The Casual Poet: Recent Episodes
Michael Bourton
Gossip is a bedrock of our society and has moved to another level from washing line talk to the full glare and intensity of social media. But whatever the medium it must be taken with a huge pinch of salt. Still did you hear about......
This is a poem paying tribute to all those lost in what was called the Great War. There was nothing great about it - other than the numbers of young men wasted. What caught me by surprise was that after i had writtne the poem I found out that he was real. Out of respect I changed his rank but not the sentiment.
Sometimes we meet someone that puts our lives into perspective and helps us understand why. John the peat man is just such a man. A hard life for him but despite all the challenges facing him he is grounded in so many ways. This poem reflects that for him and for us.
As a single man I am free to contemplate and ponder on life and do so. But this week whilst I have been working away I have missed my best friend, my dog Bruce. I know he’s having a wonderful time being looked after and with a huge family of dogs for friends but I cannot wait to see him again next week. So this is my tribute to my dog, Bruce.
There’s something safe and relaxing about laying under a willow tree. It’s a place I want to be with someone I care about, to share a moment of quietness and love. Sheltered from the world.
Something a little lighter for you, unless of course you are concerned about Bruce. Whenever we are in the park he loves to try and catch the squirrels. He takes it very seriously. Sadly he has as much chance of catching them as I do! But it is fun to watch. I’m sure the squirrels are taunting him, as they sip their morning coffees.
You know when we smile when people ask how we are and say ‘just fine’ when inside we are not. We think it’s better to say that than be honest - but perhaps we should. Perhaps they really want to know and maybe, just maybe, they could help. I know its a basic protection but in the long run it will get out.
And from your casual poet I urge you to spend a little time away from your phone today. Of course, our phones are now so important to our daily lives it can be hard. But just occasionally……
When I was a business consultant travelling the world I was worked to the point of exhaustion and ended up in South America with double pneumonia. It was a major wake up call but it was me that still allowed it to happen. Sometimes we - and that means me as well - need to know when to stop. One day I will.
How have I found myself writing a poem about a pot plant? Not entirely sure but nevertheless this is a little story about a plant called Agatha. I wonder if all plants have names.
As we all know it’s 20 years since 9/11 - a day that all of us that were alive will never forget. I wanted to write something, a tribute, but I didn’t know what. Then my pen just started to write words from a wife that lost a fireman that day who was doing his job saving other lives. I didn’t want to intrude but these are her words read by my friend, Lisa, from the USA. These could be the words of many of those that have lost someone just doing their job. I will say a prayer.