Today marks 104 years since the start of the Battle of the Somme when almost 20,000 British soldiers died just on that one day of a battle which lasted over four months. My grandad, Harry Lloyd was there with his Pals because when the call for volunteers went out in 1914 from the Earl ofContinue reading “When the Pals marched off to war”
Author Archives: Robin
On Somme
by Ivor Gurney Suddenly into the still air burst thudding And thudding, and cold fear possessed me all, On the gray slopes, where Winter in sullen brooding Hung between height and depth of the ugly fall Of Heaven to earth, and the thudding was illness’ own. But still a hope I kept that were weContinue reading “On Somme”
I’m a handy chap in the kitchen
I have always enjoyed cooking. I don’t just mean knocking up the odd meal of fish fingers and chips (although the time I did do that I was accused of burning the fish fingers). No, I mean the real thing. The reason I probably enjoyed it can be pinned down to two things – IContinue reading “I’m a handy chap in the kitchen”
Fire and Ice
by Robert Frost Some say the world will end in fire; Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate, To say that for destruction ice is also great And would suffice.
A Calvinist in Love
by Jack Clemo I will not kiss you, country fashion, By hedgesides where Weasel and hare Claim kinship with our passion. I care no more for fickle moonlight: Would rather see Your face touch me Under a claywork dune-light. I want no scent or softness round us When we embrace; We could not trace ThereinContinue reading “A Calvinist in Love”
Nowhere to Nowhere
by BJ Omanson When they sold off the farm she took the child and took a bus out of town — as for him, with everyone gone, with everything grim; he opened a pint of bourbon, piled pictures, letters and clothes in the yard, doused them with kerosene, struck a match and watched as theyContinue reading “Nowhere to Nowhere”
Hair and gone with a quick snip
This afternoon I feel like Samson, not when he slew the lion with the jawbone of an ass but as he was after Delilah gave him a swift back and sides and robbed him of all his strength. Yes, I have had my first haircut since lockdown began. I didn’t even have to leave theContinue reading “Hair and gone with a quick snip”
Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies. You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just likeContinue reading “Still I Rise”
A Death Song
by William Morris What cometh here from east to west awending? And who are these, the marchers stern and slow? We bear the message that the rich are sending Aback to those who bade them wake or know. Not one, not one, nor thousands must they slay, But one and all if they must duskContinue reading “A Death Song”
From Moggies to Jags and more
I have always liked cars. Note well the terminology – “liked” NOT “loved” because I am not a petrol head seeking to gain an image through the vehicle I use to get around. Cars are a useful means of getting around. Faster and safer than a pushbike. Faster and safer than a motor scooter (notContinue reading “From Moggies to Jags and more”
Robin's Nest 