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Is Poetry a Dead Art? (Part 4) |
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#751 |
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The Mansion in Ferndale Wood
No brick or tile had crumbled, Concealed from the world it stood; Chance led me to where I stumbled On the mansion in Ferndale Wood. Stone lions sat wise and brooding As the guardians of the gate, I felt like a thief intruding Or a guest who was years too late. The windows contemplated A great lawn of manicured turf, While gargoyles on gutters waited In moods of despair and mirth. Dark ivy rose to cover All the elegant Georgian walls, Did a similar aura smother The staircases, rooms and halls? In my imagination I didn't see friendly hosts, Just those in domestication Serve figures of wealthy ghosts, And some nights when dreams start churning, Despite leaving there for good I trespass, forever returning To the mansion in Ferndale Wood. © |
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#752 |
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mr. mustard
Beautiful Sandy - the poem sums up the rich cycle of nature I've never heard of The Soap Box Race or Clones ![]() ![]() I just came across it on the telly, it must be a big day for the town.
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#753 |
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mr. mustard
The Mansion in Ferndale Wood
No brick or tile had crumbled, Concealed from the world it stood; ©
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#754 |
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Quote:
Thanks for the encouragement as ever Biz
When the Avebury book's done, we're going to show it to the people who run the Henge shop there. I don't think the place and its history have been illustrated through a book of poetry and photos before. It'd be great if they thought it might sell ![]() ![]() Going back to the educational thing, I did wonder if you would be willing to give permission for teachers to photocopy poems for teaching purposes within their school. It could be a selling point so worth thinking about. Sorry! I'm beginning to sound a bit pushy but you're under no obligation. ![]() Very good timing for The Mansion in Ferndale Wood as "Downton Abbey" is about to start. It's very atmospheric - have I read it before or was that the house in the woods? |
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#755 |
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Quote:
Very good, Musty.
![]() ![]() Quote:
Sorry! I'm beginning to sound a bit pushy but you're under no obligation.
![]() We're hoping to unleash it in late October ![]() The Mansion poem's very similar to another one I wrote about an eerie residence called Gravendean. I think I've exhausted my pen on spooky manors now
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#756 |
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Avebury, like most places of interest, does get more visitors in the summer. My photographer is convinced the shop would stock the book We're hoping to unleash it in late October ![]() I was thinking of it as a independent place, but of course it belongs to The National Trust, so I take back what I said. I have a terrible memory.
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#757 |
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Quote:
The Mansion poem's very similar to another one I wrote about an eerie residence called Gravendean. I think I've exhausted my pen on spooky manors now ![]() |
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#758 |
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Hello Sandy
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#759 |
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Quote:
I was thinking of it as a independent place, but of course it belongs to The National Trust, so I take back what I said. I have a terrible memory.
![]() ![]() http://www.hengeshop.com/hsshop.htm Gravendean had no ghostly dancers, they were in an even older poem - it's buried in the archives somewhere
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#760 |
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Quote:
As far as I know, the Henge Shop is independent, free of the National Trust and English Heritage Biz. The Trust's shop is just across the way
![]() http://www.hengeshop.com/hsshop.htm Gravendean had no ghostly dancers, they were in an even older poem - it's buried in the archives somewhere ![]() However I see they also advertise their books online. Maybe they'll also put it in their window. ![]() Yes you have written a lot of ghostly poems, but then you've written a lot of poems.
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#761 |
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Quote:
Ooops! Wrong shop.
However I see they also advertise their books online. Maybe they'll also put it in their window. ![]() ![]() (Click on the Photo gallery, then the Avebury Album in the link for some great photos!) |
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#762 |
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Up in the Air
Later, will stand on your street a crater Of which our love will be no more It will be replaced with blood and gore You have reduced me I was once a proud man, stood tall like a tree I am nothing, I am worthless The pain of being on a crest of love And having it sheared apart I have had enough So when you go up in the air In flames and fire and fury You'll know you not dare Cross me. |
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#763 |
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Up in the Air
You'll know you not dare Cross me. That's such a powerful poem, I sensed a strong need for vengeance in it. A fascinating write!
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#764 |
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Biz
Hello Sandy
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#765 |
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To be fair, both are excellent, but the Henge Shop feels unique and is very cosy. Sometimes it's the atmosphere that makes you like a shop
![]() (Click on the Photo gallery, then the Avebury Album in the link for some great photos!)
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#766 |
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Quote:
Up in the Air
So when you go up in the air In flames and fire and fury You'll know you not dare Cross me.
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#767 |
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Guy the Gorilla
For us London Zoo was a thriller, Its wild life would fill us with zest, We had to see Guy the Gorilla, Yes, Guy the Gorilla was best. I overtook happy consumers In such an excitable state, I bypassed the penguins and pumas, To see Guy I just couldn't wait. Expecting a loud voice that thundered Like King Kong’s I watched and yet Guy Seemed bored as another crowd wondered, Now childhood has gone I know why: They'd captured him as a mere baby In Cameroon where his kind roam And I think instinctively maybe He longed for his old jungle home. Paraded by civilisation, The ape's popularity grew Yet twenty-five years' isolation Had stunted his dignity too. A mate was procured for the breeding But with so much time on his own The scheme had no chance of succeeding, For Guy had existed alone. I witnessed him solemnly drinking With neither a movement or rage, Then walked away free and unthinking While he lingered on in his cage. If small birds by chance ever entered That cell he would give a wry smile, O Guy you were never self-centred Though man made your life a long trial. © |
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#768 |
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Lovely photos - I wish there had been more with the full moon.
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#769 |
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Quote:
Guy the Gorilla
©
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#770 |
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Quote:
An excellent one for upper school discussion Musty.
![]() I have a mixed opinion on zoos. While they do good conservation work, some animals are definitely prisoners.
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#771 |
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Midnight Reader
When the frost of midnight has hardened And the doors and windows are closed, By a fire with candlelight shining Read the lines a poet composed. From the words you make a connection, Like a bell beginning to toll, You have learned at last that another Knows the loneliness in your soul. Here the lovers part full of sadness, Here the sunsets paint every bay, For a few invulnerable moments Let the pages take you away. If the poem’s read and you’re weary And the moon is feeling the same, When the candle finally flickers Close the book and blow out the flame. © |
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#772 |
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#773 |
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Quote:
Very, very touching Musty - and so true.
![]() I'm an avid reader myself and not only of poetry. I've just finished Jamaica Inn, which I found completely unputdownable!
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#774 |
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Quote:
Guy the Gorilla
© '1983' While searching in my parents loft for something I had lost, I came acoss a fuzzy photograph. It shows my father, young and muscular, on the factory yard where he worked. Covered in a cementy slop that gushes forth from a hefty bucket. The vest he is wearing soaked to his skin, and a grin Just visible through the muddy waterfall. In the background, scrunched up with laughter, his workmates look on. Along with the cement mixer, having played its part. This photograph captures a moment of glee, from the year 1983. |
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#775 |
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Quote:
This is very touching
'1983' '1983' struck a chord for me. I have several old photos of my Dad and his workmates caught in happy moments. Great write
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I've never heard of The Soap Box Race or Clones 
