poems for seekers

[Former member 49149]

Uncanny! Thunderstorm due here in Dublin shortly! Thank you once more, Pilgrim.

 

[malingerer]

Uncanny! Thunderstorm due here in Dublin shortly! Thank you once more, Pilgrim.

SUMMER SOLSTICE

And the Swifts bring me

a breakfast

of Morning Blue

topping the green

of leaves more numerous

than the stars

as the wind North West

begins to freshen

and sends a whisper:

"The days will turn;

so add these nows

to your store of memory

that they may kindle your soul

when bitter comes the dark

before the day

of Winter Solstice,

when the days will turn".

Walk soft.

Stay safe.

And

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Kanga]

Winter solstice here. As one salty friend of my parents said - longest night of the year. Best day to get married!

 

[malingerer]

Winter solstice here. As one salty friend of my parents said - longest night of the year. Best day to get married!

Being ex Royal Navy methinks I could add a few "salty" remarks of my own! . However, being long divorced, I will abstain! Take care, and keep on truckin!

Yours aye, The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

Being ex Royal Navy methinks I could add a few "salty" remarks of my own! . However, being long divorced, I will abstain! Take care, and keep on truckin!

Yours aye, The malingerer.

SOURCE

A small wave

lapped at my feet

here

on a Western shore

and we waited

Then

I asked the questions:

" Where have you been

and

what have you seen"

Gentle as the wing of butterfly

came the answer:

" Far

I have been

and deep what I have felt

unseen."

My heart constricted

for it knew

that tale of old.

" You have been to the Holy Land",

I whispered

and waited.

A time went by

with many tides

before the little wave returned

and said:

" I visited the shore

and a thousand heartbreaks

embarked with me

on every drop of water

salt with tears.

The factories of death

and the murder camps

had leached their crimes

into the waters

which flowed to the sea

that home might be

on the bottom.

Farewell."

And I wondered if

when

I walk The Way

do I seek the roots

of that Ancient Tree

from which I sprang?

Walk soft. Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

SOURCE

A small wave

lapped at my feet

here

on a Western shore

and we waited

Then

I asked the questions:

" Where have you been

and

what have you seen"

Gentle as the wing of butterfly

came the answer:

" Far

I have been

and deep what I have felt

unseen."

My heart constricted

for it knew

that tale of old.

" You have been to the Holy Land",

I whispered

and waited.

A time went by

with many tides

before the little wave returned

and said:

" I visited the shore

and a thousand heartbreaks

embarked with me

on every drop of water

salt with tears.

The factories of death

and the murder camps

had leached their crimes

into the waters

which flowed to the sea

that home might be

on the bottom.

Farewell."

And I wondered if

when

I walk The Way

do I seek the roots

of that Ancient Tree

from which I sprang?

Walk soft. Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

Yesterday I sat on the wall surrounding a well. I thought of all the people, many of whom I have known, who have passed on to other shores. I was just being aware of them, of their contribution to a micro-world ( a city boarding school) and then I watched the insects scrabbling about running here and there, as they have done since forever....

 

[andywild]

Lovely poem, it reminds me of one a heard many moons ago.. possibly keats or maybe Shelley once wrote..

There once was a man from near Reno.
Who decided to walk a Camino.
He threw on his pack
And never looked back.
Spent the rest of his life drinking vino.

Beautiful words I'm sure you'll agree.

 

[malingerer]

SOURCE

A small wave

lapped at my feet

here

on a Western shore

and we waited

Then

I asked the questions:

" Where have you been

and

what have you seen"

Gentle as the wing of butterfly

came the answer:

" Far

I have been

and deep what I have felt

unseen."

My heart constricted

for it knew

that tale of old.

" You have been to the Holy Land",

I whispered

and waited.

A time went by

with many tides

before the little wave returned

and said:

" I visited the shore

and a thousand heartbreaks

embarked with me

on every drop of water

salt with tears.

The factories of death

and the murder camps

had leached their crimes

into the waters

which flowed to the sea

that home might be

on the bottom.

Farewell."

And I wondered if

when

I walk The Way

do I seek the roots

of that Ancient Tree

from which I sprang?

Walk soft. Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

Yesterday I sat on the wall surrounding a well. I thought of all the people, many of whom I have known, who have passed on to other shores. I was just being aware of them, of their contribution to a micro-world ( a city boarding school) and then I watched the insects scrabbling about running here and there, as they have done since forever....View attachment 44015

FISTERRA

20 JULY 2018

Today

my birthday

80 years old!

End of decades

and beginning of new.

Magical sunset

Celtic ocean.

I am content to be

with the one I love

and we are reconciled

with the child we lost

those years ago.

It is our promise to take the stones three

to Cruz de Ferro

and say the words.

And now

I am returned to my flat

as the swifts circle in welcome.

I have purpose again.

This will be my last contribution to this thread. Do I hear a sigh of relief?

Thank you to all of you. You have been my teachers.

Walk soft. Stay safe.

And

as ever,

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

FISTERRA

20 JULY 2018

Today

my birthday

80 years old!

End of decades

and beginning of new.

Magical sunset

Celtic ocean.

I am content to be

with the one I love

and we are reconciled

with the child we lost

those years ago.

It is our promise to take the stones three

to Cruz de Ferro

and say the words.

And now

I am returned to my flat

as the swifts circle in welcome.

I have purpose again.

This will be my last contribution to this thread. Do I hear a sigh of relief?

Thank you to all of you. You have been my teachers.

Walk soft. Stay safe.

And

as ever,

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

No! Why? You bring tears to my eyes...

 

[malingerer]

No! Why? You bring tears to my eyes...

apologies kirkie for delay in reply. As not going on cf till Sep next year am slowly training up. My heart is still on the veedlepee tho and having to write before my brain seizes up! Will start a new thread next year on CF.

meanwhile:

THE MATHEMATICS OF PILGRIMAGE

First

find a Pilgrim

then

divide

Subtract

by the number of blisters

then

find the square root

of floor space

in a Refugio

Take a quantum leap

from all of it

and close down

the machine

in your head.

Open the eyes

of your heart

and begin to listen

with your soul

for the answer

is in the song:

"The answer

is blowing

in the wind."

Q.E.D

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

apologies kirkie for delay in reply. As not going on cf till Sep next year am slowly training up. My heart is still on the veedlepee tho and having to write before my brain seizes up! Will start a new thread next year on CF.

meanwhile:

THE MATHEMATICS OF PILGRIMAGE

First

find a Pilgrim

then

divide

Subtract

by the number of blisters

then

find the square root

of floor space

in a Refugio

Take a quantum leap

from all of it

and close down

the machine

in your head.

Open the eyes

of your heart

and begin to listen

with your soul

for the answer

is in the song:

"The answer

is blowing

in the wind."

Q.E.D

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

Actually, I re read your post and saw I had not read it properly. You said it would be the last post on the thread, not your last post! So, I was waiting.. and look! Well worth it! Thanks.

 

[malingerer]

Actually, I re read your post and saw I had not read it properly. You said it would be the last post on the thread, not your last post! So, I was waiting.. and look! Well worth it! Thanks.

THE ISLES OF TIME

It is said

that on a Time

Time of itself

split

when it came

to a mist in Void

Time flowed round

the Mist

which

it is said

formed a great Island.

There may even be more

than one

There

over Time

strands of Time

would seem to lose themselves

in the Mist

Heaven

or

Hell

or

perhaps

a Lost and Found

of Yesterdays?

I think

I am

a Yesterday

who left the Great Isle

and crossed a Void

in great peril

to rejoin Time


My Guardian Angel

oft returns

there

to prepare

for the greatest journey

of them all

A Leaving

of this Universe

by crossing

the Great Void

between The All

for I

am a Child of Time

God's Wanderer

Eternal Pilgrim.

Walk soft

Stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

THE ISLES OF TIME

It is said

that on a Time

Time of itself

split

when it came

to a mist in Void

Time flowed round

the Mist

which

it is said

formed a great Island.

There may even be more

than one

There

over Time

strands of Time

would seem to lose themselves

in the Mist

Heaven

or

Hell

or

perhaps

a Lost and Found

of Yesterdays?

I think

I am

a Yesterday

who left the Great Isle

and crossed a Void

in great peril

to rejoin Time


My Guardian Angel

oft returns

there

to prepare

for the greatest journey

of them all

A Leaving

of this Universe

by crossing

the Great Void

between The All

for I

am a Child of Time

God's Wanderer

Eternal Pilgrim.

Walk soft

Stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

SERE

……….. the leaves

as Autumn brings her brush

of wind and rain

to subdue the green

and let the dormant colours through

A rainbow beckons me

reminder

the Earth must turn

and with the turning

seasons

come and go

and so must I

Looms the Equinox

and I shall Mead rack on

that Winter Solstice

might be toasted

as The Light

begins to climb again

and so must I

in preparation for another journey

The Way

where I can be as child again

counting pebbles

raindrops

ants

the minutae

of Wonder.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


The Malingerer

 

[OzAnnie]

SERE

……….. the leaves

as Autumn brings her brush

of wind and rain

to subdue the green

and let the dormant colours through

A rainbow beckons me

reminder

the Earth must turn

and with the turning

seasons

come and go

and so must I

Looms the Equinox

and I shall Mead rack on

that Winter Solstice

might be toasted

as The Light

begins to climb again

and so must I

in preparation for another journey

The Way

where I can be as child again

counting pebbles

raindrops

ants

the minutae

of Wonder.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


The Malingerer

Such a great gift.

 

[malingerer]

Such a great gift.

Hi Annie and thanks for the comment!

Now, try this one!

WHEN EVEN BLISTERS SCREAM

I woke up this morning

in the middle of a scream

and thought the bed was red with blood

from someone else's dream


I looked at my palms

and my soul began to quail

for I was gripping fiercely

a long cold iron nail


So I prayed to the lord above

oh where

tell me where

have I been?


There is writing on the walls

in a tongue I do not know

but my heart has heard the whisper

and tells me I should go

to somewhere past the rainbow

and far beyond the walls

too high to climb


For the messenger

was Magpie

who stole the crown of thorns

and planted them as food

for hungry souls


Waiting to be born

on time-lost isles


Which is why my Way

is thorny

full of stones

that rub the thoughts

like blisters

on the bone

but sweet the drink of water

when gentle comes the rest

and my soul begins to smile:

I am Pilgrim.


Walking home.


Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[OzAnnie]

Malingerer
a perfect gift for today. I am copying it to send to a good friend who should arrive in Santiago today with blisters screaming .
‘Magpie’ is significant to her too ...
Thankyou

 

[malingerer]

Malingerer
a perfect gift for today. I am copying it to send to a good friend who should arrive in Santiago today with blisters screaming .
‘Magpie’ is significant to her too ...
Thankyou

THE DEATH OF WORDS

Once

were Refugios

now

Albergues

Once

were Rucksacks

now

"Luggage"

to be forwarded

Once

were Pilgrims

now

walkers

cyclists

Once

there was

The Camino de Santiago

now

Camino Frances

etc.,

etc.,

etc.,

Why go

there is virtual reality

why speak

or pray

there

is text

I go beyond words anyway

to

high

and lonely places

on The Way

where silence

leads

to Silence

and Wisdom

is the ray

of Light

in darkness

ere

the day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

THE DEATH OF WORDS

Once

were Refugios

now

Albergues

Once

were Rucksacks

now

"Luggage"

to be forwarded

Once

were Pilgrims

now

walkers

cyclists

Once

there was

The Camino de Santiago

now

Camino Frances

etc.,

etc.,

etc.,

Why go

there is virtual reality

why speak

or pray

there

is text

I go beyond words anyway

to

high

and lonely places

on The Way

where silence

leads

to Silence

and Wisdom

is the ray

of Light

in darkness

ere

the day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

GUERRA CIVIL

Born in the middle

of it

still

it resonates

as each new book is written

and documentary

made

whilst hidden graves unearth

I walk this country gently

remembering old ones I knew

who had fought there

now dead

and still their ghosts whisper

as I pass

No Pasaran

So I weep quietly

for dreams that were lost

and pray

the nightmare

does not wake again.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

GUERRA CIVIL

Born in the middle

of it

still

it resonates

as each new book is written

and documentary

made

whilst hidden graves unearth

I walk this country gently

remembering old ones I knew

who had fought there

now dead

and still their ghosts whisper

as I pass

No Pasaran

So I weep quietly

for dreams that were lost

and pray

the nightmare

does not wake again.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

The Malingerer

CHANGE

…………….. comes the order

and man

obeys his clocks

A full moon

frigid

pale

glares down

as comes the dawn

harried

by flint edged winds

cold

that will not let me sleep

for my soul

is in my mountains

and my feet

are in my bed

both unwilling partners

of the time.



Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

CHANGE

…………….. comes the order

and man

obeys his clocks

A full moon

frigid

pale

glares down

as comes the dawn

harried

by flint edged winds

cold

that will not let me sleep

for my soul

is in my mountains

and my feet

are in my bed

both unwilling partners

of the time.



Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The Malingerer

MEAD


"Andalucía" I whisper

adding chillies to the honey

when I craft my mead

bringing the burn

to the edge of sweetness

like a flamenco dancer

weaving her fiery sinuosity

around the singer

and his Cante Jondo

of deep song sadness

that yet retains

life

defiance

in the face of all

repression.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

MEAD


"Andalucía" I whisper

adding chillies to the honey

when I craft my mead

bringing the burn

to the edge of sweetness

like a flamenco dancer

weaving her fiery sinuosity

around the singer

and his Cante Jondo

of deep song sadness

that yet retains

life

defiance

in the face of all

repression.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

WITNESS

I am reading Hugh Thomas:

"The Spanish Civil War".

Near close of book (and war)

I am in July, 1938.

Suddenly

it is no longer history

for this is when I was born

I am now Witness

not reader

to my time

drawn relentlessly

to this time of blood

when I walk my caminos

with the ghosts and souls

of those who died

walking beside me

in silence

There was little time then

for "Buen camino!"

I light the candles

in my heart

whispering in prayer

as the stones beneath

my feet

murmur their refrain:

"We sought the fair land

we seek it

still."

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[Former member 49149]

Malingerer, what a wonderful return to the Forum! I think I am only stealing someone else’s words when I say that artists speak the universal for each of us, no matter the medium. If we can recognise words, or strokes, or chisel marks, or the sculptor’s lines we acknowledge the artist, and the heart’s utterances. Thank you, at least three times more!

 

[malingerer]

Malingerer, what a wonderful return to the Forum! I think I am only stealing someone else’s words when I say that artists speak the universal for each of us, no matter the medium. If we can recognise words, or strokes, or chisel marks, or the sculptor’s lines we acknowledge the artist, and the heart’s utterances. Thank you, at least three times more!

CLOSED DOORS


I walk through

small villages

with small churches

closed

doors locked.


I look along the road

to watch a shadow

tapping on the hearts

of passing pilgrims.


They are closed.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


The malingerer

 

[malingerer]

CLOSED DOORS


I walk through

small villages

with small churches

closed

doors locked.


I look along the road

to watch a shadow

tapping on the hearts

of passing pilgrims.


They are closed.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


The malingerer

TALES FROM "THE STEEP"

The "Steep" is the name I gave

to the hospital ward I have just left

and this is for those who passed through

and the staff

who gave so unstintingly

of love

care

and compassion

to take us through the dark


That one

there

going to a home

That one

confused

he too is moving on

There is never an empty bed

more traffic than Piccadilly Circus

an endless parade

of the many

approaching an end


There are bleeps

alarms

all night long

and but for sedation

I would be exhaused


I am minded of Camino

sitting on my sacred arse by the roadside

watching the western migration

of endless flocks of newbies

some still a-laugh

and excited

by their adventure

others

grave

aware

of what they have achieved

and what is still to come


I receive many whispered "buen Caminos"

shy smiles

and sometimes gifts

a piece of chocolate

a biscuit

little tokens of the journey

more poignant than sagas

like the nurse who held me tight

when I thought my heart would break

on Remembrance Day

and the special one

who walked me to the door when I was leaving

and held me

with no need for words

as she was already engraved on my soul

on its way

to Santiago.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


The Malingerer

 

[Former member 49149]

TALES FROM "THE STEEP"

The "Steep" is the name I gave

to the hospital ward I have just left

and this is for those who passed through

and the staff

who gave so unstintingly

of love

care

and compassion

to take us through the dark


That one

there

going to a home

That one

confused

he too is moving on

There is never an empty bed

more traffic than Piccadilly Circus

an endless parade

of the many

approaching an end


There are bleeps

alarms

all night long

and but for sedation

I would be exhaused


I am minded of Camino

sitting on my sacred arse by the roadside

watching the western migration

of endless flocks of newbies

some still a-laugh

and excited

by their adventure

others

grave

aware

of what they have achieved

and what is still to come


I receive many whispered "buen Caminos"

shy smiles

and sometimes gifts

a piece of chocolate

a biscuit

little tokens of the journey

more poignant than sagas

like the nurse who held me tight

when I thought my heart would break

on Remembrance Day

and the special one

who walked me to the door when I was leaving

and held me

with no need for words

as she was already engraved on my soul

on its way

to Santiago.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


The Malingerer

Softly, poignantly, beautiful.

 

[malingerer]

Softly, poignantly, beautiful.

FREEDOM

Walking slowly

to the bus stop

with rain driving

wind moaning

CLATTER

BANG

CRASH

I look up

as a dustbin

leaping wildly

dancing like a demon

whirling

gyrating madly

hurtles down the road towards me

and shouts

"Freedom!"

then

in a low whisper

tells me:

"you have put one foot

past the other:

you are still

Pilgrim

Caminato!"

and off it shot.

I rearranged my face

as my mouth was hanging open

and then laughed

for I have already booked my hotel

in Bordeaux

for Sep '19

and reserved my accommodation

for St. Jean

and Roncesvalles

Next week I will book the flight

and that will be the beginning

of Camino

My head lifts

my heart swells

and my spirit

unfolds its wings.

Walk soft. Stay safe.

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

FREEDOM

Walking slowly

to the bus stop

with rain driving

wind moaning

CLATTER

BANG

CRASH

I look up

as a dustbin

leaping wildly

dancing like a demon

whirling

gyrating madly

hurtles down the road towards me

and shouts

"Freedom!"

then

in a low whisper

tells me:

"you have put one foot

past the other:

you are still

Pilgrim

Caminato!"

and off it shot.

I rearranged my face

as my mouth was hanging open

and then laughed

for I have already booked my hotel

in Bordeaux

for Sep '19

and reserved my accommodation

for St. Jean

and Roncesvalles

Next week I will book the flight

and that will be the beginning

of Camino

My head lifts

my heart swells

and my spirit

unfolds its wings.

Walk soft. Stay safe.

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The Malingerer.

Resurrexit sicut dixit...allelujah!

 

[malingerer]

Resurrexit sicut dixit...allelujah!

ok kirkie, me Latin is very bad altho I think I can guess but just to make sure waddya mean?

the malingerer!

 

[Former member 49149]

Wrong season, methinks! He is risen, as he said...

 

[malingerer]

Wrong season, methinks! He is risen, as he said...

EARLY

A TURNER dawn

stains the sky

with angry reds and blues

colder than iron

as night begrudges day

with a rising wind

and falling temperature

promising me a coldness



I do not think I will leave my flat

this day

There is much to read and write

and the minutiae of chores

I remember that first dawn

of the New millenium

when I stood at Land's End in Cornwall

and sang myself

into a New Age

I did not know then

that it would be

Camino

I look around my flat

Compostelas on my bedroom walls

Scallop shells

here and there

Photographs

Books

and yes

apps on the mobile

Folders of notes and Credencials

maps

Rucksacks

poles

sleeping bags

all hanging in their place

The Robes of the Road

in their cupboards

and Esmeralda

my trusty trailer

waiting by the door

I yearn for Solstice

that I might say:

"Soon!

Soon!"

and in the meantime

I hone my patience

by counting raindrops

on my window

as fly my thoughts

to the road ahead

and hope my feet

will meet them.



Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[OzAnnie]

I’m tuned in to your wavelength,
Thanks again
X Annie

 

[Former member 49149]

EARLY

A TURNER dawn

stains the sky

with angry reds and blues

colder than iron

as night begrudges day

with a rising wind

and falling temperature

promising me a coldness



I do not think I will leave my flat

this day

There is much to read and write

and the minutiae of chores

I remember that first dawn

of the New millenium

when I stood at Land's End in Cornwall

and sang myself

into a New Age

I did not know then

that it would be

Camino

I look around my flat

Compostelas on my bedroom walls

Scallop shells

here and there

Photographs

Books

and yes

apps on the mobile

Folders of notes and Credencials

maps

Rucksacks

poles

sleeping bags

all hanging in their place

The Robes of the Road

in their cupboards

and Esmeralda

my trusty trailer

waiting by the door

I yearn for Solstice

that I might say:

"Soon!

Soon!"

and in the meantime

I hone my patience

by counting raindrops

on my window

as fly my thoughts

to the road ahead

and hope my feet

will meet them.



Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

Not quite Turner...
, but still, a great Artist!

 

[chinacat]

Not quite Turner...
View attachment 49904, but still, a great Artist!

The best ....

 

[malingerer]

The best ....

A HAPPY SOLSTICE TO ALL MY READERS!

AND SO...…...

SOLSTICE


The Earth turns

from longest night

to shortest day

as awakens Light

to sing the song

This is the first Solstice

of a new decade

for me

and already heralds change

of lifestyle and future-plans


I am accepted for an Access course

to University

to study Medical Science

in relation to

Memory Loss and

Dementia.

Can words unlock?

I am bemused

unsure

apprehensive

but it is a fight

and that will help me o'er the miles

when next I go

a-Camino

September is suddenly

not so far away

as paths old and new

commence to call.

I hear laughter

from my Guardians

and my Ancestors

for I am still

their errant child

and full of wonder.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

A HAPPY SOLSTICE TO ALL MY READERS!

AND SO...…...

SOLSTICE


The Earth turns

from longest night

to shortest day

as awakens Light

to sing the song

This is the first Solstice

of a new decade

for me

and already heralds change

of lifestyle and future-plans


I am accepted for an Access course

to University

to study Medical Science

in relation to

Memory Loss and

Dementia.

Can words unlock?

I am bemused

unsure

apprehensive

but it is a fight

and that will help me o'er the miles

when next I go

a-Camino

September is suddenly

not so far away

as paths old and new

commence to call.

I hear laughter

from my Guardians

and my Ancestors

for I am still

their errant child

and full of wonder.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer.

this is a time for being aware of all our forebears stretching back behind us, on left and right, connecting us to our roots, to our beginnings... and watching for the turn of the year. Be there, and thanks, once more, for your gift of poetry.

 

[malingerer]

this is a time for being aware of all our forebears stretching back behind us, on left and right, connecting us to our roots, to our beginnings... and watching for the turn of the year. Be there, and thanks, once more, for your gift of poetry.

AND THE SEA SHALL HAVE THEM

There are no flowers

on a seaman's grave

for his coffin is his ship

sunk

by act of war


Guardian Angels

cannot swim

for they are creatures of the light

and air

star walkers


So no one visits him

to pray

or mourn


His shipmates' bones

lie strewn

about him

all mute

waiting

for the end of days


I too have served

and watched the seas

like mountains

roll around me


But cruel tho the sea may be

it draws back

in anguish

at man's blind hatred

of

his fellow man


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

AND THE SEA SHALL HAVE THEM

There are no flowers

on a seaman's grave

for his coffin is his ship

sunk

by act of war


Guardian Angels

cannot swim

for they are creatures of the light

and air

star walkers


So no one visits him

to pray

or mourn


His shipmates' bones

lie strewn

about him

all mute

waiting

for the end of days


I too have served

and watched the seas

like mountains

roll around me


But cruel tho the sea may be

it draws back

in anguish

at man's blind hatred

of

his fellow man


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

UNANSWERED PRAYERS

Where do they go:

the unheard

the unanswered?

Are they lying somewhere

in an "elephant's graveyard"

of mad molecules

and other deitrus

of mind and soul.

What qualifies them for an answer:

are there rules

or just divine whim?

There are novenas

Nine Tuesdays

Ten Fridays

ad infinitum.

But what of the child

for whom I pray?

Is it fair that he should suffer

if I am deemed an unworthy supplicant?

Has God a list of "celebrities? aka Saints"

to whom he will listen?

Is the "good deed"

mightier than the prayer?

Is this why when I go

a-camino

I whisper to myself

"each step a prayer

each prayer

a footfall" ?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The malingerer

 

[OzAnnie]

UNANSWERED PRAYERS

Where do they go:

the unheard

the unanswered?

Are they lying somewhere

in an "elephant's graveyard"

of mad molecules

and other deitrus

of mind and soul.

What qualifies them for an answer:

are there rules

or just divine whim?

There are novenas

Nine Tuesdays

Ten Fridays

ad infinitum.

But what of the child

for whom I pray?

Is it fair that he should suffer

if I am deemed an unworthy supplicant?

Has God a list of "celebrities? aka Saints"

to whom he will listen?

Is the "good deed"

mightier than the prayer?

Is this why when I go

a-camino

I whisper to myself

"each step a prayer

each prayer

a footfall" ?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The malingerer

Very deep, personal feeling. My initial thought was that ‘the answer’ may not be ‘needed’ right then, but realised (or thought ) the poem wasn’t asking for the answer. Another good one ! They all are to me.
Annie

 

[malingerer]

Very deep, personal feeling. My initial thought was that ‘the answer’ may not be ‘needed’ right then, but realised (or thought ) the poem wasn’t asking for the answer. Another good one ! They all are to me.
Annie

FIRST OF FEBRUARY/ FIRST OF SNOWS

Snowflakes

(those butterflies of winter)

falling in hosts

to bring a stilless.


Traffic is muted

and yapping dogs

do not besmirch the park

I can walk in silence

and drink deep

of solitude

But the Earth

will surely turn

and bring the green again

with noisy life and laughter

to remind me

of

the cycle.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

one of the joys of this forum is when I see a poem from your heart...

 

[Albertagirl]

FIRST OF FEBRUARY/ FIRST OF SNOWS

Snowflakes

(those butterflies of winter)

falling in hosts

to bring a stilless.


Traffic is muted

and yapping dogs

do not besmirch the park

I can walk in silence

and drink deep

of solitude

But the Earth

will surely turn

and bring the green again

with noisy life and laughter

to remind me

of

the cycle.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

This poem reminds me of an Australian visitor who came running into the house where she was visiting us in England in winter to announce with delight “the sky is all full of butterflies.”

 

[malingerer]

This poem reminds me of an Australian visitor who came running into the house where she was visiting us in England in winter to announce with delight “the sky is all full of butterflies.”

LONE

The Magpie

( my sorrow-bird)

calls

from a tall tree

to remind me

that the time of crucifixion

is near

when he must steal

a thorn

from The Crown

and bear it away

to grow again

on a wind-swept tor

as a symbol of

the life-in-death

when bud the trees

to summon spring

Easter

and the return

of my summer-birds:

( the swifts )

Heralds

of

The Way.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer

 

[Former member 49149]

LONE

The Magpie

( my sorrow-bird)

calls

from a tall tree

to remind me

that the time of crucifixion

is near

when he must steal

a thorn

from The Crown

and bear it away

to grow again

on a wind-swept tor

as a symbol of

the life-in-death

when bud the trees

to summon spring

Easter

and the return

of my summer-birds:

( the swifts )

Heralds

of

The Way.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer

Thanks, Malingerer. Someone I know has just been called by the Magpie, and has passed through the suffering into what we hope is Easter, eternally. Your poem follows after her!

 

[malingerer]

Thanks, Malingerer. Someone I know has just been called by the Magpie, and has passed through the suffering into what we hope is Easter, eternally. Your poem follows after her!

MARCH

The lion roars

and the wind answers:

" I will send the rain

new grass will grow

new prey be born"

But the seasons are changing


My heart wonders

will the summer-birds be early

too early to nest and rear young

if the insects do not fly

high

to feed them

I shall be joyous

just to see them

but heavy with fear

They are not actors in a matinee

for my amusement

but life forms

reflected in my soul

with tales of camino

and journeys tried

Their dangers now man made

of plastic

and toxic skies

where gases run

Fly soft

fly safe

You are the feathered chimes

in the wind

of all my times.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer

 

[malingerer]

MARCH

The lion roars

and the wind answers:

" I will send the rain

new grass will grow

new prey be born"

But the seasons are changing


My heart wonders

will the summer-birds be early

too early to nest and rear young

if the insects do not fly

high

to feed them

I shall be joyous

just to see them

but heavy with fear

They are not actors in a matinee

for my amusement

but life forms

reflected in my soul

with tales of camino

and journeys tried

Their dangers now man made

of plastic

and toxic skies

where gases run

Fly soft

fly safe

You are the feathered chimes

in the wind

of all my times.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer

FREYA

I walked to the beach today

to say hello to storm Freya

who was barrelling in from the West

scattering debris

pensioners

and wind surfers

with equal abandon

On the way

I met an old friend

who used to be

our postman

and to his son

had given my tried and trusted Vango.

A sack of many sagas.

I always wanted it back

and now it is returning!

I left Freya

and went and sat in the park

with an ice cream.

Winter bliss!

And I wonder

at this longing

to go back over the Pyrenees

for the "last time".

I have said this four times now

and done it four times

Perhaps my old rucksack

wants to remind me

of why I went

before it and I

are hung up for good!



Walk soft

stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

FREYA

I walked to the beach today

to say hello to storm Freya

who was barrelling in from the West

scattering debris

pensioners

and wind surfers

with equal abandon

On the way

I met an old friend

who used to be

our postman

and to his son

had given my tried and trusted Vango.

A sack of many sagas.

I always wanted it back

and now it is returning!

I left Freya

and went and sat in the park

with an ice cream.

Winter bliss!

And I wonder

at this longing

to go back over the Pyrenees

for the "last time".

I have said this four times now

and done it four times

Perhaps my old rucksack

wants to remind me

of why I went

before it and I

are hung up for good!



Walk soft

stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

So, pick it up, put it on, and off you go together, con Dios.

 

[malingerer]

So, pick it up, put it on, and off you go together, con Dios.

NZ

We will remember you

what can I do

but pray

when still the guns are sold.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

NZ

We will remember you

what can I do

but pray

when still the guns are sold.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

WAITING FOR SWIFTS

High the wind

and rain

of rampant March

Fooled by a false spring

I wait for swifts

my summer birds

The trees are going into leaf

and buds appear

but the seasons are fickle

I try to train

but am weary

for only on the trail itself

do my spirits lift

and cheery grow my footsteps

September

my departure date

seems so far away

and the summer birds

will have southwards flown

passing me

as they come and go

We both belong

in motion

Stasis

cripples me

and only these

my words

can truly fly.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con

Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

WAITING FOR SWIFTS

High the wind

and rain

of rampant March

Fooled by a false spring

I wait for swifts

my summer birds

The trees are going into leaf

and buds appear

but the seasons are fickle

I try to train

but am weary

for only on the trail itself

do my spirits lift

and cheery grow my footsteps

September

my departure date

seems so far away

and the summer birds

will have southwards flown

passing me

as they come and go

We both belong

in motion

Stasis

cripples me

and only these

my words

can truly fly.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con

Dios.

The malingerer.

EQUINOX

mild the day

and soft the wind

A blackbird sings his heart out

as I pass him in the park

this early morn

We are both ecstatic

at the light ascendant

and the Way

it slyly whispers to my heart:

"Let's meet".

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer

 

[malingerer]

EQUINOX

mild the day

and soft the wind

A blackbird sings his heart out

as I pass him in the park

this early morn

We are both ecstatic

at the light ascendant

and the Way

it slyly whispers to my heart:

"Let's meet".

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer

SECRET LIVES

I pass the worlds

of ditch

hedge

embankments

and stone walls

There are many holes

tunnels

crevices

which could hide a host

of life forms

and WHOOSH

there goes a rat

across my path

then another

and I stop

There goes another

and WHOOSH

back they go

and I wonder

if rats

are the affluent retirees

of the rodent world?

Strange

I never see them

on the trail

Perhaps the thunder of feet

and the incessant chatter

of the pilgrim hordes

keeps them below

till nightfall

when I wouldn't see them anyway

for gazing

at stars.

Walk soft ( ya might step on sumthin!)

Stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

SECRET LIVES

I pass the worlds

of ditch

hedge

embankments

and stone walls

There are many holes

tunnels

crevices

which could hide a host

of life forms

and WHOOSH

there goes a rat

across my path

then another

and I stop

There goes another

and WHOOSH

back they go

and I wonder

if rats

are the affluent retirees

of the rodent world?

Strange

I never see them

on the trail

Perhaps the thunder of feet

and the incessant chatter

of the pilgrim hordes

keeps them below

till nightfall

when I wouldn't see them anyway

for gazing

at stars.

Walk soft ( ya might step on sumthin!)

Stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

and I love the irregular rhythm of your offerings, in more sense than one. Keeps me on my toes, keeping an eye out!

 

[malingerer]

SECRET LIVES

I pass the worlds

of ditch

hedge

embankments

and stone walls

There are many holes

tunnels

crevices

which could hide a host

of life forms

and WHOOSH

there goes a rat

across my path

then another

and I stop

There goes another

and WHOOSH

back they go

and I wonder

if rats

are the affluent retirees

of the rodent world?

Strange

I never see them

on the trail

Perhaps the thunder of feet

and the incessant chatter

of the pilgrim hordes

keeps them below

till nightfall

when I wouldn't see them anyway

for gazing

at stars.

Walk soft ( ya might step on sumthin!)

Stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

DAPPLE

Spring flutters to my feeder

and brings the birds

laughing

chattering

a flurry of sparrows

feathered pilgrims

The green shimmers

as changing light

mutes

then gleams the leaves

as branches trace

a lace of shadow

on the park

and dappled grows the world

But out at sea

a ship

rolls hard

in a strong wind

with great waves

as Nature sings

" I

rule".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[OzAnnie]

DAPPLE

Spring flutters to my feeder

and brings the birds

laughing

chattering

a flurry of sparrows

feathered pilgrims

The green shimmers

as changing light

mutes

then gleams the leaves

as branches trace

a lace of shadow

on the park

and dappled grows the world

But out at sea

a ship

rolls hard

in a strong wind

with great waves

as Nature sings

" I

rule".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

The malingerer.

This is also how yesterday felt to me. (Sunday 24th)
You do have a lovely way with words.

 

[OzAnnie]

MARCH

The lion roars

and the wind answers:

" I will send the rain

new grass will grow

new prey be born"

But the seasons are changing


My heart wonders

will the summer-birds be early

too early to nest and rear young

if the insects do not fly

high

to feed them

I shall be joyous

just to see them

but heavy with fear

They are not actors in a matinee

for my amusement

but life forms

reflected in my soul

with tales of camino

and journeys tried

Their dangers now man made

of plastic

and toxic skies

where gases run

Fly soft

fly safe

You are the feathered chimes

in the wind

of all my times.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer

Hi malingerer
The seasons are definitely changing all over.
It’s been almost a month since you posted this one but now that March is coming to its end., your words are clearer to me. The rains have come here but there are many changes happening; both to nature and to us.
Thankyou, your thoughts are calming.
Annie

 

[malingerer]

Hi malingerer
The seasons are definitely changing all over.
It’s been almost a month since you posted this one but now that March is coming to its end., your words are clearer to me. The rains have come here but there are many changes happening; both to nature and to us.
Thankyou, your thoughts are calming.
Annie

MISTS

Mists of the morning

mellow

swirling in grey velvet

flirting with the green

of grass

as crow

decked in black

calls

from a topmost tree


A striped insect

buzzes angrily

inside my window

WASP

perhaps a harbinger

of my summer birds

so

cautuously

I open the window

and off he flies

whilst I scan the sky

for swifts

hurrying North

as my heart

hurries South

to meet them.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

MISTS

Mists of the morning

mellow

swirling in grey velvet

flirting with the green

of grass

as crow

decked in black

calls

from a topmost tree


A striped insect

buzzes angrily

inside my window

WASP

perhaps a harbinger

of my summer birds

so

cautuously

I open the window

and off he flies

whilst I scan the sky

for swifts

hurrying North

as my heart

hurries South

to meet them.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

The Malingerer

DREAM YOUR TOMORROWS BUT...………..

A friend said

my partner is terminal

she has an inoperable tumour

we thought we had only weeks together

and then

the doctor said

she may actually still have a few months

and his face lit up

with joy

as he told me

we are going to Ireland

whilst we can

and off he went

as came a whisper

down the wind

"Dream your tomorrows

but live

your todays"

Walk soft and stay safe my veedlepees

but walk.

And as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

DREAM YOUR TOMORROWS BUT...………..

A friend said

my partner is terminal

she has an inoperable tumour

we thought we had only weeks together

and then

the doctor said

she may actually still have a few months

and his face lit up

with joy

as he told me

we are going to Ireland

whilst we can

and off he went

as came a whisper

down the wind

"Dream your tomorrows

but live

your todays"

Walk soft and stay safe my veedlepees

but walk.

And as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

NOTRE DAME

And falls the rain

gently

here in England

as if to weep

for Notre Dame.


I falter

even at breakfast

as I drink my strong black coffee

and dunk my croissant

habits I learned

near Notre Dame

a many of years ago.


Again I falter

lighting my candle

in the nearby church

a flickering hope

that can cause chaos.


May it be rebuilt

with the love

care

and skill

of those craftsmen

of long ago.


I shall to Paris go

soon

and simply stand

then southward wend

a-Camino.


my dearest will be with me

and although

we can no longer

walk the miles

we shall bus

train

taxi

as we must

remembering always

when we were young

in love

in Paris

in the spring.

Walk soft.

Stay safe.

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


The Malingerer.

 

[OzAnnie]

NOTRE DAME

And falls the rain

gently

here in England

as if to weep

for Notre Dame.


I falter

even at breakfast

as I drink my strong black coffee

and dunk my croissant

habits I learned

near Notre Dame

a many of years ago.


Again I falter

lighting my candle

in the nearby church

a flickering hope

that can cause chaos.


May it be rebuilt

with the love

care

and skill

of those craftsmen

of long ago.


I shall to Paris go

soon

and simply stand

then southward wend

a-Camino.


my dearest will be with me

and although

we can no longer

walk the miles

we shall bus

train

taxi

as we must

remembering always

when we were young

in love

in Paris

in the spring.

Walk soft.

Stay safe.

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


The Malingerer.

That one brings tears to my eyes malinger ., both for Notre Dame and for you and your wife ., they must be wonderful memories to share.

 

[malingerer]

That one brings tears to my eyes malinger ., both for Notre Dame and for you and your wife ., they must be wonderful memories to share.

DEATHS

Deaths

like blossoms falling

on the streets

in churches

hotels

Derry

Sri Lanka

Nigeria

and on the trail

I am numb

overwhelmed

no feeling

no tears

no words

for

He

has risen

but They

are fallen

Is that a balance?

Walk soft

stay safe

The Malingerer

 

[OzAnnie]

@malingerer
Perfect start to my day to read

I am starting at 7.30am from Embalse de Alcántara..
A good place - 6 Camas to each room. open and meals available. Starting off fresh .
Buen Camino
Annie

 

[malingerer]

@malingerer
Perfect start to my day to read

I am starting at 7.30am from Embalse de Alcántara..
A good place - 6 Camas to each room. open and meals available. Starting off fresh .
Buen Camino
Annie

LINES

Red lines

vapour trails

divide the sky

planes passing

passing by

heading South

East

whilst I

sit here in my least of worlds

my flat

knowing others

are on my trail

with footsteps walking

where I

have been

whilst others

walk the way

on paths by me

as yet unseen

But I wish you well

and for you nightly pray

for my higher Self

will follow

be it through my words

or yours

as we too trace

our lines

through lives we borrow.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

LINES

Red lines

vapour trails

divide the sky

planes passing

passing by

heading South

East

whilst I

sit here in my least of worlds

my flat

knowing others

are on my trail

with footsteps walking

where I

have been

whilst others

walk the way

on paths by me

as yet unseen

But I wish you well

and for you nightly pray

for my higher Self

will follow

be it through my words

or yours

as we too trace

our lines

through lives we borrow.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The malingerer.

GOODBYE MARION

It was with infinite sadness that I have learnt of the recent death of Marion who was the secretary and stalwart of the Confraternity of Saint James. She was possessed of infinite wisdom and patience and certainly was instrumental in getting me going back in 2003. She is most sorely missed.

The Malingerer.

vaya

con dios.

 

[Former member 49149]

GOODBYE MARION

It was with infinite sadness that I have learnt of the recent death of Marion who was the secretary and stalwart of the Confraternity of Saint James. She was possessed of infinite wisdom and patience and certainly was instrumental in getting me going back in 2003. She is most sorely missed.

The Malingerer.

vaya

con dios.

Your sorrow is known by Marion, I am sure of that....

 

[malingerer]

Your sorrow is known by Marion, I am sure of that....

Your sorrow is known by Marion, I am sure of that....

FOR MARION

Goodbye lady

goodbye


I feel as if

another light on the Way

has flickered

and gone out.

I am that child

whose mother let go a hand

too soon

and the dark begins to close

But this I know

when I whisper

"half past four

boots on the floor"

soft I will walk

into the pre-dawn dark

and look at stars

you

will still be guiding

I know my tears will scald

but not with pain

for one foot past the other

has it's own refrain

and the Way will take me

like you

to

a Higher Plane.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The malingerer.

 

[Albertagirl]

another light on the Way

has flickered

and gone out.

Perhaps, flickered and gone on?

 

[malingerer]

Perhaps, flickered and gone on?

Agree but that's the way the poem pointed at the end! re-read or else

the malingerer.

 

[Albertagirl]

Agree but that's the way the poem pointed at the end! re-read or else

the malingerer.

Of course, your poems always end that way: "Vaya con dios."
Today, CBC radio is celebrating the mothers of famous composers as we approach North American Mother's Day; I am thinking of my mother. I was with her when she went on. Grief and faith are always mingled in believers. Thank you for helping us on the pilgrim's walk through this:

I will walk

into the pre-dawn dark

and look at stars

you

will still be guiding

 

[malingerer]

Of course, your poems always end that way: "Vaya con dios."
Today, CBC radio is celebrating the mothers of famous composers as we approach North American Mother's Day; I am thinking of my mother. I was with her when she went on. Grief and faith are always mingled in believers. Thank you for helping us on the pilgrim's walk through this:

Thank you. I sometimes forget my own ending! Where it is not there, you will know I am having a crisis of belief.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

Thank you. I sometimes forget my own ending! Where it is not there, you will know I am having a crisis of belief.

The malingerer.

And Hi again! A single swift has appeared in my sky. High up but no denying those sickle wings! I am content.

the Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

And Hi again! A single swift has appeared in my sky. High up but no denying those sickle wings! I am content.

the Malingerer.

3 SWIFTS

At flight

three swifts

slicing the sky to segments

as a jet high

sedately draws a straight white line

of vapour

My swifts

are telling me

" We

are here

You

should be preparing

to follow

when South we return "

And my heart

that eternal compass of my soul

whispers the same

The twin demons

of health and wealth

mock me

but I compromise on health

and make my prayer

for wealth enough

to let me go

a-Camino

as souls are waiting

patiently

in the great cathedral

of Burgos

where I left a vow

some years ago

to call me back

and say hello

to one I lost

then onward slowly

softly

to Cruz de Ferro

and lay a burden

down

find an ease

and say again

at Santiago

"I am here"

before Finisterre

and a setting sun

release me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

3 SWIFTS

At flight

three swifts

slicing the sky to segments

as a jet high

sedately draws a straight white line

of vapour

My swifts

are telling me

" We

are here

You

should be preparing

to follow

when South we return "

And my heart

that eternal compass of my soul

whispers the same

The twin demons

of health and wealth

mock me

but I compromise on health

and make my prayer

for wealth enough

to let me go

a-Camino

as souls are waiting

patiently

in the great cathedral

of Burgos

where I left a vow

some years ago

to call me back

and say hello

to one I lost

then onward slowly

softly

to Cruz de Ferro

and lay a burden

down

find an ease

and say again

at Santiago

"I am here"

before Finisterre

and a setting sun

release me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

WATER

Bubbling

laughing

the fountain plays

so I sit and watch

as two crows meet up

to chatter of the coming day

and where to dine

To my right

a Big Eye

invades the skyscape

another icon

to our need

and greed

for amusement

as a small child toddles by

and with a smile

shatters my cynicism

Now I too

must prowl

the "reduced to clear" shelves

of the supermarket

and dine on what I find

then wait for dusk

and swifts

dreams of fountains in Seville

and the long road

North.

Walk soft

Stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

WATER

Bubbling

laughing

the fountain plays

so I sit and watch

as two crows meet up

to chatter of the coming day

and where to dine

To my right

a Big Eye

invades the skyscape

another icon

to our need

and greed

for amusement

as a small child toddles by

and with a smile

shatters my cynicism

Now I too

must prowl

the "reduced to clear" shelves

of the supermarket

and dine on what I find

then wait for dusk

and swifts

dreams of fountains in Seville

and the long road

North.

Walk soft

Stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

SEVILLE

And the dusk raider

flies in

on her sickle wings

to say goodbye to day

and whispers to me

a lullaby

of Spanish nights

laughter

wine

and the scent of oranges

Seville

tapas

with a background

of sung flamenco

staccato voiced

the heartbeat of pain

when leaving.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

SEVILLE

And the dusk raider

flies in

on her sickle wings

to say goodbye to day

and whispers to me

a lullaby

of Spanish nights

laughter

wine

and the scent of oranges

Seville

tapas

with a background

of sung flamenco

staccato voiced

the heartbeat of pain

when leaving.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


The malingerer.

FIRST THUNDER

They call it a peal

but this

is no church bell tolling

This

is

The Beast

roused by rain

and hungry

D DAY

and the ghosts of memory walk

between the shell bursts

and Hell

on a summer's day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and remember your fallen.

The malingerer.

 

[Albertagirl]

FIRST THUNDER

They call it a peal

but this

is no church bell tolling

This

is

The Beast

roused by rain

and hungry

D DAY

and the ghosts of memory walk

between the shell bursts

and Hell

on a summer's day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and remember your fallen.

The malingerer.

And "Vaya con Dios."

 

[malingerer]

And "Vaya con Dios."

AND THE THUNDER ROLLS

My father and I

were never close

He left me young

and went to war

He never came back

A body did

But not the person

"He cried for years"

my mother said

as if in mitigation for the fears

and tears he left us

when drunk and violent

before

"the disappears"


We never found the bridge

we might have crossed

so the words I said were empty

as was the space I found

to mark his grave

those decades past


But I thought I'd light a candle

for D Day and the after

in memorial

but the church was closed

and I slowly turned away

but kept the pennies for my candle

and returned

the very next day

and said the words

and felt a smile

as I left

but still

the thunder rolls.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

 

[Former member 49149]

AND THE THUNDER ROLLS

My father and I

were never close

He left me young

and went to war

He never came back

A body did

But not the person

"He cried for years"

my mother said

as if in mitigation for the fears

and tears he left us

when drunk and violent

before

"the disappears"


We never found the bridge

we might have crossed

so the words I said were empty

as was the space I found

to mark his grave

those decades past


But I thought I'd light a candle

for D Day and the after

in memorial

but the church was closed

and I slowly turned away

but kept the pennies for my candle

and returned

the very next day

and said the words

and felt a smile

as I left

but still

the thunder rolls.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

sin palabras...

 

[lizlane]

WOW! @malingerer I just read through the three years of posting on this thread and I have to say that I am impressed. You have a definite voice and definite style that is all yours. I write in a similar way, poetry that is mostly sentimental to me but as I stand here gawking in the States, my only purpose is to tell you to gather your words and publish. Your words encourage me to be the writer I am, a poet who cannot rhyme lol. No one gets rich being one for sure but the world needs more metaphors. So thank you!!

 

[malingerer]

WOW! @malingerer I just read through the three years of posting on this thread and I have to say that I am impressed. You have a definite voice and definite style that is all yours. I write in a similar way, poetry that is mostly sentimental to me but as I stand here gawking in the States, my only purpose is to tell you to gather your words and publish. Your words encourage me to be the writer I am, a poet who cannot rhyme lol. No one gets rich being one for sure but the world needs more metaphors. So thank you!!

thank you!

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

thank you!

The Malingerer.

TOYS/MASCOTS/HEATHEN IDOLS?

I found a furry toy today

sitting

on a wall

He looked forlorn

and sad

and lost

in a wild and windy

squall

So I took him home

and showered him

lest he

be full of crap

then laid him

on my windowsill

to dry

and take

a nap.

He's still there!



Vaya

con Dios.

Now c'mon dear readers

you don't expect me to be serious

all the time!

Now if I can figure out how to make him my new avatar I'll make him famous!

 

[malingerer]

TOYS/MASCOTS/HEATHEN IDOLS?

I found a furry toy today

sitting

on a wall

He looked forlorn

and sad

and lost

in a wild and windy

squall

So I took him home

and showered him

lest he

be full of crap

then laid him

on my windowsill

to dry

and take

a nap.

He's still there!



Vaya

con Dios.

Now c'mon dear readers

you don't expect me to be serious

all the time!

Now if I can figure out how to make him my new avatar I'll make him famous!

and here he is!

took me hours to do this as I couldn't find the lead to usb the phone to the pc and eventually sorted it!

vaya con dios ( thinks: with Esmeralda? )

Yours aye , the malingerer.

vaya con dios

 

[malingerer]

and here he is!

took me hours to do this as I couldn't find the lead to usb the phone to the pc and eventually sorted it!

vaya con dios ( thinks: with Esmeralda? )

Yours aye , the malingerer.

vaya con dios

HOPI DANCING

I dreamt a Hopi dancing

through a portal

to a star

calling to the Elders

he once knew

as he beckoned me to follow

'fore the doorway closed

and only carvings

on a rock would show

the dream

that once we flew


For the Guardians of The Way

are singing

a summons

soft but clear

and this planet blue

is telling me to go

for the road

was ever open

since my borning.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

HOPI DANCING

I dreamt a Hopi dancing

through a portal

to a star

calling to the Elders

he once knew

as he beckoned me to follow

'fore the doorway closed

and only carvings

on a rock would show

the dream

that once we flew


For the Guardians of The Way

are singing

a summons

soft but clear

and this planet blue

is telling me to go

for the road

was ever open

since my borning.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer

ANOTHER DAY

A flood of swifts

illuminates the dusk

with dance and scream


They are the young of this year's summer

exuberant

wild

excited

chasing after me

into sleep

hunting down my thoughts

and dreams

to give me dawns of hope

and gratitude

for

another day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

ANOTHER DAY

A flood of swifts

illuminates the dusk

with dance and scream


They are the young of this year's summer

exuberant

wild

excited

chasing after me

into sleep

hunting down my thoughts

and dreams

to give me dawns of hope

and gratitude

for

another day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

R I P

A pilgrim dies

a swift flies

both high

and gone forever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

R I P

A pilgrim dies

a swift flies

both high

and gone forever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

JULY

July

High

The month of Kings

I peer through my chillis

as if I were far

far

above the canopy

My swifts

the Sky Dancers

take centre stage

and gulls patrol the wings

like cleaners waiting

to go home


My heart takes a time-lurch

sideways

and I am in Borneo

far

far

below the canopy


I have no time for bird

or beast

I carry a rifle

soldier stalking soldier


how sweet the sight

of ocean

returning from patrol

to ship

our mother


back again I lurch

to this now

saddened by the news

of comrades lost

upon the way


and in this now

I carry beads

no longer bullets

and I pray

as I tell

when I say

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

JULY

July

High

The month of Kings

I peer through my chillis

as if I were far

far

above the canopy

My swifts

the Sky Dancers

take centre stage

and gulls patrol the wings

like cleaners waiting

to go home


My heart takes a time-lurch

sideways

and I am in Borneo

far

far

below the canopy


I have no time for bird

or beast

I carry a rifle

soldier stalking soldier


how sweet the sight

of ocean

returning from patrol

to ship

our mother


back again I lurch

to this now

saddened by the news

of comrades lost

upon the way


and in this now

I carry beads

no longer bullets

and I pray

as I tell

when I say

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

ODYSEUS

I dream of Odyseus

and see him walking

carrying the Trojan curse:

a doom of wandering


But as I too walk

the gulls cry out to me

"remember us!

We

are your storm birds.

When the swifts of summer leave

it is us who will follow you

following the ship you must find

for you are still The Seeker

and the deep of blue

between the worlds

forever summons.

Take store of love and loss

these are your provisions

and the wind between the times

is as your wine."

And when I wake

I wonder why I feel at home

sandalled

staff to hand,

The Way itself

whispering to me

of older journeys

and journeys themselves preparing

for

a morrow.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer

 

[Former member 49149]

Dear malingerer, have you come across the film The Camino Voyage? Irish. Story of a group of men from the south west who made a version of a traditional currach (a naomhog) and set sail for Santiago. I have a feeling you would love it.

THE CAMINO VOYAGE (2018) - Anú Pictures

www.anupictures.com

 

[malingerer]

Dear malingerer, have you come across the film The Camino Voyage? Irish. Story of a group of men from the south west who made a version of a traditional currach (a naomhog) and set sail for Santiago. I have a feeling you would love it.

THE CAMINO VOYAGE (2018) - Anú Pictures

www.anupictures.com

I saw this film some time ago and yes, it stays in the memory!

Buen camino,

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

I saw this film some time ago and yes, it stays in the memory!

Buen camino,

The malingerer.

EYES

Are they

"the windows of the soul"

or

doorways to a past

for blue are the eyes

of the gods of the deep

and green

those of the woods

Mine

are grey

shading sometimes into blue

then green

changing like the stories often told

of my city

sunk below the waves

when rolled the thunder

shrieked the gulls

and spat the lightning

There were those of us afar

who could not now

return

Seekers

for whom no place

is ever found

except between the sands

of shifting times

blown by the winds to wander

with hearts like swifts

for ever

on the wing.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

EYES

Are they

"the windows of the soul"

or

doorways to a past

for blue are the eyes

of the gods of the deep

and green

those of the woods

Mine

are grey

shading sometimes into blue

then green

changing like the stories often told

of my city

sunk below the waves

when rolled the thunder

shrieked the gulls

and spat the lightning

There were those of us afar

who could not now

return

Seekers

for whom no place

is ever found

except between the sands

of shifting times

blown by the winds to wander

with hearts like swifts

for ever

on the wing.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


The malingerer.

DUSK

A rain of swifts

on a late july

as the dusk-dancers

fill the sky

with a massed choir

where movement itself

is music

and sings to me

of Sevilla

and oranges

Cante jondo

Camino

And my soul

in flight.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

DUSK

A rain of swifts

on a late july

as the dusk-dancers

fill the sky

with a massed choir

where movement itself

is music

and sings to me

of Sevilla

and oranges

Cante jondo

Camino

And my soul

in flight.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

The malingerer.

CYCLES

August

and soon my swifts

will go a-southering

to leave my skies

and me

a little empty

until

September

when the geese

will out the North

and come a-southering

on the autumn gales

Cycles

and here

am I

stuck

frantic to be on my way

for movement is my home

and my heart chokes

on city dust

and noise

crowded pavements

parks oerflowing

with yapping dogs

and arrogant holidaymakers

sitting

on

my

bench

I start to smile

I too am an old dog

unwilling

to be chained.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.
my

 

[OzAnnie]

@malingerer

Sigh...... you have such beautiful thoughts. What better than to sit ‘out back on the patio’ with Ozzie winter sun streaming in, and read your last 3 poems for seekers. In particular , your August one; made me take a deep breath and hope that you aren’t ‘stuck’ for too long. Hoping you can get back to your (and our) beautiful ‘Vdlp ‘

Buen camino
Annie

 

[malingerer]

@malingerer

Sigh...... you have such beautiful thoughts. What better than to sit ‘out back on the patio’ with Ozzie winter sun streaming in, and read your last 3 poems for seekers. In particular , your August one; made me take a deep breath and hope that you aren’t ‘stuck’ for too long. Hoping you can get back to your (and our) beautiful ‘Vdlp ‘

Buen camino
Annie

Thanks for that Annie!

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

Thanks for that Annie!

The malingerer.

GUNS

Guns speak

people

die

mothers against senseless killing

mown down in the streets

Blood-stains trying

to wash away

the hate-stains.


What sickness rises

like a miasma

from the swamps of lowness

What the cure


I can only walk

and pray

and weep


but walk I wiil

and must

" For every step

a prayer

for every prayer

a footfall"

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.


The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

GUNS

Guns speak

people

die

mothers against senseless killing

mown down in the streets

Blood-stains trying

to wash away

the hate-stains.


What sickness rises

like a miasma

from the swamps of lowness

What the cure


I can only walk

and pray

and weep


but walk I wiil

and must

" For every step

a prayer

for every prayer

a footfall"

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.


The malingerer.

TIME

" Some-time

is better than

no-time"

my love whispers

getting ready to leave me

which reminds me of Roncevalles

when the wind whispers the same.

And yet

both never leave me

for my love

is in my heart

as is that Abbey

even when I walk alone

and my body hurts:

still

the warmth

walks with me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

TIME

" Some-time

is better than

no-time"

my love whispers

getting ready to leave me

which reminds me of Roncevalles

when the wind whispers the same.

And yet

both never leave me

for my love

is in my heart

as is that Abbey

even when I walk alone

and my body hurts:

still

the warmth

walks with me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

THE JOURNEY WITHIN

Often anxious

my feet besotted with the trail

I grow fretful

weary of the battles

of health and wealth.


A young girl

stands on a rock

gazing out to sea

and is swept away forever

by a great wave

She was a philosophy student

only 19

and I wonder

what

were her final thoughts

and what will mine be

if I am allowed to think them

on my way.


A summer wind blows strong

through my window

laden with warmth

to stir my chilis

and me

lifting my heart to flight

as the songs of stillness call

"Be quiet

quiet

and make the journey

of within

in time for a great departure"


I drink my coffee

and subside

to a peace

remembering Roncevalles

and the lodestone

as glides a gull to mimic vultures

on the peak

whilst I listen

listen

listen

as soft my Guardian Angel

speaks.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

'Walk soft
stay safe
and as ever
Vaya
con Dios'

perfect words to walk a Camino by

I've so missed your poems and it's so wonderful to be back savouring them again... John F Kennedy said of Winston Churchill that during WW2, bereft of almost all other weapons, he duly 'mobilised the English language and sent it into battle'.

You've enticed the English language to step onto the Camino to regale our minds and stir our souls...

Thank you once more

 

[malingerer]

'Walk soft
stay safe
and as ever
Vaya
con Dios'

perfect words to walk a Camino by

I've so missed your poems and it's so wonderful to be back savouring them again... John F Kennedy said of Winston Churchill that during WW2, bereft of almost all other weapons, he duly 'mobilised the English language and sent it into battle'.

You've enticed the English language to step onto the Camino to regale our minds and stir our souls...

Thank you once more

LAST DAY OF PEACE

80 years ago this night

we held our breath

and on the morrow

went to war

Infant I was

held up in my mother's arms

as she whispered:

"That's your Daddy"

to lights flashing from the shore

Infant I was

and yet I remember

as I remember now

the taste of sorrow

For it is hard to go to sleep

this night

as the ghosts of millions

softly sigh

like a murmuring of starlings

at the fading

of the light.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as always

Via

Con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

LAST DAY OF PEACE

80 years ago this night

we held our breath

and on the morrow

went to war

Infant I was

held up in my mother's arms

as she whispered:

"That's your Daddy"

to lights flashing from the shore

Infant I was

and yet I remember

as I remember now

the taste of sorrow

For it is hard to go to sleep

this night

as the ghosts of millions

softly sigh

like a murmuring of starlings

at the fading

of the light.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as always

Via

Con Dios.

The malingerer.

LAST DAY OF PEACE

80 years ago this night

we held our breath

and on the morrow

went to war

Infant I was

held up in my mother's arms

as she whispered:

"That's your Daddy"

to lights flashing from the shore

Infant I was

and yet I remember

as I remember now

the taste of sorrow

For it is hard to go to sleep

this night

as the ghosts of millions

softly sigh

like a murmuring of starlings

at the fading

of the light.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as always

Via

Con Dios.

The malingerer.

SEPTEMBER FIRST

First day of war

black-out blinds will adorn windows

and sirens practice

The Reaper's Dirge

as Death

Master of Ceremonies

begins the opening

of his seven year performance

as The Countless

pay their tickets

in blood and horror


Gas masks the new headwear

sweets are rationed:

I have forgotten how much

I can remember

but do not talk to youngsters

who will only stare blankly

for noise to them means festisval

unless they come from

recent hells

in rubber boats.

Walk soft

stay safe

And as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

SEPTEMBER FIRST

First day of war

black-out blinds will adorn windows

and sirens practice

The Reaper's Dirge

as Death

Master of Ceremonies

begins the opening

of his seven year performance

as The Countless

pay their tickets

in blood and horror


Gas masks the new headwear

sweets are rationed:

I have forgotten how much

I can remember

but do not talk to youngsters

who will only stare blankly

for noise to them means festisval

unless they come from

recent hells

in rubber boats.

Walk soft

stay safe

And as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

Dear Malingerer, you always touch a nerve. Three verses come to mind as a result of your two recent posts;
Into the valley of death rode the 600...
Not a drum was heard...
I will wear more purple...
Clearly enough, the first two could be written again time and time again... when will we ever learn?
The third one is a variation of the final line of a verse supposedly written by a US lady about her old age. She will eat more ice cream, she will wear more purple. If only life could be so simple. Subjunctive notwithstanding, to borrow from another recent post! Thank you. One of my reasons for scanning the forum is to watch and find your posts. Truly.