by Omar Khayyam 1048-1131 trans. by Edward Fitzgerald 1859 I. Awake! for Morning in the Bowl of Night Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to flight: And Lo! the Hunter of the East has caught The Sultan’s Turret in a Noose of Light. II. Dreaming when Dawn’s Left Hand was in the SkyContinue reading “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam”
Author Archives: Robin
Never mind the boots – these feet were made for walking
I have said before that my musical tastes are eclectic – they range from Donovan to Debussy and Beautiful South to Beethoven. In my teens I enjoyed the hits of the day and believe the 60s was one of the best decades ever for young people. It did not stop me also enjoying the soundsContinue reading “Never mind the boots – these feet were made for walking”
The Travelling Post Office
by Banjo Paterson 1864-1941 The roving breezes come and go, the reed-beds sweep and sway, The sleepy river murmers low, and loiters on its way, It is the land of lots o’ time along the Castlereagh. The old man’s son had left the farm, he found it full and slow, He drifted to the greatContinue reading “The Travelling Post Office”
Ten years between tasty tipples
I don’t drink much alcohol these days, not that I was an inveterate boozer getting plastered every night even in my heyday. I do know I never drank just for the sake of drinking, or to keep up with the crowd. I also did not drink just anything on the basis that it was alcoholic.Continue reading “Ten years between tasty tipples”
Broken Love
by William Blake (1757-1827) My Spectre around me night and day Like a wild beast guards my way; My Emanation far within Weeps incessantly for my sin. ‘A fathomless and boundless deep, There we wander, there we weep; On the hungry craving wind My Spectre follows thee behind. ‘He scents thy footsteps in the snowContinue reading “Broken Love”
Frolics and firkins at farming fete
Being a journalist does not always mean being constantly on the lookout for hard news stories (although the best reporters have a subconscious awareness for news even when they’re not looking for it). There are times when you can relax, such as an evening at the theatre. There are also annual events, and for weeklyContinue reading “Frolics and firkins at farming fete”
The Supply Teacher
by Allan Ahlberg b. 1938 Here’s the rule for what to do If ever your teacher has the flu Or for some other reason takes to her bed And a different teacher comes instead When the visiting teacher hangs up her hat Writes the date on the board, does this or that Always remember, youContinue reading “The Supply Teacher”
Clown In The Moon
by Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) My tears are like the quiet drift Of petals from some magic rose; And all my grief flows from the rift Of unremembered skies and snows. I think, that if I touched the earth, It would crumble; It is so sad and beautiful, So tremulously like a dream.
These feet were made for walking
Looking back over the last 50 years I see 1971 as a turning point in my life. Not just because I celebrated my 21st birthday (although by now 21 was no longer a magic number as in 1970 we were granted the right to vote at 18) or that I had ended my indentures andContinue reading “These feet were made for walking”
Echidna or egg?
In your mind which came first? or I am sure we all have a view whether it is based on science, or religion or just your own bloody-mindedness. Personally I couldn’t care less. What is more important is which of these came first for you? or I know that in this case the book obviouslyContinue reading “Echidna or egg?”
Robin's Nest 