Author Archives: Robin

A voyage of discovery

As the old year ended and the New Year of 1966 began I made the most of the last week or so of my holidays before getting my head down for studies in my home classroom. Naturally I was enjoying the English studies, especially the literature. I have read, seen or appeared in a numberContinue reading “A voyage of discovery”

You’re

by Sylvia Plath Clownlike, happiest on your hands,   Feet to the stars, and moon-skulled,   Gilled like a fish. A common-sense   Thumbs-down on the dodo’s mode.   Wrapped up in yourself like a spool,   Trawling your dark as owls do.   Mute as a turnip from the Fourth   Of July to All Fools’ Day,O high-riser, my little loaf. Vague as fog and looked for likeContinue reading “You’re”

Making my name

Studying at home while getting work experience with a recently-launched local newspaper was working well in the run-up to Christmas 1965. Naturally I took a break from studying over what would have been a school holiday and spent a little bit longer at the Gazette offices while also having time to spend at the LittleContinue reading “Making my name”

The Thought Fox

by Ted Hughes I imagine this midnight moment’s forest: Something else is alive Beside the clock’s loneliness And this blank page where ny fingers move. Through this window I see no star Something more near Though deeper within darkness Is entering the loneliness: Cold, delicately as the dark snow A fox’s nose touches twigs, leaf;Continue reading “The Thought Fox”

Out in the world

If I had been born a few years later I would not have had the option to leave the regimented education system of the grammar school behind me. As it was in 1965 the age was still set at 15 even though attempts had begun a year earlier to raise it to 16. Luckily forContinue reading “Out in the world”

Sunset Poem (Eli Jenkin’s Prayer)

by Dylan Thomas from Under Milk Wood Every morning when I wake, Dear Lord a little prayer I make, O please to keep a loving eye, On all poor creatures born to die. And every evening at sundown I ask a blessing on the town, For whether we last the night or no I’m sureContinue reading “Sunset Poem (Eli Jenkin’s Prayer)”

Those who were left behind

Eighty years ago today my father was celebrating his 25th birthday – somewhere in France. It was a week before the mass evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from the French port of Dunkirk. Unfortunately Sgt. David Pierce, RAMC, did not get to Dunkirk with his ambulance convoy. My father was studying at the LiverpoolContinue reading “Those who were left behind”

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

by Dylan Thomas Do not go gentle into that good night,Old age should burn and rave at close of day;Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right,Because their words had forked no lightning theyDo not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the lastContinue reading “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”

Back to school – staying home

Home schooling is not easy, as many parents are discovering during this crisis. That does not mean it can not be done and done well. In the 80s I spent two years working in Oman as night editor of the state-owned daily newspaper. After a few months my wife and children joined me but itContinue reading “Back to school – staying home”