Poetry in The Park

Swim
Breakfast with a bunch of swimmers to celebrate a birthday in the Dockyard.  Turkish Eggs for me please.  

Then with 6 other poets, we had a wonderful circular meeting to read our work, to listen, to discuss.  

Here is my poem (written last June when I was sitting in my garden and somewhere in the distance there was a party with a dj playing The Clash, Ramones, Radiohead -  heaven).  But the poem took wings and I read it today….

SOMEWHERE IN THE DISTANCE

There is music playing
In another place
From where I sit.

Somewhere in the distance
There are people dining,
Chatting, recounting,
Exchanging stories

Somewhere in the distance
Life unfolds as it should
Introductions, courtships,
Consummations

Somewhere in the distance
Where risks are taken
Bets are placed
Winning and Losing
Joy and Despair

Somewhere in the distance
Death is lurking
Knocking, beckoning,
The shroud is measured

Somewhere in the distance
Filthy wars are fought
Innocence betrayed
The savagery that lies within

Somewhere in the distance
When the wheel turns round
Things settle in their place
When love and peace return
When Everything is Illuminated


For my second reading, I read the first 2 verses of The Song of Hiawatha by Longfellow.

Another poet read The Patience of Ordinary Things by Pat Schneider which I really liked.

I have been out and about all day.  I had arranged to go to The Garth Brooks Tribute Band in Bray with Liz this evening.  She rang to cancel as rain on the way.   That’s ok by me as I am a bit tired.  Currently consoling myself by watching Rocky V on ITV 4


a big welcome to South Dublin/North Wicklow to blipper Bengt Carlsburg.  I hope you have a lovely visit.