Monday, June 29, 2009

One of those days

Yes, today was one of those days! Nothing went to plan. I was hot and frazzled and tired and although I was running myself silly trying to do all sorts I felt like I was hitting my head against a brick wall -ouchhh! A bit like this antelope below. Maybe the lesson is to slow down?



By the way my kids love this clip, it is so their sense of humour.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Photos from The Hurst

Here finally are some more of the photos from my Arvon poetry week at The Hurst in Shropshire. It has taken me so long to post them. Thank you Clive for sending me some of yours.


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Adulteress













Adulteress

The crescent mirror over the bed

reflects the light of its sister

through parted curtains and

in a flash of luminescence

slices the sleeper

in two.


Guillotined and guilty,

still writhing and riding

a memory of her lover,

she is slaughtered.

Stains seep silently,

soak the marital altar.

Secrets are secreted,

all - consuming crimson.


She weeps a solitary tear,

not of shame but sorrow,

for those who choose

to stone instead of love.

Her soft soul, yet raw,

resurrects to a new dawn.


I wrote this poem some time ago. There are several variations, even one in a crescent moon shape which my writing group wanted but which I dislike. I still haven't decided on a final version.

Having recently watched Jeremy Paxman's BBC series on The Victorians I was introduced to the art of the period The painting is by George Frederic Watts Found Drowned (c.1849-50)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Goodnight Moon



Still on the theme of The Moon, this book was a favourite bedtime story to read to my daughter. A little rabbit says goodnight to every object in his bedroom in an attempt to prepare for , or delay, bedtime. The story quietens to a whisper as the room darkens and there is only the moon left to say 'goodnight' to.



We used to have to say 'goodnight' to everything in her room too. A bit of a pain for me who was champing at the bit to have some adult time but wonderfully calming and reassuring for her. That and a blessing was all it took and we have never had any sleep problems.

Remembering this routine some years later I wrote a 'Go to Sleep Moon' poem for her. The picture is by the wonderful artist Peter Alexander who I discovered on 'The English Muse' blog.












Go To Sleep Moon

New Moon,
Blue Moon,
Out Too Soon Moon.

Fine Moon,
Shine Moon,
Have A Good Time Moon.

Zoom Moon,
Soon Moon,
Wishes Come True Moon.

Gloom Moon,
Croon Moon,
Play Me A Tune Moon.

Glow Moon,
Know Moon,
Show Me Home Moon.

Clean Moon,
Gleam Moon,
Have A Sweet Dream Moon.

Peep Moon,
Deep Moon,
Time For Sleep Moon
.


by Suzi




Friday, June 12, 2009

Almost Moon


I have just finished reading a book called 'the Almost Moon' by Alice Sebold. I struggled to read it and would not reccomend it. However the title of the book intrigued me and a quote contained within.

"So much in life is about almost, not quites." "Like the moon" Helen quipped.

I love gazing at the moon on a cloudless night. I love pictures of the moon and poetry about the moon. Sharing a moonlit view with a loved one has to be one of the most romantic and atmospheric things to do. I even have a moon widget on my blog - I must like it!

The whole moon is always there in front of us, although we cannot always see it in its entirety. Except on those nights when it is full, we can do no more than almost see it.

Life mirrors this. The lives of those around us are always there in front of us, however, we seldom see them in their entirety. We can imagine. We almost see them, but we do never quite have the full picture. Why then do we presume, rush to hasty opinions and judge others? What arrogance makes us believe that we are the only ones who see the moon in it's fullness at all times.

Gaze at the moon, ponder , wonder, imagine, but remember it is often not the whole picture. Life, and lives are a mystery.





Saturday, June 6, 2009

The Piano

I love this short animation and the music which accompanies it. My son introduced me to it as he is currently learning to play it on the piano.Very moving and uplifting at the same time. It had my daughter in tears. Hope you enjoy it too.

An old man shares his life story with his young grandchild through evocative music.

The song is: "Comptine d'un autre été: l'après midi" composed by: Yann Tiersen
Animation by Aidan Gibbons
http://www.aniboom.com/boomzones/cybling


Thursday, June 4, 2009

Blue sky and sunny days

"People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle."

Thich NHat Hanh quotes (Vietnamese Monk, Activist and Writer. b.1926)


The sky has been so so blue all week and the sun has been shining. Colours are more vibrant, shimmering and buzzing in the heat. Energy levels are up and there is the sound of life at it's fullest everywhere.

I have been sitting in my favourite deckchair - a present from my friends when I left Connecticut - by the garden pond......and today saw the first waterlilies open. They are such peaceful and beautiful plants to meditate on.


Hope the sky is blue where you are too!