sorrow

Tomorrow

by Mal Melville Australian poet: on refugees and war Today another town in flames another army bears the blame. Before the bullets the people flee, nowhere to hide for you and me. My heavy heart is filled with sorrow. Where will you be tomorrow? Desperate and lonely refugees the unknown our new reality. Children cryContinue reading “Tomorrow”

Life

Charlotte Brönte 1816-1855 Life, believe, is not a dream So dark as sages say; Oft a little morning rain Foretells a pleasant day. Sometimes there are clouds of gloom, But these are transient all; If the shower will make the roses bloom, O why lament its fall? Rapidly, merrily, Life’s sunny hours flit by, Gratefully,Continue reading “Life”

The desert has many teachings

Mechthild of Magdeburg translated by: Jane Hirshfield In the desert, Turn towards emptiness, Fleeing the self. Stand alone, Ask no-one’s help, And your being will quiet Free from the bondage of things. Those who cling to the world, Endeavour to free them; Those who are free, praise. Care for the sick, But live alone, HappyContinue reading “The desert has many teachings”

by Li Qingzhao (1084‐1155) I pine and peak And questless seek Groping and moping to linger and languish Anon to wander and wonder, glare, stare and start Flesh chill’d Ghost thrilled With grim dart And keen canker of rankling anguish. Sudden a gleam Of fair weather felt But fled as fast – and the ice-coldContinue reading “Sorrow”

Sorrow

by David Herbert Lawrence (1885-1930) Why does the thin grey strand Floating up from the forgotten Cigarette between my fingers, Why does it trouble me? Ah, you will understand; When I carried my mothr downstairs, A few times only, at the beginning Of her soft-foot malady. I should find, for a reprimand To my gaiety,Continue reading “Sorrow”

The girls I have loved and lost

The Sixties is a country far, far away. It is a land where once we lived and loved, danced and sang, dined and drank. I certainly remember a lot of dancing and drinking, girls and music. Different music for different girls. Hazel was the Troggs – Hi hi hi Hazel, although any Troggs number willContinue reading “The girls I have loved and lost”

I Do Not Speak

by Stevie Smith I do not ask for mercy, for understanding and peace And in these heavy days I do not ask for release I do not ask that suffering shall cease. I do not pray to God to let me die To give an ear attentive to my cry To pause in his marchingContinue reading “I Do Not Speak”