Please note: If you are a fan of Vladimir Putin or Volodymyr Zelenskyy you might not be keen on what I have to say in this article. The war (or military operation or invasion – take your pick) in Ukraine has very clearly polarised opinion in this country. We all know and love or loatheContinue reading “You take the high road or the low road – I’m heading down the middle”
Author Archives: Robin
Yon Wild Mossy Mountain
by Robert Burns 1759-1796 Yon wild mossy mountains sae lofty and wide, That nurse in their bosom the youth o’ the Clyde, Where the grouse lead their coveys thro’ the heather to feed, And the shepherd tends his flock as he pipes on his reed. Not Gowrie’s rich valley, nor Forth’s sunny shores, To meContinue reading “Yon Wild Mossy Mountain”
Harold and his Saxons see off the Norsemen at major battle
Following the death of Edward the Confessor in 1066 the English crown was claimed by the dead king’s right-hand man, who had charge of the royal bodyguard. His claim that Edward named him as successor was approved by the Witan (a sort of Privy Council as it was called in latter days) who unanimously votedContinue reading “Harold and his Saxons see off the Norsemen at major battle”
Amidst the Noisy Ball . . .
by Aleksander Pushkin 1799-1837 Amidst the noisy ball, in Hell Of everyday distress, I’ve seen you, but the secret’s veil Was covering your face. Your fair eyes were sad and bright, And voice was so sweet, As sound of a pipe apart Or murmur of the sea. I’ve liked your fine and slender waist, AndContinue reading “Amidst the Noisy Ball . . .”
Frantic fortnight as we get ready to take Sooty, Sweep and Soo on tour
After the first week at Harry’s place, a very busy time all round, it was time to make the master show tape with all the sounds and music for the show. The recording studio was the Corbetts’ living room and the musicians were the Corbett sons, David and Peter (the latter known professionally as MatthewContinue reading “Frantic fortnight as we get ready to take Sooty, Sweep and Soo on tour”
Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible
My apologies for the lack of regular content, other than poetry, which has, itself, been lacking in regularity of late. For various reasons I have found myself too busy to provide the regular input which readers so rightly deserve. Or is it that I am too tired at times, not as up to the markContinue reading “Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible”
Farewell
Ann Brontë 1820-1849 Farewell to thee! but not farewell To all my fondest thoughts of thee: Within my heart they shall still dwell; And they shall cheer and comfort me. O, beautiful, and full of grace! If thou hadst never met mine eye, I had not dreamed a living face Could fancied charms so farContinue reading “Farewell”
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
Robert Browning 1812-1889 Hamelin town’s in Brunswick, By famous Hanover city; The river Weser, deep and wide, Washes its wall on the southern side; A pleasanter spot you never spied; But, when begins my ditty, Almost five hundred years ago, To see the townsfolk suffer so From vermin, was a pity. Rats! They fought theContinue reading “The Pied Piper of Hamelin”
Sacred relics and broken oaths with three claimants to English throne
It took 600 years to really establish the Saxons as lords and masters of the land now called England. They had driven the original inhabitants into the West and then pushed back the various Nordic invaders into small enclaves. Edward the Confessor had ruled for a good time but in 1066 he popped his clogsContinue reading “Sacred relics and broken oaths with three claimants to English throne”
The French Revolution
by Washington Allston 1779-1843 Earth has had her visitation. Like to this She hath not known, save when the mounting waters Made of her orb one universal ocean. For now the Tree that grew in Paradise, The deadly Tree that first gave Evil motion, And sent its poison through Earth’s sons and daughters, Had struckContinue reading “The French Revolution”
Robin's Nest 