Notes on 'An Anniversary Poem'

You will note from the copyright date that this was actually written much earlier than most of the stuff on this blog. I thought, nonetheless, that it should be here along with everything else. You may also note that I began my relationship with the iambic pentameter many years ago.

I wrote the poem for my wife on the occasion of our fourth wedding anniversary. Make sure you have a bucket ready before you read the next sentence. Apart from the fact that the idealistic concept of first stanza is impossible - since neither of us will live that long, at least in this life - the rest of it still holds good.

Notes on 'On Writer's Block'

Probably all writers have days - maybe weeks, months, years - when the Muse forsakes them. I am no exception. The important thing is to write something, anything! I wrote the poem below as an attempt to express the frustration of it but, unfortunately, was headed off at the pass by the complaint itself. Anyway, despite the malevolent little monkey's best efforts, I think I achieved my goal.

Notes on 'Welcome!'

This was written for a church writing project, and is a departure from my usual style: it doesn't rhyme or scan (except by accident), and is not humorous (actually, there is a serious side to my personality, which I allow out at appropriate times). The poem is about one of the 12 values of our church, which seeks to be, 'a Christian community that ... is welcoming and warm - trusting that new people find a spiritual home that is full of kindness and encouragement.'

The whole of my effort for this project is available on the Faith section of my bloggery.

Notes on 'Ode to Wine'

Just a bit of fun really, and a celebration of the complexity of flavour in this gift from God of, to quote the Bible, 'Wine that maketh glad the heart of man.' (Hic!) The driving rhythm adds to the tension of the poem.

Notes on 'Ode to Curry'

This was first penned as an email to my diving buddies (perhaps there'll be a scuba diving sub-blog soon). We went for a curry and enjoyed it very much.

Curry is a food that satiates the five senses - touch, taste, sight, sound and smell. Unfortunately, it tends to provide an experience we can share with others long after we have left the restaurant. You will see the progression through the senses as you read.

This is a classical poem, written in iambic pentameters. Just like Shakespeare, only not as good!

Notes on 'A Birthday Poem to make Purple Ronnie Jealous'

Well. What can I say? I actually printed this on a friend's birthday card. It was as much an exercise in the expressive use of fonts (some of which may not be shown by your browser) as it was a literary adventure. If you want to use it on your friend's birthday card, please do, but I would appreciate your showing the copyright notice and the address of this blog (http://all-about-what-poetry.blogspot.com).

Notes on 'Our Doggy'

We rescued a wonderful dog called Max, and we are just as besotted with him three years later as we were when we first adopted him into our family. Yes, he has his issues but we're working on them. I may be biased but I think he's the best dog in the world. This poem was written shortly after his arrival. It was inspired by him, and again was sketched out whilst riding my bicycle. Every word of it is true.

As for the censored bits, there is nothing really very naughty. The rhyme serves to provide you with clues to the words I have omitted. The censureship is really a humorous device.

One day, I'll post a picture of our wonderful Maximus Flatus.

Notes on 'Ode to a Dung Fly'

'Ode to a Dung Fly' was composed whilst riding my bicycle across the Town Moor. The moor is a place where cattle are grazed and their droppings, which, in places, required great care to avoid, may well have been the inspiration for this work.