poems for seekers

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Perfect again, dear poet.

My parents' lives changed drastically that day, both at university in Poland... both gone now... and you mention

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.

my mother always spoke of how the bird song faded and was lost throughout those long war years. She became a passionate advocate for our feathered friends and they, in return, gave her great consolation with their songs.

Thank you for your gift of words

 

[malingerer]

Perfect again, dear poet.

My parents' lives changed drastically that day, both at university in Poland... both gone now... and you mention


my mother always spoke of how the bird song faded and was lost throughout those long war years. She became a passionate advocate for our feathered friends and they, in return, gave her great consolation with their songs.

Thank you for your gift of words

Thank you for reading them. I think of the nightingales high above the gunfire in WW1 and am constantly amazed. My swifts are my camino birds of choice tho!

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

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.

I enjoy your replies! Truly! even tho the subject matter is grim I still think writing about it is worthwhile.

thank you.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

I enjoy your replies! Truly! even tho the subject matter is grim I still think writing about it is worthwhile.

thank you.

The Malingerer.

THE FAR SIDE

I tried to explain to my son

that the young do not understand World War II

but he replied

that they too have had their wars:

" The Nam

Korea

Afghanistan

Iraq "

bit in my book they would be

conflicts

unequal to the industrialised murder

of The Holocaust

or the scientific slaughter

of the Atomic Bomb

but if you are being killed

does the terminology matter

or the numbers count?

The heart is not a calculator

And suddenly I was old

I came from The Far Side

pre-war

and suddenly I knew it

and admitted it

to let go the chains

and live

irrespective of my years

and hope the young will see me

as a bouy that marks the reefs

and hidden channels

or pass me by on Camino

when I sit a-rucksaack

head in hands

not asleep

but wrapt in dreams

of other-lands

and always

on the road.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and as ever

Via

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Thank you for reading them. I think of the nightingales high above the gunfire in WW1 and am constantly amazed. My swifts are my camino birds of choice tho!

The Malingerer.

The storks in all their scruffy majesty are our Camino birds. Although we did have a cuckoo shadow a lot of the Way. At times we thought the Cuckoo call was very apt...

 

[malingerer]

The storks in all their scruffy majesty are our Camino birds. Although we did have a cuckoo shadow a lot of the Way. At times we thought the Cuckoo call was very apt...

A NEW COMPOSTELA FOR CYCLISTS

I believe this is to be handed out a the START to aged male cyclists and will be titled

THE LAST WHEEL AND TESTICLE!



The Malingerer!

 

[Former member 49149]

A NEW COMPOSTELA FOR CYCLISTS

I believe this is to be handed out a the START to aged male cyclists and will be titled

THE LAST WHEEL AND TESTICLE!



The Malingerer!

Usually, I do not reply to such stuff! you have given me a great laugh, sir!

 

[malingerer]

Usually, I do not reply to such stuff! you have given me a great laugh, sir!

AUTUMN

Turn the leaves

colours

of a dappled horse

in fickle light.


Gull wails

of storms at sea.


Crows screech

of mans' fate

in inland turmoil.


A woman dies alone:

a bad fall

and all of us

a little diminished

whilst she

returns to The All.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

AUTUMN

Turn the leaves

colours

of a dappled horse

in fickle light.


Gull wails

of storms at sea.


Crows screech

of mans' fate

in inland turmoil.


A woman dies alone:

a bad fall

and all of us

a little diminished

whilst she

returns to The All.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

The malingerer.

Once more, thank you. Thank you.

 

[malingerer]

Once more, thank you. Thank you.

THE LAST DANCE

Clouds

like white feathers

gently brush the blue

whilst the green of trees

upwards strives

as the dance-floor is prepared

for summer late

to tantalise the eye

ere winter

chills the heart.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

THE LAST DANCE

Clouds

like white feathers

gently brush the blue

whilst the green of trees

upwards strives

as the dance-floor is prepared

for summer late

to tantalise the eye

ere winter

chills the heart.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

The malingerer.

THE STARS ARE BACK

Early

in the morn

on impulse

I get up

and look out

my windows.

Enchantment!

The sky is full of stars.

Where once my day

was empty

at the departure of the Swifts

and the Heavens

just a blackness

now:

a multitude of lanterns

twinkle

teem

and laugh with me to say:

" We are the reminders

of your soul-journey:

your Camino.

It is Equinox

and soon the dark

of Winter.

But turns the wheel

and Solstice

will come round.

So rest

prepare

and do not count the days:

they are as drops of water

in the river of your life".

And back to bed I went

content.

Walk soft

stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

THE STARS ARE BACK

Early

in the morn

on impulse

I get up

and look out

my windows.

Enchantment!

The sky is full of stars.

Where once my day

was empty

at the departure of the Swifts

and the Heavens

just a blackness

now:

a multitude of lanterns

twinkle

teem

and laugh with me to say:

" We are the reminders

of your soul-journey:

your Camino.

It is Equinox

and soon the dark

of Winter.

But turns the wheel

and Solstice

will come round.

So rest

prepare

and do not count the days:

they are as drops of water

in the river of your life".

And back to bed I went

content.

Walk soft

stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

A ROSE IN THE RAIN

Wind rising

sky darkening

rain squalling

I begin to mutter

and feel down

and then I remember

trialling contact lenses

on a Belfast street

in the pouring rain

dumbstruck

bewitched

for the first time

I see a rose

in the rain

colours enchanting beyond belief

texture too sacred to touch

I stood and gazed for ages

imbibing the all

and I remember

remember

remember.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as always

Vaya

con Dios.


The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

A ROSE IN THE RAIN

Wind rising

sky darkening

rain squalling

I begin to mutter

and feel down

and then I remember

trialling contact lenses

on a Belfast street

in the pouring rain

dumbstruck

bewitched

for the first time

I see a rose

in the rain

colours enchanting beyond belief

texture too sacred to touch

I stood and gazed for ages

imbibing the all

and I remember

remember

remember.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as always

Vaya

con Dios.


The malingerer.

THE TWELFTH STONE

I weigh my past

on the scales of present:

the right hand side is empty.

It contains Futures

from the realms of Choice.


The lighting of candles

meditation

are but delays

allays

to fears crippling

and yet the twelfth stone

is Harvest.

A Reminder

that Time

has it's own rules

and Harvest is reaped

when Time

decides.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

THE TWELFTH STONE

I weigh my past

on the scales of present:

the right hand side is empty.

It contains Futures

from the realms of Choice.


The lighting of candles

meditation

are but delays

allays

to fears crippling

and yet the twelfth stone

is Harvest.

A Reminder

that Time

has it's own rules

and Harvest is reaped

when Time

decides.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

so deep....

 

[OzAnnie]

THE TWELFTH STONE

I weigh my past

on the scales of present:

the right hand side is empty.

It contains Futures

from the realms of Choice.


The lighting of candles

meditation

are but delays

allays

to fears crippling

and yet the twelfth stone

is Harvest.

A Reminder

that Time

has it's own rules

and Harvest is reaped

when Time

decides.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

@malingerer
I hope you’re feeling well. It is all mapped out for us . Keep your eyes peeled- Just don’t go tripping on any stones.
Take care
Annie

 

[Juspassinthru]

i hope to recommence vdlp sep this year having struggled from malaga to merida some years ago. hopefully i will fly into sevilla and then train up to merida. the poetry will be written as i go. i have one more eye op to go and then i can start to train hard. i am not a good photographer and i really liked windswepts contribution so the poems are for me and all those befuddled about not only why they go a camino but always come back to it!

I am a long way
from who I am
and even further
from who I was
who I will be
heaven knows
I wear the tattoo
of the rose
the seeker's badge
of time and space
a distant point
on the homeward race
to who I am

yours,
The Malingerer

I love this! Thank you and everyone else for sharing, my contribution was inspired by my first Camino.

 

[Former member 49149]

I love this! Thank you and everyone else for sharing, my contribution was inspired by my first Camino.

Thank you so much for this. It is early still, and light is slowly coming as I read your reflection. A gift for me as I walk through this day.

 

[malingerer]

Thank you so much for this. It is early still, and light is slowly coming as I read your reflection. A gift for me as I walk through this day.

LADYBIRD

A Turner evening

of red and gold

reflects on tiny wings of

Ladybird

as gracious lands she

on my window pane

to leave me gifts of thoughts

then off again

in wind and rain

beckoning me to follow

West of South

Santiago

But I am tied

by Time

Health

Wealth

Old Sorrow

So I say

"Soon, Manana."

After Solstice I will borrow

for that of my needs

waits on the morrow

but

little things I put aside

just to remind me:

"Poco y Poco".

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

LADYBIRD

A Turner evening

of red and gold

reflects on tiny wings of

Ladybird

as gracious lands she

on my window pane

to leave me gifts of thoughts

then off again

in wind and rain

beckoning me to follow

West of South

Santiago

But I am tied

by Time

Health

Wealth

Old Sorrow

So I say

"Soon, Manana."

After Solstice I will borrow

for that of my needs

waits on the morrow

but

little things I put aside

just to remind me:

"Poco y Poco".

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

GIRL IN A CONTAINER

such a pretty face

it haunts me

her dying text:

"Mum! I can't breathe"

a condemnation

of the scum who killed her.

Traffickers?

Murderers

Slavers

Then as now

the dirty face of greed.


I felt stifled today

with humidity

but I had air to breathe

and birdsong

She

could only feel the shadows

and the closing dark.

 

[malingerer]

GIRL IN A CONTAINER

such a pretty face

it haunts me

her dying text:

"Mum! I can't breathe"

a condemnation

of the scum who killed her.

Traffickers?

Murderers

Slavers

Then as now

the dirty face of greed.


I felt stifled today

with humidity

but I had air to breathe

and birdsong

She

could only feel the shadows

and the closing dark.

My prayers for her

feel like withered leaves

and not the petals

of the rose

she should have trod.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

VIA DOLOROSA

From many places they come

to die in deserts

drown at sea

suffocate in sealed containers.


But still they come

upon their way

into the West

seeking a new sun

a better life.


One

walked for us

carrying our cross

that Death be not an ending

and left us gifts

of Deeds and Words

like Beacons

in The Dark.


Walk soft

stay safe

and
as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

VIA DOLOROSA

From many places they come

to die in deserts

drown at sea

suffocate in sealed containers.


But still they come

upon their way

into the West

seeking a new sun

a better life.


One

walked for us

carrying our cross

that Death be not an ending

and left us gifts

of Deeds and Words

like Beacons

in The Dark.


Walk soft

stay safe

and
as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

NUMBERS

Today

I stand in silence

remembering the lost of war

too many to count.

But numbers win:

millions of bullets

bombs

thousands of ships and planes.

In my flat

warm and dry

I drink coffee

as a small paragraph in a paper

catches my eye:

two women die every week

battered to death by monsters

that once they had loved.

No monument for them

except the space in a mother's heart

where a moment's silence

is forever.

Walk soft

stay soft

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

NUMBERS

Today

I stand in silence

remembering the lost of war

too many to count.

But numbers win:

millions of bullets

bombs

thousands of ships and planes.

In my flat

warm and dry

I drink coffee

as a small paragraph in a paper

catches my eye:

two women die every week

battered to death by monsters

that once they had loved.

No monument for them

except the space in a mother's heart

where a moment's silence

is forever.

Walk soft

stay soft

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

FAREWELL


I read Hemingway's

" Farewell to Arms"

Italy fights Austria

World War One

The snow falls on the mountains

bullets

pierce flesh.


Italy will join Austria

World War Two

The snow

will still fall

on the mountains

Bullets

pierce flesh.


But Christmas

fights on

in a child's smile

and I hope

Oh God

I hope

for a real

new

Year.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

FAREWELL


I read Hemingway's

" Farewell to Arms"

Italy fights Austria

World War One

The snow falls on the mountains

bullets

pierce flesh.


Italy will join Austria

World War Two

The snow

will still fall

on the mountains

Bullets

pierce flesh.


But Christmas

fights on

in a child's smile

and I hope

Oh God

I hope

for a real

new

Year.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

I have been watching out... so now, thank you. And, as I have no doubt you ask also: when will we ever learn?

 

[malingerer]

I have been watching out... so now, thank you. And, as I have no doubt you ask also: when will we ever learn?

TAKING MY STONES TO THE DEEP

I shall not

to Cruz de Ferro go

I shall instead

to a place of my heart

consigning our stones

to the deep

at sunset.

I shall whisper the words

to our little one:

"Vaya con dios mi Corazon,

vaya con Dios".


Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya con Dios

The malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

A little Polish angel has just joined the heavenly throng, so I will send your words to her aunt, my friend. Thank you.

 

[malingerer]

A little Polish angel has just joined the heavenly throng, so I will send your words to her aunt, my friend. Thank you.

LITTLE LIVES LOST

Little lives lost

like the last of leaves

on winter's trees

many

by The Horsemen

as savage as the hounds

on fox.

I thought of this

reading the anguish

of a mother's impassioned plea

for her stillborn son

that his name should be

on the family Christmas cards

for he was family too

not to be forgotten

and I thought of mine own

little one

not to be forgotten.

I let the tears fall

here in the silence

and the privacy

of my flat

as I look into The West

following her tiny footprints

across my heart

my soul

leading me on

to Camino

and the greater journey.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

LITTLE LIVES LOST

Little lives lost

like the last of leaves

on winter's trees

many

by The Horsemen

as savage as the hounds

on fox.

I thought of this

reading the anguish

of a mother's impassioned plea

for her stillborn son

that his name should be

on the family Christmas cards

for he was family too

not to be forgotten

and I thought of mine own

little one

not to be forgotten.

I let the tears fall

here in the silence

and the privacy

of my flat

as I look into The West

following her tiny footprints

across my heart

my soul

leading me on

to Camino

and the greater journey.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

JOSIAH

I

am Josiah

heir to the bloodlines

of

Atlantis Deep

The Warriors of the West

and the poets of far Procyon

Blown by the Universal Wind

my Timeline took me

to the Blue Planet

I loved it

and would not leave.

But I grow mortal

and old

beginning to fade

and feel the pull

of my mother star.

I have beheld the sword of Troy

drawn bow against the Egyptian

saw the fall of Acre

and the loss of The Holy Land.

I have walked with pilgrims

and shared the joy

of the road

not knowing

I was preparing

for the road of return .

I have a love here

and have known heartbeat

and loss

that will go with me

as reminders:

that forever

is a long and lonely place

if loveless.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

May I have your permission to share these last three with my friend?

 

[malingerer]

May I have your permission to share these last three with my friend?

Please do so at any time, Kirkie. I am more than glad if they are of use.

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

Please do so at any time, Kirkie. I am more than glad if they are of use.

The Malingerer

SOLSTICE

Solstice whispers

to the Christmas Child

who brings some sun

but Winter whispers:

" I

am here

to cleanse the Way

and soften Earth

for Spring Equinox

and the opening of the road

with flower

and returning Swifts."

I smile

polish my boots

check my rucksack

and wait

for that soft easy slide-out

in the morning

with West-Wind

Westward

calling

calling.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


The Malingerer.

Merry Xmas and a good New Year to you all.

 

[malingerer]

SOLSTICE

Solstice whispers

to the Christmas Child

who brings some sun

but Winter whispers:

" I

am here

to cleanse the Way

and soften Earth

for Spring Equinox

and the opening of the road

with flower

and returning Swifts."

I smile

polish my boots

check my rucksack

and wait

for that soft easy slide-out

in the morning

with West-Wind

Westward

calling

calling.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


The Malingerer.

Merry Xmas and a good New Year to you all.

A PATCHWORK QUILT...….

……… of memories

assails me.

A little lizard

peering at me from under a stone

cadging a lift

on my boot!

A splash of colour

as a hoopoe flits down to feed.

A scented sprig from a bush

tucked into a strap

of my rucksack.

The dusk whispering a lullaby

as stars

giggling like schoolchildren

on an outing

crocodile across the night.

Trees here drinking in

an unseasonal winter sun:

cousin to the force

of the high meseta

on a summer morn.

High up

a vapour trail heads North

but my heart

has to the Southward gone

a-camino.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

How beautiful! Your gift of weaving words into a delightful picture reduces me to silence...thanks.

 

[malingerer]

[QUOTE)

How beautiful! Your gift of weaving words into a delightful picture reduces me to silence...thanks.

A TIME TO......…

................ stand on the hub

of the wheel of time

holding tight

as round the rim in mad circles

race my pasts

my futures

shouldering my nows aside.

I grow grim

on this first day

of a new year

till comes a silent plea

as watching a small family

of long-tailed tits

dining at my feeder

I slip the bolt and smile

to see my heart skip out

and play.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[OzAnnie]

Perfect! I’m watching a few wild birds drop in for a drink too. I’ve also just had my first glimpse (for 2020 that is) of the beautiful ‘blue wren ‘. You have to be quick. I had time to smile but I didn’t waste the moment trying to capture a pic. The blue wren is not as regular as it used to be.
Happy New Year @malingerer
Keep those thoughts flowing to us please in 2020

Buen camino
Annie

 

[malingerer]

Perfect! I’m watching a few wild birds drop in for a drink too. I’ve also just had my first glimpse (for 2020 that is) of the beautiful ‘blue wren ‘. You have to be quick. I had time to smile but I didn’t waste the moment trying to capture a pic. The blue wren is not as regular as it used to be.
Happy New Year @malingerer
Keep those thoughts flowing to us please in 2020

Buen camino
Annie

ELEMENTALS

I sit

as Elders do

my elbows on my knees.

I was reading

" ORDINARY WOLVES"

a novel of the North Land:

Ice.

And on the television

Fire

in the South

as man is raged to the coast.

The sea will not welcome us

back to the source

with our poisons

and she will rise to warn us

like a Mother

to remind us

you must go to the stars

but only if you have learned

and I wonder

will there be wolves and firestorms

going with us as Elemantals

in the hold of our Noah's Ark?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

ELEMENTALS

I sit

as Elders do

my elbows on my knees.

I was reading

" ORDINARY WOLVES"

a novel of the North Land:

Ice.

And on the television

Fire

in the South

as man is raged to the coast.

The sea will not welcome us

back to the source

with our poisons

and she will rise to warn us

like a Mother

to remind us

you must go to the stars

but only if you have learned

and I wonder

will there be wolves and firestorms

going with us as Elemantals

in the hold of our Noah's Ark?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

AS COMES THE LIGHT

The day lengthens

like a cat

in the morning

stretching

for it's daytime hunt.

I

am prey.

My heart knows this game

for I too

am of the cat:

born in the year of The Tiger.

I will stalk us both

through the tangle of hours

and weeping showers

mingling the blue above the clouds

and dripping light enough

 

[malingerer]

AS COMES THE LIGHT

The day lengthens

like a cat

in the morning

stretching

for it's daytime hunt.

I

am prey.

My heart knows this game

for I too

am of the cat:

born in the year of The Tiger.

I will stalk us both

through the tangle of hours

and weeping showers

mingling the blue above the clouds

and dripping light enough

to lure me on.

I have the times official

of sunrise and sunset

and judge them against

the blackbird's early whistle

and the crows return to roost

as now we call a truce

and agree this day to end.

As soft my day walks off

to the end of the world

beyond horizon

and I to the electric sun

within my flat

and a wait for Moon

to give meaning

to my time.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

I am glad I waited! I knew you would finish it...

 

[malingerer]

I am glad I waited! I knew you would finish it...

WOLVES AND TIME

And Time feeds

on my scattering thoughts

like wolves

upon the caribou

harrying.


I have bottled my wine

read my book

and now face North

as the rain rattles

my window.


My electric flat

reflects no flame

except that of candle

and it is long

since I brewed my coffee

on open fire.


I hurry towards my past

with Ancestor smiling

at places where

imitation stone axes

and freshly minted flint arrowheads

are for sale

to those who like

their wildness

theme-parked themed.


But dawn light

brings a clearness

with the coldness of winter sky

washing a church roof

and Spain cradles me

with flamenco

to remind me

that there still be wolves

in Iberia.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

WOLVES AND TIME

And Time feeds

on my scattering thoughts

like wolves

upon the caribou

harrying.


I have bottled my wine

read my book

and now face North

as the rain rattles

my window.


My electric flat

reflects no flame

except that of candle

and it is long

since I brewed my coffee

on open fire.


I hurry towards my past

with Ancestor smiling

at places where

imitation stone axes

and freshly minted flint arrowheads

are for sale

to those who like

their wildness

theme-parked themed.


But dawn light

brings a clearness

with the coldness of winter sky

washing a church roof

and Spain cradles me

with flamenco

to remind me

that there still be wolves

in Iberia.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

POETS OF THE WIND

And I hear words

in the breath

of yesteryear

spanning time

like an eternal bridge

stronger than steel

lighter

than the snowflakes

that I feel upon my face.

I pay no heed

to cold and rain

for my eyes

are my window panes

down which

words fall

and I can taste them

as I did as child

and smile.

They will serve me well

upon Meseta

mile after mile

that long long aisle

to my next

sleep.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer

 

[OzAnnie]

POETS OF THE WIND

And I hear words

in the breath

of yesteryear

spanning time

like an eternal bridge

stronger than steel

lighter

than the snowflakes

that I feel upon my face.

I pay no heed

to cold and rain

for my eyes

are my window panes

down which

words fall

and I can taste them

as I did as child

and smile.

They will serve me well

upon Meseta

mile after mile

that long long aisle

to my next

sleep.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer

As I was reading the first 8 or so lines ; I stopped and listened ..and re read a few times more; again thinking deeply. it captures the thoughts and feelings I (we all) am thinking about each time on our own individual caminos, whether in spain or France or the place of our childhood. ie. who was here and is leaving a message for me/us in the future. If I listen hard enough, I’ll hear and understand. Maybe I am a bit crazy but I do think that way.
Right now in Oz I am listening to the beautiful sound of rain! rain ! It’s been so long. A couple of pigeons have decided to come under my back patio awning to stay dry. They are probably confused with the rain. Thankyou again Maingerer , you are obviously very in tune with the universe.
Buen camino
Annie

 

[malingerer]

As I was reading the first 8 or so lines ; I stopped and listened ..and re read a few times more; again thinking deeply. it captures the thoughts and feelings I (we all) am thinking about each time on our own individual caminos, whether in spain or France or the place of our childhood. ie. who was here and is leaving a message for me/us in the future. If I listen hard enough, I’ll hear and understand. Maybe I am a bit crazy but I do think that way.
Right now in Oz I am listening to the beautiful sound of rain! rain ! It’s been so long. A couple of pigeons have decided to come under my back patio awning to stay dry. They are probably confused with the rain. Thankyou again Maingerer , you are obviously very in tune with the universe.
Buen camino
Annie

THE DEATH OF WILL

Holocaust Memorial Day

has passed

with fine speeches

and promises

to build memorials.

I think of Ireland's dead

in the years of hunger

when almost two million of my people

starved to death

surrounded by plenty.

No apologies for them

or memorials either.

I watch the film " EVEREST"

a tale of bravery

endurance

loyalty

but an exercise in choice.

The mountain makes its own weather

and will always

have the last

word.

Those who climb

know this

and exercise their will

and choice.

Those who die of hunger

in the ditch

have no choice

and neither do those

being marched to the gas chambers.

If I cannot exercise

my choice

or will

is this not humanity's

true Holocaust:

the death of will?


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as evr,

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

THE DEATH OF WILL

Holocaust Memorial Day

has passed

with fine speeches

and promises

to build memorials.

I think of Ireland's dead

in the years of hunger

when almost two million of my people

starved to death

surrounded by plenty.

No apologies for them

or memorials either.

I watch the film " EVEREST"

a tale of bravery

endurance

loyalty

but an exercise in choice.

The mountain makes its own weather

and will always

have the last

word.

Those who climb

know this

and exercise their will

and choice.

Those who die of hunger

in the ditch

have no choice

and neither do those

being marched to the gas chambers.

If I cannot exercise

my choice

or will

is this not humanity's

true Holocaust:

the death of will?


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as evr,

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

CIARA

The Dark-Hair batters these islands

with her rage

but Ireland

stands strong

with her cliffs in grim and silent defiance.


Twice this day

I have braved the wind

and allowed myself a wrinkly wobble or two.


The trees of park

give me shelter

and whisper old and ancient

thoughts of comfort.

The evergreens encircle me

and an oak stands as buttress

against the gale.


Some branches look

as they soon will fall:

old age?

I lose more neighbours

from cancer

and " age-related " syndromes.

But a pup comes up to play

to remind me of the cycle

as do the daffodils:

waving their bright yellow banners

to welcome spring and life.

Walk soft.

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

CIARA

The Dark-Hair batters these islands

with her rage

but Ireland

stands strong

with her cliffs in grim and silent defiance.


Twice this day

I have braved the wind

and allowed myself a wrinkly wobble or two.


The trees of park

give me shelter

and whisper old and ancient

thoughts of comfort.

The evergreens encircle me

and an oak stands as buttress

against the gale.


Some branches look

as they soon will fall:

old age?

I lose more neighbours

from cancer

and " age-related " syndromes.

But a pup comes up to play

to remind me of the cycle

as do the daffodils:

waving their bright yellow banners

to welcome spring and life.

Walk soft.

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

CONSTANT

Sunlight

dappling the park

between the rains

still shows my trees

standing firm

and sending

thoughts:

" Do not sway

or bend

in the winds

of fanatics

or gurus.

When your hear knows The Way

your feet will follow."

Walk soft

stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

CONSTANT

Sunlight

dappling the park

between the rains

still shows my trees

standing firm

and sending

thoughts:

" Do not sway

or bend

in the winds

of fanatics

or gurus.

When your hear knows The Way

your feet will follow."

Walk soft

stay safe

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

Did you spot the mistake? That should have written " heart" not "hear" !

The malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

Did you spot the mistake? That should have written " heart" not "hear" !

The malingerer.

Yes, dear poet! I have just replied on another thread, about markers for language. It was some time ago on this forum that i relaised this is not a place for correcting either command of language or typos. The brain does compensate in the second case, and the first is part of the wonderful melting pot of swirling adaptations to the language pool when our borders are open to all comers.

 

[malingerer]

Yes, dear poet! I have just replied on another thread, about markers for language. It was some time ago on this forum that i relaised this is not a place for correcting either command of language or typos. The brain does compensate in the second case, and the first is part of the wonderful melting pot of swirling adaptations to the language pool when our borders are open to all comers.

EH?



THE MALINGERER !

 

[Former member 49149]

What do you mean, eh? It was not long after I got up that I wrote the above, that is my excuse.
To answer your question, leaving my newly acquired book entitled Hygge, yes I had noticed. Now back to learning about Hygge.

 

[malingerer]

What do you mean, eh? It was not long after I got up that I wrote the above, that is my excuse.
To answer your question, leaving my newly acquired book entitled Hygge, yes I had noticed. Now back to learning about Hygge.

i'm gonna hate myself for askin, but who or what is Hygge? I seem to recall somewhere in the ether of my mind, a strange Nordic sort of feel-good?



The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

You got it in one. As did I. One euro for a gorgeous little book which holds the secret of Hygge. Watch this space.

 

[malingerer]

You got it in one. As did I. One euro for a gorgeous little book which holds the secret of Hygge. Watch this space.

PLAGUE AND PROVIDENCE

Fear begins to eat us

restrict our travel

heighten our divisions

corrode our conversations

whilst storm JORGE

grinds our shores.

I look up

as I walk towards

the supermarket

and there he sits

can in hand

one beside him

another at his feet

There is a small smile

on his face

and a look of distance

in his eyes.

He is immune.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

PLAGUE AND PROVIDENCE

Fear begins to eat us

restrict our travel

heighten our divisions

corrode our conversations

whilst storm JORGE

grinds our shores.

I look up

as I walk towards

the supermarket

and there he sits

can in hand

one beside him

another at his feet

There is a small smile

on his face

and a look of distance

in his eyes.

He is immune.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

WAITING

….can be a hollow Hell

as if one is stuck

inside a giant Burmese python

so vast

you cannot touch the sides

and yet

smothered by the weightlessness

that grows hot

until I make Espresso

rich

dark

sweet

to bring me tales of Java/Sumatra

India's plantations

and Spain

with cascading flamenco

and the dance of death

with the bull.

I reach into the box

at the back of my mind

marked " Reduced to Clear "

and offer it to Waiting

who gracefully accepts the morsel

more for the gesture than size

and the shadows draw back

as we all concede a draw

in the endless game

of life.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

WAITING

….can be a hollow Hell

as if one is stuck

inside a giant Burmese python

so vast

you cannot touch the sides

and yet

smothered by the weightlessness

that grows hot

until I make Espresso

rich

dark

sweet

to bring me tales of Java/Sumatra

India's plantations

and Spain

with cascading flamenco

and the dance of death

with the bull.

I reach into the box

at the back of my mind

marked " Reduced to Clear "

and offer it to Waiting

who gracefully accepts the morsel

more for the gesture than size

and the shadows draw back

as we all concede a draw

in the endless game

of life.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

Think I messed this one up!

 

[Former member 49149]

Think I messed this one up!

Well, fix it, dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, well fix it, dear Henry, dear Henry, fix it!
I take what you write as morsels, part of a great feast...so, never finished. As ever, thank you.

 

[malingerer]

Well, fix it, dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, well fix it, dear Henry, dear Henry, fix it!
I take what you write as morsels, part of a great feast...so, never finished. As ever, thank you.

When I have an error I usually compound it by getting mixed up with the bloody save/edit/preview commands! nowt wrong with the poem itself, its just the wretched typing skills! Having said that, it is a bit of a weird poem which has me wondering about the layers it conceals. They will no doubt bubble up sometime after the blue cheese and home made wine supper!

Yours aye,

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

When I have an error I usually compound it by getting mixed up with the bloody save/edit/preview commands! nowt wrong with the poem itself, its just the wretched typing skills! Having said that, it is a bit of a weird poem which has me wondering about the layers it conceals. They will no doubt bubble up sometime after the blue cheese and home made wine supper!

Yours aye,

The malingerer.

THE BLACKBIRD

Small she was

and young

but bright of eye

and gazed at me

most steadfastly

as slowly

walked I

by.

I made the sound

and both we walked

her

along the wall

when suddenly

she was off

tho still

I heard her

call.

Was she reminding me

of hearth and home

where a tired Self

may cease

to roam?

Alas!

for I

must onward walk

as home to me

is in the roam

and this

the blackbird knows.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

Oh, so lovely! Thank you.

 

[malingerer]

Oh, so lovely! Thank you.

PAINTING

I paint with sound

using my ears as brushes

my heart as easel

and my soul

canvas.

Dawn

the background to the light

on a newborn rose

and a soft rain murmurs

in shades of grey.

The morning blackbird

that coloured my dreams

with song

paints a melody

like arrows

for my feet to follow

and the creak

of my rucksack

from yesteryear

is a lament

and a calling

for Camino

Camino

where all my senses meet

and I

am whole.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

PAINTING

I paint with sound

using my ears as brushes

my heart as easel

and my soul

canvas.

Dawn

the background to the light

on a newborn rose

and a soft rain murmurs

in shades of grey.

The morning blackbird

that coloured my dreams

with song

paints a melody

like arrows

for my feet to follow

and the creak

of my rucksack

from yesteryear

is a lament

and a calling

for Camino

Camino

where all my senses meet

and I

am whole.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

SOCIAL DISTANCE

The Virus

tightens

its grip

but loosens

contact

Those that used to hug

falter

at a certain distance

smile weakly

exchange banalities

then on we go

I avoid where possible

and seek new quiet routes

On one

I rounded a corner

the back of an old building

shielded

by the new

A small triangular garden

walled and hedged

caught my eye

neat

despite the overnight man made rain

of bottles and tin cans

A blackbird watches me

quietly

then carries on her task

intent

on collecting nest material

for this now

All else is immaterial

she chirrups

as I leave

in respectful distance

and both we

smile.

Wal soft

stay safe

and

as evr

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

SOCIAL DISTANCE

The Virus

tightens

its grip

but loosens

contact

Those that used to hug

falter

at a certain distance

smile weakly

exchange banalities

then on we go

I avoid where possible

and seek new quiet routes

On one

I rounded a corner

the back of an old building

shielded

by the new

A small triangular garden

walled and hedged

caught my eye

neat

despite the overnight man made rain

of bottles and tin cans

A blackbird watches me

quietly

then carries on her task

intent

on collecting nest material

for this now

All else is immaterial

she chirrups

as I leave

in respectful distance

and both we

smile.

Wal soft

stay safe

and

as evr

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer.

GRATITUDE

for the morning sun

the rising dawn

the blackbird's song

flight of gull

My café is closed

VIRUS

so I take my stove

and brew tea

in an empty square

peaceful

then I head home

towing my trailer ( Esmeralda)

who glides along

thinking we

are on the

Veedlepee!

Why not?

Next time I'll brew coffee

close my eyes

wait for the morning sun

to rise

on my mountains

with gratitude

for the days they let me

walk

amongst them.

Walk soft stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios

The Malingerer.

 

[Former member 49149]

GRATITUDE

for the morning sun

the rising dawn

the blackbird's song

flight of gull

My café is closed

VIRUS

so I take my stove

and brew tea

in an empty square

peaceful

then I head home

towing my trailer ( Esmeralda)

who glides along

thinking we

are on the

Veedlepee!

Why not?

Next time I'll brew coffee

close my eyes

wait for the morning sun

to rise

on my mountains

with gratitude

for the days they let me

walk

amongst them.

Walk soft stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios

The Malingerer.

I wait for your next editions...

 

[malingerer]

I wait for your next editions...

TIMES

A squirrel leaps

along a tree

no virus he

to shackle him

A frustrated yapping dog

paws at the tree

and me

I contemplate

isolation

But the sun has come back

and my chilis grow apace

as my eyes begin to focus

on the blue

seeking black specks

with sickle wings

to let my heart know

always comes

the Camino

and swifts will bring me tidings

until I too

can go.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

TIMES

A squirrel leaps

along a tree

no virus he

to shackle him

A frustrated yapping dog

paws at the tree

and me

I contemplate

isolation

But the sun has come back

and my chilis grow apace

as my eyes begin to focus

on the blue

seeking black specks

with sickle wings

to let my heart know

always comes

the Camino

and swifts will bring me tidings

until I too

can go.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

PRAYER

I feel as if my beloved

Spain

is dying

and I

an ardent lover

cannot touch

I gave my blood

tears

sweat

and had them turned

to flowers

in my mind

Baking sun

freezing wind

rain

used like craftsmen's chisels

to strip away the vanities

on my soul

I am Celt

Iberian

I beseech my Guardian Angel

for return

to walk that earth

my hearth

my home

that the flame within me

will not die

and nor

shall she.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios


The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

PRAYER

I feel as if my beloved

Spain

is dying

and I

an ardent lover

cannot touch

I gave my blood

tears

sweat

and had them turned

to flowers

in my mind

Baking sun

freezing wind

rain

used like craftsmen's chisels

to strip away the vanities

on my soul

I am Celt

Iberian

I beseech my Guardian Angel

for return

to walk that earth

my hearth

my home

that the flame within me

will not die

and nor

shall she.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios


The Malingerer.

WINE GUMS

There are those

who preach

about ' nutri bars'

and

energy food

Me

I'm a wine gum fan.

When facing a rise

the body needs

the sugar-rush:

ergo

the wine-gum!

I take two to start

and one

for every halt

till I reach the top

and then two more

before I turn the corner

and yes

another rise awaits

but

I have my wine gums

and slowly slowly

onward go.

This is an old old trick

that was old when first

I learned it

from someone old.

And I wonder

do the youngsters know

where the wine-gums grow?





Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

WINE GUMS

There are those

who preach

about ' nutri bars'

and

energy food

Me

I'm a wine gum fan.

When facing a rise

the body needs

the sugar-rush:

ergo

the wine-gum!

I take two to start

and one

for every halt

till I reach the top

and then two more

before I turn the corner

and yes

another rise awaits

but

I have my wine gums

and slowly slowly

onward go.

This is an old old trick

that was old when first

I learned it

from someone old.

And I wonder

do the youngsters know

where the wine-gums grow?





Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

SENSES

Crows in twos

Rooks in rows

Blackbird solo

Gentle green the grass

Tree in bud

Flower in bloom


The park is silent

or is it?

Man is silent

with no plane

or train

or car

to mask

subdue

Birdsong

Wind whisper


Nature fills our senses

behind the veil of virus

and I wonder

will we learn

raise our heads

from little screens

take buds from out our ears

breathe deep of scented air


or

go back to the cave

we have hewn in our minds

as Earth takes grim revenge

at our destruction.

Stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

SENSES

Crows in twos

Rooks in rows

Blackbird solo

Gentle green the grass

Tree in bud

Flower in bloom


The park is silent

or is it?

Man is silent

with no plane

or train

or car

to mask

subdue

Birdsong

Wind whisper


Nature fills our senses

behind the veil of virus

and I wonder

will we learn

raise our heads

from little screens

take buds from out our ears

breathe deep of scented air


or

go back to the cave

we have hewn in our minds

as Earth takes grim revenge

at our destruction.

Stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

EASTER

How soft the dawn

this Easter

gliding gently o'er me

like a mother's hand

bringing peace

and warmth.


I do not question

or analyse

but simply let it be

and be

myself

alive

in the moment.

Stay safe.

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

 

[malingerer]

EASTER

How soft the dawn

this Easter

gliding gently o'er me

like a mother's hand

bringing peace

and warmth.


I do not question

or analyse

but simply let it be

and be

myself

alive

in the moment.

Stay safe.

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer

CHILD OF THE SNAKE

Cobra

Goddess of wisdom

and silence

ancient symbol

of an ancient creed

that twined the tau

before

defaced

deformed

to become the symbol

of other.


But I

delved to the source

and made it

my

Tatoo

by weaving in

the Rune of Raido

to wear upon my right shoulder

to call upon for strength

on journey

when walk I soft

in

to

the Sun.

Stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

CHILD OF THE SNAKE

Cobra

Goddess of wisdom

and silence

ancient symbol

of an ancient creed

that twined the tau

before

defaced

deformed

to become the symbol

of other.


But I

delved to the source

and made it

my

Tatoo

by weaving in

the Rune of Raido

to wear upon my right shoulder

to call upon for strength

on journey

when walk I soft

in

to

the Sun.

Stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The Malingerer.

WANDER

I made a wander in my mind

this covid morn

and on the timeline met a cormorant

flying low and slow

but straight towards me

She whispered as she circled

of tales and fables

and one bestirred me:

that of " Para Uno "

a fabled albergue

akin

to

Eldorado

I asked her for the ruta

and she smiled and said most gently:

" Why, that is you!"

So I arose

and to my hall I went

to find the things of road

had mad a Gather

for a scallop shell hung from a line

and my poles were in

the corner

My mochilla hung upon its hook

and my boots were cleaned

and cared for

which made me wonder

till I knew

that no matter where I am

or on Camino I go

Always

Always

I am in " Para uno".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

WANDER

I made a wander in my mind

this covid morn

and on the timeline met a cormorant

flying low and slow

but straight towards me

She whispered as she circled

of tales and fables

and one bestirred me:

that of " Para Uno "

a fabled albergue

akin

to

Eldorado

I asked her for the ruta

and she smiled and said most gently:

" Why, that is you!"

So I arose

and to my hall I went

to find the things of road

had mad a Gather

for a scallop shell hung from a line

and my poles were in

the corner

My mochilla hung upon its hook

and my boots were cleaned

and cared for

which made me wonder

till I knew

that no matter where I am

or on Camino I go

Always

Always

I am in " Para uno".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

FIRST SWIFTS

A small group fills my sky.

The first of 2020.

It may be some time

before my feet

will walk my beloved Spain

but my swifts

have cut the cords that bound me

and now my soul is free

and my heart can soar.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

FIRST SWIFTS

A small group fills my sky.

The first of 2020.

It may be some time

before my feet

will walk my beloved Spain

but my swifts

have cut the cords that bound me

and now my soul is free

and my heart can soar.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The Malingerer.

ISOLATION

The Isolation Angels

are themselves

in Desolation

as the hardened ones

like me

respect no bars

for I

can sit in armchair

and leave my soul

to wander

as heart and mind

make footprints

of their own

as markers

for a future-time

when once again

I'll walk the stones

of Camino

to Home.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

ISOLATION

The Isolation Angels

are themselves

in Desolation

as the hardened ones

like me

respect no bars

for I

can sit in armchair

and leave my soul

to wander

as heart and mind

make footprints

of their own

as markers

for a future-time

when once again

I'll walk the stones

of Camino

to Home.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

SPRITES

Two trees

thin

I thought were dead

but simply slow to leaf

Now young and slender

I wonder if that once

were lovers

for their tips bend

to each other

regardless of the wind

And I wonder

if they wonder

now Great Silence

is upon us

if man again

will listen to the grass grow

smell the scent in the rain

watch the ripple on the wave

leaving me to muse

sipping my coffee at the bus stop

and sharing crumbs

with a starling

who then flies off

to feed her young

for she too knows

Life

goes on

and I wonder

as I stand here

on this thin crust

of Earth

halfway between the Core

and Sky

will Man regain his wonder

at the gift of Life

with which he lives

his life?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

SPRITES

Two trees

thin

I thought were dead

but simply slow to leaf

Now young and slender

I wonder if that once

were lovers

for their tips bend

to each other

regardless of the wind

And I wonder

if they wonder

now Great Silence

is upon us

if man again

will listen to the grass grow

smell the scent in the rain

watch the ripple on the wave

leaving me to muse

sipping my coffee at the bus stop

and sharing crumbs

with a starling

who then flies off

to feed her young

for she too knows

Life

goes on

and I wonder

as I stand here

on this thin crust

of Earth

halfway between the Core

and Sky

will Man regain his wonder

at the gift of Life

with which he lives

his life?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

ISOLATION PART II

" For the roof over

the bed under

and food in

much thanks "

This is an old and ancient prayer of mine

which springs to mind

in this time of tears

It reminds me

of being in jail

some years back

I had a roof

my bed was wooden planks

which I sandpapered daily

and my food was

the naval equivalent

of bread and water:

ships biscuit!

They were tough enough

for JAWS himself



but hunger is a great teacher

and I grew to care for them

My flat is now my cell

but more monastic than prison

and my bed has a firm mattress

I like to cook

and this forum gives me

recipes for tortilla

I allow few people to cross over

my threshold

this is sacred space

here I think

write

dream

and when my mind has had enough

in comes the ache

for my feet long

to be on the road

to my hidden places

like the Sierras above Malaga

and the lighthouse

at Finisterre

but jail taught me

a kind of patience

and I pack my ruck

to the supermarket

clutching my poles

still dreaming

still seeking.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

ISOLATION PART II

" For the roof over

the bed under

and food in

much thanks "

This is an old and ancient prayer of mine

which springs to mind

in this time of tears

It reminds me

of being in jail

some years back

I had a roof

my bed was wooden planks

which I sandpapered daily

and my food was

the naval equivalent

of bread and water:

ships biscuit!

They were tough enough

for JAWS himself



but hunger is a great teacher

and I grew to care for them

My flat is now my cell

but more monastic than prison

and my bed has a firm mattress

I like to cook

and this forum gives me

recipes for tortilla

I allow few people to cross over

my threshold

this is sacred space

here I think

write

dream

and when my mind has had enough

in comes the ache

for my feet long

to be on the road

to my hidden places

like the Sierras above Malaga

and the lighthouse

at Finisterre

but jail taught me

a kind of patience

and I pack my ruck

to the supermarket

clutching my poles

still dreaming

still seeking.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

The malingerer.

TWO SWIFTS

A restless night

up and down I go

then peep out the window

and there she is

a full moon

fat and round

smiling at me

I am not restless after all

just simply a ship at single anchor

swinging in the tide

sails set and ready to go

to follow the stars

thicker than fishes

in the ocean's night

until the morn

when I am rewarded

with two Swifts

flying high

and calling

" You too must fly

for the heart-port of Seville

awaits

to unload your sorrow

and the road you know

must take".

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

a re-edit

 

[malingerer]

a re-edit

IN SEARCH OF MY FATHER

A fly-past of morning swifts

heralds VE day

a strange celebration

where all the honoured guests

are dead

in millions

on the Eastern Front

and millions more

in the ashes of the camps

the battle fields

and the blitzed cities.

My father came back

from all this

to a world that said

" The war is over Stop talking about it."

So he did

and carried on drinking

so I'm told.

And then he was off again.

I was twelve before

we met again

and I had my own war

in years of hell at grammar school

where I was

" that Army kid who never has a uniform".

Separation again

and I was man grown

before the next collision

then off again.

I to sea

and he

to death.

But still I search

through old war films

documentaries like:

" The world at War "

and the news reels of

The Desert War

Sicily

Italy

France

The Invasion

Germany

for he was there in all of them.

I never found him

but this I know:

he loved Spain

and the Swifts remind me

of Seville

sun

and Camino

so perhaps

we found each other after all

when walking on The Way

and when child I am and lost

perhaps

perhaps

my father

holds my hand.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

IN SEARCH OF MY FATHER

A fly-past of morning swifts

heralds VE day

a strange celebration

where all the honoured guests

are dead

in millions

on the Eastern Front

and millions more

in the ashes of the camps

the battle fields

and the blitzed cities.

My father came back

from all this

to a world that said

" The war is over Stop talking about it."

So he did

and carried on drinking

so I'm told.

And then he was off again.

I was twelve before

we met again

and I had my own war

in years of hell at grammar school

where I was

" that Army kid who never has a uniform".

Separation again

and I was man grown

before the next collision

then off again.

I to sea

and he

to death.

But still I search

through old war films

documentaries like:

" The world at War "

and the news reels of

The Desert War

Sicily

Italy

France

The Invasion

Germany

for he was there in all of them.

I never found him

but this I know:

he loved Spain

and the Swifts remind me

of Seville

sun

and Camino

so perhaps

we found each other after all

when walking on The Way

and when child I am and lost

perhaps

perhaps

my father

holds my hand.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

PYRAMID


There is a pyramid

deep

in the sands of my mind

with tunnels

shafts

traps for robbers

and treasure rooms

full of Memory

There are Guardians

for whom

I must know the words

before I pass along

from that secret place

below the base

upwards

via the Winding Route

to the apex

which points

to my star.

Soon

this outer edifice

must crumble

to the desert

and be blown

to a million grains

into The West

But that which is

must reach the apex

perhaps

over many lives

for only when my star returns

to the Birthing Point

in the heavens

can I stand there

brief

then vanish.

Walk soft. Stay safe but be open to Mystery.

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

PYRAMID


There is a pyramid

deep

in the sands of my mind

with tunnels

shafts

traps for robbers

and treasure rooms

full of Memory

There are Guardians

for whom

I must know the words

before I pass along

from that secret place

below the base

upwards

via the Winding Route

to the apex

which points

to my star.

Soon

this outer edifice

must crumble

to the desert

and be blown

to a million grains

into The West

But that which is

must reach the apex

perhaps

over many lives

for only when my star returns

to the Birthing Point

in the heavens

can I stand there

brief

then vanish.

Walk soft. Stay safe but be open to Mystery.

And

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The Malingerer.

CONVERSATIONS WITH A LADYBIRD

Along the front

quiet

The Fountain

stilled.

I sit

drink green tea

and think.

A ladybird alights

sits on a cobble

and we talk;

words from the heart

of journeys

then and now

Tomorrow perhaps

flights

of wings and thought

to destinations

never known.

Walk soft. Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

CONVERSATIONS WITH A LADYBIRD

Along the front

quiet

The Fountain

stilled.

I sit

drink green tea

and think.

A ladybird alights

sits on a cobble

and we talk;

words from the heart

of journeys

then and now

Tomorrow perhaps

flights

of wings and thought

to destinations

never known.

Walk soft. Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

ERE I SLEEP

The canyons of the soul

deeper than the Great Trenches

hide other lives

and selves

that

like swifts at dusk

slice across the self-scape

and are gone

on the long migrations

to another world

turning my dream time

into shadow plays

eavesdropping on an existence

calling me

with unfathomed visions

and words like falling leaves

strewing the way

waiting

for my feet to follow.

Walk soft and stay safe

As ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

ERE I SLEEP

The canyons of the soul

deeper than the Great Trenches

hide other lives

and selves

that

like swifts at dusk

slice across the self-scape

and are gone

on the long migrations

to another world

turning my dream time

into shadow plays

eavesdropping on an existence

calling me

with unfathomed visions

and words like falling leaves

strewing the way

waiting

for my feet to follow.

Walk soft and stay safe

As ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

BOOTS

I open my postal packages

One

a new guide book

Camino Portuguese

the other

a wall map of

The Caminos

I place the book

beside my chair

to slowly savour

and the map has pride of place

upon the wall

I ceremoniously

polish

my boots

remembering what a Gypsy woman told me

long ago

" Son", she said,

no matter that in this place

I have stayed many years,

but never have I taken the wheels

off my caravan

for

even when asleep

I feel them turning

and I

am still a Gypsy."

And I

when polishing my boots

can feel them walking

and I

am still a Pilgrim".

Walk soft,

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

BOOTS

I open my postal packages

One

a new guide book

Camino Portuguese

the other

a wall map of

The Caminos

I place the book

beside my chair

to slowly savour

and the map has pride of place

upon the wall

I ceremoniously

polish

my boots

remembering what a Gypsy woman told me

long ago

" Son", she said,

no matter that in this place

I have stayed many years,

but never have I taken the wheels

off my caravan

for

even when asleep

I feel them turning

and I

am still a Gypsy."

And I

when polishing my boots

can feel them walking

and I

am still a Pilgrim".

Walk soft,

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

REALITIES

" God has no country"

is written on the tombstone

of YEATS.

and Swifts know no borders.

Blue skies cover all.


Cante jondo

is from the heart

and my old Flamenco LP'S

bring Spain to me

wherever I may be.


I live in at times a shadow world

a parallel

for as I walk

in the morning rain

I am in the mountains

of my soul

and tho my hearing fails

that within hears the whisper

whilst I still feel the quiet

of a village square

and the taste of good red wine

before siesta


The Smile

comes with me

as does the scent

of that bush of incense.


I have created a reality

here within

allowing my feet

to keep my connection

with The Mother

Earth

Camino

Cradle

Grave

Cradle

all my milestones

on

The Way.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

REALITIES

" God has no country"

is written on the tombstone

of YEATS.

and Swifts know no borders.

Blue skies cover all.


Cante jondo

is from the heart

and my old Flamenco LP'S

bring Spain to me

wherever I may be.


I live in at times a shadow world

a parallel

for as I walk

in the morning rain

I am in the mountains

of my soul

and tho my hearing fails

that within hears the whisper

whilst I still feel the quiet

of a village square

and the taste of good red wine

before siesta


The Smile

comes with me

as does the scent

of that bush of incense.


I have created a reality

here within

allowing my feet

to keep my connection

with The Mother

Earth

Camino

Cradle

Grave

Cradle

all my milestones

on

The Way.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

STONE

Here

long before the trees

holding that memory

of First Time

from Universal Dust and Debris

cradle forming this our planet

Keeper of secrets

needing but the touch

with closed eyes

open heart

hands

to re-connect us

with

that beginning

as did Man

crossing the ice-bridge

from Africa to Iberia

leaving his hand-prints

on cave walls

in token of his journey

from self

to all

to self

bringing a light

like the spark

that glows

in flamenco

and on the footstep way

of Camino

where rocks beneath my feet

remind me

of the comet

and The Stone

that brought me

here.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

STONE

Here

long before the trees

holding that memory

of First Time

from Universal Dust and Debris

cradle forming this our planet

Keeper of secrets

needing but the touch

with closed eyes

open heart

hands

to re-connect us

with

that beginning

as did Man

crossing the ice-bridge

from Africa to Iberia

leaving his hand-prints

on cave walls

in token of his journey

from self

to all

to self

bringing a light

like the spark

that glows

in flamenco

and on the footstep way

of Camino

where rocks beneath my feet

remind me

of the comet

and The Stone

that brought me

here.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

The malingerer.

WEST WIND CALLING

As the gull of night

comes angling in

on slanted wings

driving the storm before him

In his beak he carries

fragments of a time-line:

The Gannet's Path

from Alba to Iceland

Greenland

Canada

The Americas

when the Norse-men took their boats

into the sun.

I face West

my Guardian of the South West corner

on my left

my Mithras bull

asking him for the Attributes:

Patience

Pace

Courage

and Strength.

On my right

the Guardian of the North-West

my high-flying eagle

bringer of visions

She I ask

for the understanding of dreams

and the will to follow them

for the West Wind calls

as if to gently chide me

for clinging

to this time and space

I

God's Wanderer in the Void

must go

for tho

they call it the New World

I wonder

There is an ancient depth there

that cradles

a long-ago

and is now knocking

on my window pane

with rain

from out the West.

Walk soft . Stay safe.

And as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

WEST WIND CALLING

As the gull of night

comes angling in

on slanted wings

driving the storm before him

In his beak he carries

fragments of a time-line:

The Gannet's Path

from Alba to Iceland

Greenland

Canada

The Americas

when the Norse-men took their boats

into the sun.

I face West

my Guardian of the South West corner

on my left

my Mithras bull

asking him for the Attributes:

Patience

Pace

Courage

and Strength.

On my right

the Guardian of the North-West

my high-flying eagle

bringer of visions

She I ask

for the understanding of dreams

and the will to follow them

for the West Wind calls

as if to gently chide me

for clinging

to this time and space

I

God's Wanderer in the Void

must go

for tho

they call it the New World

I wonder

There is an ancient depth there

that cradles

a long-ago

and is now knocking

on my window pane

with rain

from out the West.

Walk soft . Stay safe.

And as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

The malingerer.

I am now samarkand with new avatar!

RESTRICTIONS

They ease

and soon

planes

will fill the skies

(war-planes never leave)

and trains

and traffic

push pollution

Spend

Consume

until our finite resources

drive us to seek another world

remembering only in mythology

The Blue Planet

we choked and laid to waste

and ash

leaving perhaps a thought behind

to seed the green again

our lost Eden.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

samarkand

 

[OzAnnie]

I am now samarkand with new avatar!

con Dios.

samarkand

???
I don’t understand ? There is already a member called samarkand

 

[malingerer]

???
I don’t understand ? There is already a member called samarkand

didnt know this! is it me?

samarkand ( aka malingerer)

 

[Former member 49149]

Next poem: ships passing in the night, heading to southern Uzbekistan

 

[malingerer]

Next poem: ships passing in the night, heading to southern Uzbekistan

you twigged on yet as to " samarkand"? kublai khan?

samarkand

 

[Former member 49149]

I confess I'm a bit wooden headed right now. I did the bad thing and googled and while I will go back to read the poem Kublai Khan again, I don't make the link. I need more time, dear malingerer/samarkand!

 

[Albertagirl]

THere is the poem "The Golden Road to Samarkand" by James Elroy Fletcher: a quick glance did not reveal Kubla Khan to me in that poem. But then all of us on this forum are obsessed with walking golden roads.

 

[malingerer]

I confess I'm a bit wooden headed right now. I did the bad thing and googled and while I will go back to read the poem Kublai Khan again, I don't make the link. I need more time, dear malingerer/samarkand!

.......and Kublai Khan in Samarkand a stately pleasure dome decreed"/ said dome being a bloody great tent! It had me in fits of laughter imagining the horde being told by the righteous " no camping". !

Ya gotta laff . Got my medical bracelets for asthma and copd. very taken with the motto card " I will weather the storm. I am a survivor. Its what I do." will make a great tattoo!

keep reading! I value your comments , on the poetry

Walk soft.

samarkand.

 

[Former member 49149]

Ah Samarkand! Caution! Laudanum! Opium! The Wedgwood Brothers! Stick to the simple paths, needing no alternative consciousness. Methinks you do already. What can you do with this sky? Taken 5 seconds apart, and maybe 60 degrees angle to the right on the blue sky one.

 

[malingerer]

Ah Samarkand! Caution! Laudanum! Opium! The Wedgwood Brothers! Stick to the simple paths, needing no alternative consciousness. Methinks you do already. What can you do with this sky? Taken 5 seconds apart, and maybe 60 degrees angle to the right on the blue sky one.
View attachment 78736View attachment 78737

fill it with swifts?

A DAWN OF SWIFTS

They fill the early sky

building muscle

storing fat

readying for the long journey South.

The youngsters are excited

for this their first migration

and will borrow my heart

for altho the old one said

" where the heart lies

the feet follow" :

I shall follow with my eyes

and watch all through the autumn

winter

spring

for their return

bringing back my heart

with scent of orange

Seville

and long and lonely roads

where my heart, my soul

and feet ( )

unite to spirit wander.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

samarkand.

 

[Patrick O'Shea]

i hope to recommence vdlp sep this year having struggled from malaga to merida some years ago. hopefully i will fly into sevilla and then train up to merida. the poetry will be written as i go. i have one more eye op to go and then i can start to train hard. i am not a good photographer and i really liked windswepts contribution so the poems are for me and all those befuddled about not only why they go a camino but always come back to it!

I am a long way
from who I am
and even further
from who I was
who I will be
heaven knows
I wear the tattoo
of the rose
the seeker's badge
of time and space
a distant point
on the homeward race
to who I am

yours,
The Malingerer

 

[Patrick O'Shea]

i hope to recommence vdlp sep this year having struggled from malaga to merida some years ago. hopefully i will fly into sevilla and then train up to merida. the poetry will be written as i go. i have one more eye op to go and then i can start to train hard. i am not a good photographer and i really liked windswepts contribution so the poems are for me and all those befuddled about not only why they go a camino but always come back to it!

I am a long way
from who I am
and even further
from who I was
who I will be
heaven knows
I wear the tattoo
of the rose
the seeker's badge
of time and space
a distant point
on the homeward race
to who I am

yours,
The Malingerer

To the Malingerer wherever you may be, I too have done some writing in prose form about the Camino, and just having read yours, I am very glad to have read them as they are great. Patrick

 

[malingerer]

To the Malingerer wherever you may be, I too have done some writing in prose form about the Camino, and just having read yours, I am very glad to have read them as they are great. Patrick

Thank you! lets have some of yours!

I am now posting as samarkand!

samarkand