Life wasn’t meant to be easy and when I look back I can see many rocky patches on my path through life so far. Some are little potholes others are yawning chasms, yet somehow I passed them all. Some of the big ones I have described elsewhere, or they may still be to come, butContinue reading “Round the houses and jumping through hoops – just to get a vote”
Category Archives: politics
Cantata on the Day of Lenin’s Death
(21 Jan 1924) by Bertolt Brecht The road to hell is paved with good intentions and for the past two years I have saved this cantata so that I could post it on the centenary of Lenin’s death. That was yesterday – I missed it. Never mind, better late than never.1.The day Lenin passed awayAContinue reading “Cantata on the Day of Lenin’s Death”
TV drama brings major injustice centre stage – time for action
In recent years there have been so many good drama series across an ever-increasing number of channels that gradually they meld into each other and at the start of a second week you have to think which plotline belongs to which series. Was Detective Inspector Thorogood trying to outwit the murderous acrobat or was theContinue reading “TV drama brings major injustice centre stage – time for action”
Up the River Side
by Frank Foy A sabbath hush pervades the summer day,As seated here beside the shining sands,I gaze on once again the arid lands,That weed-besprinkled westward stretch away;The waves that wash the beach about me laySmooth mirrors in their track, and vast expandsThe stream’s majestic breast, to where upstandsFair Venice in her groves beside her bay.AndContinue reading “Up the River Side”
New Year resolutions? Not for me
Twelfth Night already and I can’t figure out where the first five days of this New Year have gone. I didn’t set any New Year resolutions this year, even though in the past I used to, even if it was only two or three. You know the sort: I promise to lose at least twoContinue reading “New Year resolutions? Not for me”
You can never have enough when it comes to a collection of books
I was checking my collection of books recently and realised the number does not seem to have gone up or down in recent years, and as life goes on I find books I want to read now but know I still have books to be read. I do make good use of local charity shopsContinue reading “You can never have enough when it comes to a collection of books”
How strong are your resolutions as we face a Brave New Year?
A New Year lies before us and this is normally a time to make resolutions, hollow promises of what we will do in the year ahead. We announce our intention to lose weight; to stop smoking; to drink less; to be kind to others; to refrain from licentious behaviour; not to abuse others on Facebook,Continue reading “How strong are your resolutions as we face a Brave New Year?”
The Mother
by Pádraig Pearse b 10 November 1879 executed 3 May 1916 I do not grudge them: Lord, I do not grudge My two strong sons that I have seen go out To break their strength and die, they and a few, In bloody protest for a glorious thing, They shall be spoken of among theirContinue reading “The Mother”
A Song: “Men of England”
by Percy Bysshe Shelley 1792-1822 Men of England, wherefore plough For the lords who lay ye low? Wherefore weave with toil and care The rich robes your tyrants wear? Wherefore feed and clothe and save From the cradle to the grave Those ungrateful drones who would Drain your sweat – nay, drink your blood? Wherefore,Continue reading “A Song: “Men of England””
You take the high road or the low road – I’m heading down the middle
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”
Robin's Nest 