Freybug “Be not afraid of fray-bugs which lie in the way.” so English martyr describes me 1555. I’m a frightening obstacle to overcome. Popery
railed against, authority imprisoned him, requested he recant, he refused. They ordered him burnt He welcomed hugged stake said it was cross of Christ. And loosed,
” Welcome Everlasting life!” Not afraid of me when he met me in various ways. Burnt February of year he made mention of me his words always pious.
Some say I’m reason, today’s way who blocks fanaticism, shows easy paths plot.
Hear the gust music my air blows through this reed? Inhabits your ear, delights all your senses. A new birdsong, fresh animal track, beads a sprightly beat, warm summer days, tenses
new sugar tastes on your tongue, blood hums your bones. Now you see me, in rich purple, rare blue. Your mouth opens, I reach out, touch your grown laughter, imprison your youth in situ.
I am your first child who needs shelter, hugs, clothes, your patience and long conversations. I am your elderly parents that tug at their recall more and more frustration.
Enticed by freedom find yourselves in chains. I laugh and play a sprightly flute on your pains.
Source: Sketchbook of Villard de Honnecourt (about 1230)
MS. 19093 French Collection, Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris (No. 1104 Library of Saint-Germain-des Prés until c.1800)
-David Russell Mosley
Autumnal Green Man
Spiders thread my lips lightly together. My leaves become their actual colours and fall from my face, red, yellow, ochre. My voice rustle of green leaves is no more.
I am the scent of ripe apple and pear. I am the rain on sodden bark, slow time. My days shorter, dark sooner, light rarer. I am burning leaves. Face of Harvest time.
After the fires, my mouth nose and eyes spout green shoots, new leaves bud and grow on my barkskin. I flourish once more. An aspect of dream. Memory of ice. Warmth without, within.
In stone, wood or paper I decay lose definition, but still my image grows
-Paul Brookes
Bios And Links
-David Russell Mosley
is a poet and theologian living in Washington state. When not teaching or writing, David likes to wander in the woods, drink a good scotch, and smoke a pipe.
I’m particularly pleased to invite, fellow Open University Society Poet, Ross McGivern, to reflect on a poem from his inspirational Fragments and Stages.
As is customary I confess my indecision as to which poem I should present and how the heck would I write about it. Pity the poor poem! First they witness fellow darlings killed and then look on as I pick a teacher’s pet. But here we: A Respite of Bluebells.
‘we navigate paths studded by ferns’
I am unsure if this is my favourite from or indeed representative of Fragments and Stages as a whole. I suspect this stems from how long I have spent with the poems and how I view it conceptually, especially as I have lived with it since 2016. I never intended to write a collection of poems about this subject – I found the thought of doing so exploitative, but…
And you walk home Under the A4 subway Cos there’s no other way
Footsteps behind you Might just be someone homeward bound like you Or maybe not
When you increase your pace Their pace quickens too And your heart quickens
Don’t turn round Don’t look, keep walking Out the other side now
Street lights. Houses. No sound behind you. Maybe they’ve gone Don’t turn round
Car door slams and engine starts Drives slowly. Doesn’t gain speed Slowly, slowly, just behind you
Will it be a chat-up line? Rehearse your clear response Or will you just be grabbed?
Check houses for friendly lights. Run up a driveway Any driveway. Safe haven. Heart pounds. Stand on step. Turn round. See the car speed off Breathe. Knees bend. Stifle sob Why?
Outcomes to think about As you continue on your way You can stay home and let the fear win, or You can prepare, with alarm, pepper spray, knuckle duster rings If you knew where to get such things. What you can’t do is tell your story Because nothing happened Except the pounding of your heart And the taste of blood in your throat as you ran. Nothing happened. This time.
-Amanda Samm
Bios and Links
-Amanda Samm
has lived in South Yorkshire most of her life except for a short time in London in her teens. She has enjoyed writing poetry from a young age and has self-published three booklets, the most recent being a poetry booklet recording her experience of the pandemic. Amanda is married with three children and six grandchildren. Amanda enjoys sudoku, crosswords, pub quizzes and karaoke. Since retiring, she has taken up acrylic and water colour painting, as well as spending more time in the garden.
My Mother Refuses to Speak the Language of the Modern Coffee-shop
My mother machiavellis the mocha and the macchiato, catapults the cappuccino into non-existence, pulls the trigger on double-shot espresso, insists on coffee, black and strong, none of that Americano stuff, buys me a coffee with milk and rubbishes flat white. As for barista – Bah! she says, Barbaric.
@EatTheStorms – because Damien @deuxiemepeau produces it so well and I get to hear some great poets I may otherwise have missed. ‘Eat the Storms Podcast’ is definitely my Number 1.
@Jundermilkwood & @r_vallen on the Faber Poetry Podcast — I heard they were coming back. I think we should be told. For the world’s dirtiest laugh Danez Smith and Franny Choi on The Poetry Magazine Podcast. BBC 3 — The Verb and @DaljitNagra4 with Poetry Extra.
First because I love the presenters and their insights. Second, I mentioned the dirty laugh plus an insight into US poetry. Third because IMM is fun and interesting to gauge what and who the BBC think are important poetry voices. Last one because it goes back into the archives
Generosity and breadth and warmth of attention—I’m always discovering a new author or new book via these podcasts. Also they each exist in the space of conversation rather than strict interview, and have helped keep me company in these long months of quarantine!
I’m interested in experimental and formally constrained poetry, and love the @PenteractPod! @Anthony_Etherin, @ClaraDaneri and their guests are so knowledgeable, not just about poetry but also how it relates to music and art, and the discussions are always informative and fun.
I don’t think I can pick which one has been a favourite so far, cos I’m internet-friendly with quite a few people who’ve read out their work on it! I love the guitar music and hearing all of the different accents from all over the world. I too now say “please enjoy”!
It’s a really warm environment to discuss (or to listen to them discuss) literature that isn’t too academic or formal. So it feels very accessible. Plus the hosts are funny and sweet
-Kathryn O’Driscoll
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@cruzfolio J. Alejandro does a cool podcast, too. And, not sure it counts as it is radio…but, don’t forget Express Yourself with @carla_woodburn !
has worked with children with special educational needs since 1987. After 18 years of classroom practice in England and Hong kong, she investigated social communication issues and children with Autism, and then Attitudes of school principals towards inclusion in the Czech Republic. After a life threatening condition, she embraced her creativity and has ventured towards writing about her life experiences through poetry.
The Wombwell Rainbow 