Poems and Prose

From “Going Home,” the first track of his 2012 album Old Ideas

‘I love to speak with Leonard,

he’s a sportsman and a shepherd

he’s  a lazy bastard

living in a suit.’ …

In his 2012 album, Leonard Cohen sings ‘he’s a lazy bastard living in a suit’ …..and more besidesRead More »

Last week I received from Tushita Publishers in Germany, the proofs to read of my book of 125 poems, Poems from the Edge. I am very grateful to Tushita as it is extremely difficult to get a book of poetry published. …

Three Poems from Poems from the EdgeRead More »

 

I was born a year after George Harrison, the Beatle.  In the 1960’s, fans of the Beatles often asked each other “Who is your favourite Beatle?” My favourite Beatle was George – years before he went to India. George died from cancer just 10 years ago on November 29, 2001.  Here is a poem to George. Facebook friends will recognise the inspiration for the lines.

While our Guitar Gently Weeps

Life flows on without you,

we know the space between us

we didn’t want you to leave us

now our guitar gently weeps.

 

You had to leave us now,

it was not our wish somehow,

in this long, cold, lonely winter,

it seems like years since you’ve been here.

 

Something in the way life moves

touches us like no other wonder

something in the way life grooves

we don’t want to leave it now,

you know we believe somehow.

 

Here comes  your son,

and we say he’s alright,

we didn’t want you  to leave him now,

it was not our wish somehow.

 

We glimpse the truth; you’re not so far away,

we talk about the love we all could share

while our peace of mind is waiting there

as life flows on without you.

 

Try to realise it’s all without yourself,

no one else can make us change,

we see we are all so very small,

and life flows on within and without you.

 

Oh sweet George

we really loved to see you,

we really loved to hear you,

it take so long, dear George, for you

to write but we will sing your song.

Here comes your son

and he’s alright.

while our guitar gently weeps

as life flows on within you

and without you.

(George Harrison. 25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001)

 

It is here where we stand

as dancers on the edge of light,

here,  and only here on the edge, is …

A poem – DANCERS ON THE EDGE OF LIGHTRead More »

  Last month, Buddhists throughout south east Asia, as well as in many other parts of the world, commemorated  the enlightenment of the Buddha on the full moon of May.

 The Buddha gained enlightenment in 588 BCE.  This year marks the 2,600 years of his enlightenment. …

A Poem to mark 2600 years since the Buddha’s EnlightenmentRead More »