My one failing as I prepared to become a journalist was getting to grips with Pitman’s shorthand. Out of our class of less than 20 on my Kelsterton College course myself and four of the girls could not grasp the Pitman system. I don’t know if it was a means of letting us down lightlyContinue reading “No need to dot the i’s or cross the t’s”
Author Archives: Robin
A Broadway Pageant
by Walt Whitman (1819-1892) Over the western sea, hither from Niphon come, Courteous, the swart-cheek’d two-sworded envoys, Leaning back in their open barouches, bare-headed, impassive, Ride to-day through Manhattan. Libertad! I do not know whether others behold what I behold, In the procession, along with the nobles of Asia, the errand-bearers, Bringing up the rear,Continue reading “A Broadway Pageant”
Back to class — to learn journalism?
By the time I had been a journalist for almost three years I was sent back to the classroom — at least it was at a college and not going back to school. The National Council for the Training of Journalists (it does what it says on the tin) had initially decreed trainee journalists shouldContinue reading “Back to class — to learn journalism?”
Divine Image
by William Blake (1757‐1827) To Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love, All play in their distress, And to these virtues of delight Return their thankfulness. For Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love, Is God our Father dear, And Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love, Is man his child and care. For Mercy has a human heart Pity, aContinue reading “Divine Image”
The Death of Joy Gardner
by Benjamin Zephaniah (b. 1958) They put a leather belt around her 13 feet of tape and bound her Handcuffs to secure her And only God knows what else, She’s illegal, so deport her Said the Empire that brought her She died, nobody killed her And she never killed herself. It is our job toContinue reading “The Death of Joy Gardner”
On Virtue
by Phillis Wheatley (1753‐1784) O thou bright jewel in my aim I strive To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach. I cease to wonder, and no more attempt Thine heights t’explore, or fathom thy profound. But, O my soul, sink not in despair, Virtue is near thee,Continue reading “On Virtue”
Bituminous?
by Shel Silverstein (1930-1999) The hard coal’s called bituminous, Or is that anthracite? Stalactites grow down from caves, Or do I mean stalagmites? Those fluffy clouds are nimbus — No — wait — they might be cumulus. And that kid who was raised by wolves — Was he Remus — or Romulus? The brothauruses ateContinue reading “Bituminous?”
The Old Bark School
by Henry Lawson (1867-1922) It was built of bark and poles, and the floor was full of holes Where each leak in rainy weather made a pool; And the walls were mostly cracks lined with calico and sacks — There was little need for windows in the school. Then we rode to school and backContinue reading “The Old Bark School”
Anecdote for Fathers
by William Wordsworth (1770-1850) I have a boy of five years old; His face is fresh and fair to see; His limbs are cast in beauty’s mold And dearly he loves me. One morn we strolled on our dry walk, Our quiet home all full in view, And held such intermitted talk As we areContinue reading “Anecdote for Fathers”
Raise the curtain light the lights
After my early initiation into the world of greasepaint and spotlights it is no surprise that I fell in love with the theatre. Being a member of the Little Theatre in Rhyl certainly helped feed my passion. I enjoyed being backstage, or up in the lighting box, or just as a member of the audience,Continue reading “Raise the curtain light the lights”
Robin's Nest 