I knew,
Although you are no longer
In my life
You still see things
Through my eyes.
November Mist
A watery brush
Glides across the sky,
Hints of pale pink,
The remains of the fire.
Etched shells and pebbles
Roll with the sea,
Echoes of your voice
Turn raindrops to tears.
Diamond encrusted,
Sparkling blue,
Through November mist
I see visions of you.
Confetti Leaves
Through shady woodland
And leafless trees
I see visions
Of rosy cheeks,
Infectious laughter,
Excited shrieks,
Outstretched arms
Grabbing handfuls of leaves,
Scattering them
Like confetti,
Oak, ash, silver birch
And beech,
Float like feathers
In the breeze,
Sing like
An autumn memory.
Beyond sunset
What remains of the day
Is gently erased
By midnight blue waves.
A golden halo
That burned so bright
Evaporates into
Pink clouds of night.
Sailing into
The twilight dusk
A solitary boat
Pushes ripples out.
Circling birds,
Horizons fade
Until sun rises on
A brand new day.
Guiding Light
Golden halo,
Guiding light,
You are the sun
That once burned bright.
I wish I could
Freeze frame the sky,
Hold back the tide,
The onset of night.
You dissolve behind
A cluster of clouds,
Soft bursts of hope
In smoky grey,
Remembering
The dancing beams
That lit my path
And showed me the way.
Through whispering wind
I am still here,
Don't be afraid
To call my name.
Through November sun
And pale blue skies,
Moods reflected
In rolling tides.
Through floating clouds,
Soar like a bird,
Don't be afraid
To open your heart.
Secrets scattered
Into the sea
Will return to shore
When our eyes meet.
Many thanks as always for reading. I hope you have enjoyed my poetry. If you would like to come and join me on Twitter the link to my profile is below:-
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