poems for seekers

[malingerer]

NAMING

What's in a name:

it is but a tendril

of mist in the morning

vanishing with the sun.

It cloaks much

and much we give it

often to hide

our uncertainty

our lack of knowledge

our arrogance

and pretension of ownership

For that which is

will silently steal away

and we will hold

an empty box

But at this

a wayward tendril

small

unseen

had lain against my heart

and now it whispered:

" This

is no empty box or flat;

it is your window-box"

And my new crop of chilis

giggled like children

in their pots

and so did I.

And that I

of I

needs no name:

it is there

within

the laughter.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

BREATH

And retreating Winter

in his death throes

throws a last Cold

like a doomed gambler

And the bear breathes out that last of old

as so do I

and both we wait

till my feet are once again

upon the Way

and breathing in the first of New

when I go past that stone

I made my marker

in so many lives

ago.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

BREATH

And retreating Winter

in his death throes

throws a last Cold

like a doomed gambler

And the bear breathes out that last of old

as so do I

and both we wait

till my feet are once again

upon the Way

and breathing in the first of New

when I go past that stone

I made my marker

in so many lives

ago.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

THE MOON AND HUNGER

a new moon hangs

like an old dusk's

stranger child

this spring

in a pale of blue

faded out of a washed lino floor

getting ready

for new footfalls

The wind is high and hard

cold

northerly

but I

want the south

to warm

and bring the swifts

my sprites

that will have flown

across Iberia

and the grapes

to capture sun

and ease my soul

at end of day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

my sprites

 

[malingerer]

THE MOON AND HUNGER

a new moon hangs

like an old dusk's

stranger child

this spring

in a pale of blue

faded out of a washed lino floor

getting ready

for new footfalls

The wind is high and hard

cold

northerly

but I

want the south

to warm

and bring the swifts

my sprites

that will have flown

across Iberia

and the grapes

to capture sun

and ease my soul

at end of day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

my sprites

MUSING

I light a stub of candle

and watch the sun go down

as my life

flies round in circles

on the rims of time unbound

I light some joss

and smell the smoke

to sanctify

the hour

as power of past

engulfs the now

and night

begins to flower

as last of gulls

has seaward fled

and stars

create a bower

for my sleep.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

MUSING

I light a stub of candle

and watch the sun go down

as my life

flies round in circles

on the rims of time unbound

I light some joss

and smell the smoke

to sanctify

the hour

as power of past

engulfs the now

and night

begins to flower

as last of gulls

has seaward fled

and stars

create a bower

for my sleep.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

THE LAST OF LIGHT

And the light

pours out

like molten gold

from the last chalice

of evening

draining into the West

as if drunk by

the waiting Goddess of Night

preparing for the birth

of dawn and day

by cradling my tomorrow

in a coat of darkest blue

in this time

of summer velvet.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[Mycroft]

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

You reminded me of a photo a friend took while touring South America in 2019. It is of a tile with the lyrics (in Spanish) from a song by G. Coria Penaloza, which I attach here.

 

[malingerer]

You reminded me of a photo a friend took while touring South America in 2019. It is of a tile with the lyrics (in Spanish) from a song by G. Coria Penaloza, which I attach here.

A tardy hi and thank you!

MI CORAZON PERDIDO

....it grows smaller

hiding

as the wings of leaving

flutter

each time I hold you

ere departing

You are my sun

and I need the warmth

to bring again

mine own unfolding

like the lark

of morning

and the first rose.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand

Written for someone I care about deeply

and yet

encapsulates also

my feelings about Camino.

 

[malingerer]

A tardy hi and thank you!

MI CORAZON PERDIDO

....it grows smaller

hiding

as the wings of leaving

flutter

each time I hold you

ere departing

You are my sun

and I need the warmth

to bring again

mine own unfolding

like the lark

of morning

and the first rose.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand

Written for someone I care about deeply

and yet

encapsulates also

my feelings about Camino.

IRONIES

the gulls of morning

drink the rain

before

in slow circles

descending

on the green of park

to ambush worms

escaping

flooded holes:

and I think

Irony

to escape the

gulley

and fall into a gullet.


But Memory

and Camino

combine

to lay a nugget

at my feet

the gold

of

yester

day

when rain

and wind

did push me on

and life for me

was footstep

on The Way.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

IRONIES

the gulls of morning

drink the rain

before

in slow circles

descending

on the green of park

to ambush worms

escaping

flooded holes:

and I think

Irony

to escape the

gulley

and fall into a gullet.


But Memory

and Camino

combine

to lay a nugget

at my feet

the gold

of

yester

day

when rain

and wind

did push me on

and life for me

was footstep

on The Way.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

COLOUR

And the gull

dips her wingtip

like a fine-haired brush

in

to the pot of sun

and childlike

draws some squiggles

in the sky

to contain

the duvet clouds

of white

so that light between them

shines

amongst the grey

of showers

to remind me

of the night

when shepherds lit the vault

to fire

like a sundown Sistine chapel

of delight.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

COLOUR

And the gull

dips her wingtip

like a fine-haired brush

in

to the pot of sun

and childlike

draws some squiggles

in the sky

to contain

the duvet clouds

of white

so that light between them

shines

amongst the grey

of showers

to remind me

of the night

when shepherds lit the vault

to fire

like a sundown Sistine chapel

of delight.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

RESONANCE

I am

as a reed

played by

The Great Winds

of

Time and Space

that sometimes

softly blow

upon my way

to where

I sit

and drink the wine

that sun

made music

might fill the soul

and tales

be whispered

to the heart.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

RESONANCE

I am

as a reed

played by

The Great Winds

of

Time and Space

that sometimes

softly blow

upon my way

to where

I sit

and drink the wine

that sun

made music

might fill the soul

and tales

be whispered

to the heart.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

TIMES

Raindrops

falling like dots

each one a world

and yet they join

to form a word

called Now

where Universes are born

and die

within

the cloud of being

lit by thunder

rapt

in Light.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

TIMES

Raindrops

falling like dots

each one a world

and yet they join

to form a word

called Now

where Universes are born

and die

within

the cloud of being

lit by thunder

rapt

in Light.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

WINTER'S ORPHAN

Sullen

and angry the sky

this dusk

like the last

of winter's orphans

tormenting the spring

and making summer wail

as would a bullying child

in a shattered park

I do not see my swifts

and call them

"Come!

and bring your sickle wings

to reap the clouds

and harvest sun

that I might warm

my dreams".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

WINTER'S ORPHAN

Sullen

and angry the sky

this dusk

like the last

of winter's orphans

tormenting the spring

and making summer wail

as would a bullying child

in a shattered park

I do not see my swifts

and call them

"Come!

and bring your sickle wings

to reap the clouds

and harvest sun

that I might warm

my dreams".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

EXCHANGES

And day

slow

hands in her colours

to approaching night

who sends in the guardians

robed

in darkest blue

black

and then the blue black

of approaching dawn.

My swifts

care not

and retain their

sickle winged blackness

as they scythe

the harvest sky

to build up muscle

store energy

and chivvy their young

to prepare

for south

and leaving.

They will however

fly over my

Iberia

Camino

and we will wish each other

well

when e'er we pass.

"Buen Camino ! "

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

EXCHANGES

And day

slow

hands in her colours

to approaching night

who sends in the guardians

robed

in darkest blue

black

and then the blue black

of approaching dawn.

My swifts

care not

and retain their

sickle winged blackness

as they scythe

the harvest sky

to build up muscle

store energy

and chivvy their young

to prepare

for south

and leaving.

They will however

fly over my

Iberia

Camino

and we will wish each other

well

when e'er we pass.

"Buen Camino ! "

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

REFUGEE

I re-read TOLKIEN

and

THE TWO TOWERS

with mighty tales

of heroes

clad in gold

and wielding swords of power

and yet

through it all

I see a face

REFUGEE

limping

too old to run

leaning on a staff

and on her back

a small bag

perhaps provisions

Her eyes

downcast

look not to sky

so full of swifts

( in latter times
they will be
the STUKAS):

but only at her feet

and yet

and yet

she is a leader

walking before the armies

of droughts

and famines

plagues

always seeking

that better

LIFE

which is

our common goal

REFUGEE

our

MIRROR-MOTHER

often dulled

in which we gaze

to find

COMPASSION

for she knows too well

what little worth

we have when

LIFE

itself

evades us

as our stumbling feet

remind us

of the clay

from which we're baked

to form the vessel

of our self

that final

REFUGE

once our common goal

when

CAMINO

was new

REFUGIO

oft so little

and yet

and yet

encompassed

all our needs.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

REFUGEE

I re-read TOLKIEN

and

THE TWO TOWERS

with mighty tales

of heroes

clad in gold

and wielding swords of power

and yet

through it all

I see a face

REFUGEE

limping

too old to run

leaning on a staff

and on her back

a small bag

perhaps provisions

Her eyes

downcast

look not to sky

so full of swifts

( in latter times
they will be
the STUKAS):

but only at her feet

and yet

and yet

she is a leader

walking before the armies

of droughts

and famines

plagues

always seeking

that better

LIFE

which is

our common goal

REFUGEE

our

MIRROR-MOTHER

often dulled

in which we gaze

to find

COMPASSION

for she knows too well

what little worth

we have when

LIFE

itself

evades us

as our stumbling feet

remind us

of the clay

from which we're baked

to form the vessel

of our self

that final

REFUGE

once our common goal

when

CAMINO

was new

REFUGIO

oft so little

and yet

and yet

encompassed

all our needs.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

GRIEVING

The Runes of the Road

are at a

standstill

crosroads

As the Shadow

does not pass

but hovers

and I wait

for the sun

to point

the way.

My love

is my Sun:

under a cloud

in a time of grief

that will

in time

pass.

Will I

be passed by?

My feet

struggle

with my heart

my soul

till night

quiets all

and the

dawn

my sunrise

finds me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

GRIEVING

The Runes of the Road

are at a

standstill

crosroads

As the Shadow

does not pass

but hovers

and I wait

for the sun

to point

the way.

My love

is my Sun:

under a cloud

in a time of grief

that will

in time

pass.

Will I

be passed by?

My feet

struggle

with my heart

my soul

till night

quiets all

and the

dawn

my sunrise

finds me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

CHESS

A gull

dark against the deepening dusk

sculls his way

across the sky-sea.


A cloud

follows

slowly

for Night is playing chess

on a board

of his own making.


I send out a knight

so scout

for dreams;

he does not return.


I deepen my defence

retiring

as a hedgehog

to rest

regroup

and await the dawn.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

CHESS

A gull

dark against the deepening dusk

sculls his way

across the sky-sea.


A cloud

follows

slowly

for Night is playing chess

on a board

of his own making.


I send out a knight

so scout

for dreams;

he does not return.


I deepen my defence

retiring

as a hedgehog

to rest

regroup

and await the dawn.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

JULY

Clouds

white

small

dodging the wind and rain


My swifts

high

feeding

fattening

for

next month

August

they will leave


The elders

fly serious

but

a small group

youngsters

swirl and chatter

joy of living


This

is my month

Birthday

and already

my mind

is on equinox

Autumn

and solstice

Winter


The tall trees swaying

are telling me

stories

of North and West

ocean

and

the long ships of

my Older people

leaving a lure

in my bloodline

with the smile

of the wanderer


As the wind dies

and the rain passes

the Swifts

return

past my window

calling

"South!

South!

the Way

is waiting"

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

JULY

Clouds

white

small

dodging the wind and rain


My swifts

high

feeding

fattening

for

next month

August

they will leave


The elders

fly serious

but

a small group

youngsters

swirl and chatter

joy of living


This

is my month

Birthday

and already

my mind

is on equinox

Autumn

and solstice

Winter


The tall trees swaying

are telling me

stories

of North and West

ocean

and

the long ships of

my Older people

leaving a lure

in my bloodline

with the smile

of the wanderer


As the wind dies

and the rain passes

the Swifts

return

past my window

calling

"South!

South!

the Way

is waiting"

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.


Samarkand.

HOME

Crescent moon

hanging like a silver sickle

Swift

upon the blue

There is some Irish folk music

in the background

songs

of home

and the swifts will fly there

soon enough

leaving me

to stretch my empty hands

skywards

but grateful

for the fullness

that they leave

within my heart.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

HOME

Crescent moon

hanging like a silver sickle

Swift

upon the blue

There is some Irish folk music

in the background

songs

of home

and the swifts will fly there

soon enough

leaving me

to stretch my empty hands

skywards

but grateful

for the fullness

that they leave

within my heart.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

NEW THREAD
CANT FIGURE OUT HOW TO START!

There is a book called " Places of power on the Camino Santiago". it was mentioned on a programme called Mystic places. it showed Fire Festivals in the Basque Country ! never seen or heard of this. Any info?

Samarkand.

Moderators please direct to proper slot!

Thank you.

 

[mspath]

NEW THREAD
CANT FIGURE OUT HOW TO START!

There is a book called " Places of power on the Camino Santiago". it was mentioned on a programme called Mystic places. it showed Fire Festivals in the Basque Country ! never seen or heard of this. Any info?

Samarkand.

Moderators please direct to proper slot!

Thank you.

Malingerer,
Is this the book ?

Powerful Places on the Caminos de Santiago (Powerful Places in): White, Gary, Aviva, Elyn: 9780979090998: Amazon.com: Books

Powerful Places on the Caminos de Santiago (Powerful Places in) [White, Gary, Aviva, Elyn] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Powerful Places on the Caminos de Santiago (Powerful Places in)

www.amazon.com

 

[Former member 49149]

Even if it isn't, hats off once more to you, @mspath, for your ever ready assistance!

 

[malingerer]

Even if it isn't, hats off once more to you, @mspath, for your ever ready assistance!

FOR THE WAY UNSHARED


At first

I shared the "buzz"

till I got fed up

of "pilgrims"

sprinting past

and

the clouds of "gobbys"

yakking on about time

and distance covered

I felt little connection

and went back

to being

lone

I was

after all

65

and no stranger

to hardship

or the road

My companions became

small lizards

baby rabbits

circling hawks

and mountain hares

showing me the way

My sounds

were the winds

shushing the grass

to slumber

and trees rustling their leaves

as I passed

My love

I kept within my heart

until at 80

we shared my birthday

at Finisterre

held hands

and laughed

smiled

and now

at 83

I am not too old to weep

for the ways

I left unshared

with Martha D.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

 

[malingerer]

FOR THE WAY UNSHARED


At first

I shared the "buzz"

till I got fed up

of "pilgrims"

sprinting past

and

the clouds of "gobbys"

yakking on about time

and distance covered

I felt little connection

and went back

to being

lone

I was

after all

65

and no stranger

to hardship

or the road

My companions became

small lizards

baby rabbits

circling hawks

and mountain hares

showing me the way

My sounds

were the winds

shushing the grass

to slumber

and trees rustling their leaves

as I passed

My love

I kept within my heart

until at 80

we shared my birthday

at Finisterre

held hands

and laughed

smiled

and now

at 83

I am not too old to weep

for the ways

I left unshared

with Martha D.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

CALLING

I am uneasy

a lost bus-pass

means I shall be walking

into and out of town

I sigh and gird up

there is shopping

and things to do

I reach one half of my circle

buy water

and start the return

I walk along the front

the sea on my right

and within me I hear

that low moan

of the wind calling

I stop to talk to an old tree

I have not seen for a while

I touch the bark

and ask for forgiveness

and feel the strength

of root and rock

reach up to me

without recrimination


A small breeze catches up with me

like a child out of breath

and I hear it whisper

" The high Meseta sends me

and that is why you hear the calling in your heart.

Do not fear

the road that is yours awaits"

and I felt The Lightness

deep within

making me smile and dawdle on.

I came through the park

sat for a while

drank water

and dawdled home

to write these words

I had walked six kilometres

that had not ached me

but cradled me

and with that

I am content.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

CALLING

I am uneasy

a lost bus-pass

means I shall be walking

into and out of town

I sigh and gird up

there is shopping

and things to do

I reach one half of my circle

buy water

and start the return

I walk along the front

the sea on my right

and within me I hear

that low moan

of the wind calling

I stop to talk to an old tree

I have not seen for a while

I touch the bark

and ask for forgiveness

and feel the strength

of root and rock

reach up to me

without recrimination


A small breeze catches up with me

like a child out of breath

and I hear it whisper

" The high Meseta sends me

and that is why you hear the calling in your heart.

Do not fear

the road that is yours awaits"

and I felt The Lightness

deep within

making me smile and dawdle on.

I came through the park

sat for a while

drank water

and dawdled home

to write these words

I had walked six kilometres

that had not ached me

but cradled me

and with that

I am content.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

THE COLOUR OF WAITING

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''is Blue

I was rushed to hospital

to wait

at A & E

everywhere

and everyone

in blue:

staff

ceilings

equipment

Eventually seen

tests

discussions

It would seem I had had

a mini-stroke

A bed eventually

at 10pm

surrounded by a coterie

of champion Broncadores

Medication

they told me

for the rest of my life

This made me laugh

for after all

I had reached 83 the week before

I was released the morning after

having seen the Consultant

and now attending Stroke Clinic

for further tests:

more waiting

but the sky is blue

and swifts still fly

besides

The Blues

are my favourite music

as is my favourite colour.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Duos.

SAMARKAND.

 

[Kanga]

Gosh @malingerer - I hope you are fully recovered. Wonderful that you can still put beautiful singing words together. Sending you good wishes - stay well!

 

[Former member 49149]

Thanks, dear Samarkand, for your real notes, in word and colour. I do hope there are some people close by who know about the event you have written about, so you are not alone...

 

[malingerer]

Thanks, dear Samarkand, for your real notes, in word and colour. I do hope there are some people close by who know about the event you have written about, so you are not alone...

Thankee Samarkand.

I walked to clinic 4kms. Slo time for me: 35 mins Vascular tests all ok and now waiting (here we go again!) for next move. Perhaps I should I go back to malingering!

 

[malingerer]

Thankee Samarkand.

I walked to clinic 4kms. Slo time for me: 35 mins Vascular tests all ok and now waiting (here we go again!) for next move. Perhaps I should I go back to malingering!

SERVICE

Is service without question

slavery

or faith?

I do not know

but

I hear a voice

echoing down my timeline:

" Come

you do not follow:

we walk together "

and my heart rejoices

flying ahead

of my questing mind

and stumbling feet

along

The Way.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

SERVICE

Is service without question

slavery

or faith?

I do not know

but

I hear a voice

echoing down my timeline:

" Come

you do not follow:

we walk together "

and my heart rejoices

flying ahead

of my questing mind

and stumbling feet

along

The Way.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

BATIK

A sky

of changing blue

and light dark clouds

stencilled in

by a master hand

as last of day

peeps in

through swaying branches

ere comes the night

to still the park

I see no life

and yet

I sense a Quiet

as if old Gods

were gathering

like Elders

for Reunion

to share and shape

Memories

I sense them

studying the design

adding a little here

a little there

knowing my heart is watching

they approve

and then leave

for the Deeper Quiet

whilst I

will now to sleep

and my soul

will carry the inks

for another day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

BATIK

A sky

of changing blue

and light dark clouds

stencilled in

by a master hand

as last of day

peeps in

through swaying branches

ere comes the night

to still the park

I see no life

and yet

I sense a Quiet

as if old Gods

were gathering

like Elders

for Reunion

to share and shape

Memories

I sense them

studying the design

adding a little here

a little there

knowing my heart is watching

they approve

and then leave

for the Deeper Quiet

whilst I

will now to sleep

and my soul

will carry the inks

for another day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

COFFEE

Slow

Ritual

lay out the utensils

the ingredients

water into the stovetop bottom

coffee

carefully packed

not tamped

into the container

and top screwed down

placed onto the hob

heated

as you watch

and listen

for when the note changes

remove

from the heat

and all the while

re-connect

remember

the land

from which it came

it's people

their cultures

their mountains

their music

the wind

the sand

and the ancient trees

then sip slowly

as swifts fly over me

rejoicing

on their way

to our ancient home

Africa.



Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand

 

[malingerer]

COFFEE

Slow

Ritual

lay out the utensils

the ingredients

water into the stovetop bottom

coffee

carefully packed

not tamped

into the container

and top screwed down

placed onto the hob

heated

as you watch

and listen

for when the note changes

remove

from the heat

and all the while

re-connect

remember

the land

from which it came

it's people

their cultures

their mountains

their music

the wind

the sand

and the ancient trees

then sip slowly

as swifts fly over me

rejoicing

on their way

to our ancient home

Africa.



Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand

WHEN IT

WAS ONCE

AN I


Into the quiet

of the slowing years

I gaze

almost content

looking out the window

at clouds

and swaying trees

The T.V tells me

of Black Holes

and colliding galaxies:

the furores of tomorrow

and I wonder

if some errant

ultra microscopic

piece of me

will have wandered out there

in a yet to come

to witness

and recall

when it

was once

an I.

Walk soft

stay safe

( or should you?)

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

WHEN IT

WAS ONCE

AN I


Into the quiet

of the slowing years

I gaze

almost content

looking out the window

at clouds

and swaying trees

The T.V tells me

of Black Holes

and colliding galaxies:

the furores of tomorrow

and I wonder

if some errant

ultra microscopic

piece of me

will have wandered out there

in a yet to come

to witness

and recall

when it

was once

an I.

Walk soft

stay safe

( or should you?)

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

Crying for Afghanistan

the rain falls down my window

like children thrown

from a wall

and I hear that wail

from the country's soul

more piercing than the RPG

that bursts a tank

to leave a soldier's brains

upon the floor

as an elder bows his head

and weeps

for the millennia of pain

unsoothed

by the cash crop opium

he grows for export

to the West

who tells him he must change his ways.

He is used by all

betrayed by all

sold

in boats that sink

at sea

or falls as a raindrop

from a plane

like an old used up dream

in final scream

as all claim victories

and blames of losses

whilst in the hills

there are shattered hearths

where poisons brew

a torn tomorrow.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

Crying for Afghanistan

the rain falls down my window

like children thrown

from a wall

and I hear that wail

from the country's soul

more piercing than the RPG

that bursts a tank

to leave a soldier's brains

upon the floor

as an elder bows his head

and weeps

for the millennia of pain

unsoothed

by the cash crop opium

he grows for export

to the West

who tells him he must change his ways.

He is used by all

betrayed by all

sold

in boats that sink

at sea

or falls as a raindrop

from a plane

like an old used up dream

in final scream

as all claim victories

and blames of losses

whilst in the hills

there are shattered hearths

where poisons brew

a torn tomorrow.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MIRROR

Cabbage whites

flutter o'er the green

where yester'een

the swifts did fly

so high

in skies now empty

till come the geese

to fill the void

with song

so wild

and yet so gentle

unlike the nights

above Kabul

where children die

and flight for them

is nightmare winged

and song

a bullet's whine finale.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

what e'er your colour

race

or creed

for we all are children

all in need.

Samarkand.

 

[Former member 49149]

Crying for...
Your gift is the weaving of words, wrought from your heart. Thank you.

 

[malingerer]

Crying for...
Your gift is the weaving of words, wrought from your heart. Thank you.

LAST CAMINO (PROBABLY)

Flight booked for Bordeaux 29 April 2022, thence St JPDP and West. Cant figure out where to post this! Moderator please help!!!

Only doing bits and visits. Health and age paramount filters to anything rash BUT I WILL go over the Pyrenees and hopefully have a day at Roncesvalles. After that , who knows. Poetry will come when it feels like it as usual.

Recent stroke has me thinking but blood pressure perfect says nice nursie and GP has words for me next week.

Prayers appreciated and hints for the bookie?

Samarkand.

 

[Former member 49149]

The bookie... all bets are off. I am afraid I know less than nothing, ashamed i should be as my dad was a bookie's runner in his youth to earn a few bob when he was a student. You will know what to do, and how. And yes, your poetry will spill over when it is time. I look forward to it. Buen Camino.

 

[mspath]

Take care dear friend.
May we all sense the pleasure and blessing of more time.
Godspeed and Carpe diem!

 

[malingerer]

Take care dear friend.
May we all sense the pleasure and blessing of more time.
Godspeed and Carpe diem!

THE QUIET

I need it

and yet

Quiet comes

wrapped in it's own sound

like the incoming tide

soothing

the sand of dawn

as softly wails

a gull

on early morning hunger-prowl

shadowing

the wolves

of day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE QUIET

I need it

and yet

Quiet comes

wrapped in it's own sound

like the incoming tide

soothing

the sand of dawn

as softly wails

a gull

on early morning hunger-prowl

shadowing

the wolves

of day.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

SPIRES

I count them

studying their lines

as I train South

and wonder

Are they fingers

pointing to God

or the steel spikes

of man's helmeted arrogance

They sit atop

buildings old

surrounded by new-builds

and pseudo antiquity

as pigeons still roost on them

perhaps dispensing feathered prayers

as shit

to stain our pride

our cars

our beatified pollutants

the four wheeled boxes

that have become

womb like

wrapping us in cocoons

of steel and plastic

as we await

the next coming

electric

atomic

fusion

sucking in

like a greedy infant

the very air

wind

to orchestrate a power

that perhaps

holds the key

to Pandora's box

held tight by gargoyles

faces twisted by fear and vertigo

on spires

that aspire.

walk soft

stay safe ( and don't slip in the you know what! )

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

SPIRES

I count them

studying their lines

as I train South

and wonder

Are they fingers

pointing to God

or the steel spikes

of man's helmeted arrogance

They sit atop

buildings old

surrounded by new-builds

and pseudo antiquity

as pigeons still roost on them

perhaps dispensing feathered prayers

as shit

to stain our pride

our cars

our beatified pollutants

the four wheeled boxes

that have become

womb like

wrapping us in cocoons

of steel and plastic

as we await

the next coming

electric

atomic

fusion

sucking in

like a greedy infant

the very air

wind

to orchestrate a power

that perhaps

holds the key

to Pandora's box

held tight by gargoyles

faces twisted by fear and vertigo

on spires

that aspire.

walk soft

stay safe ( and don't slip in the you know what! )

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

EQUINOX

and summer bids a soft farewell

with gentle pinks and blues

at fading light

as autumn sharpens steel

to whet the blades of winter

so I summon soul

to count the days to solstice

and the sun's return

when The Way

begins to beckon

and The West

begins to call.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

EQUINOX

and summer bids a soft farewell

with gentle pinks and blues

at fading light

as autumn sharpens steel

to whet the blades of winter

so I summon soul

to count the days to solstice

and the sun's return

when The Way

begins to beckon

and The West

begins to call.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

SABINA

Cold dreams

and old wars

rage

on my screen

re-hashed

for new generations

as Napoleon's Waterloo

is yet again explained

by the fact he had piles

and newest discovery

of stomach cancer

plus second-rate seconds-in-command

as we are

regaled

by computer generated expositions

of the effects

of musket, cannon ball and bayonet thrust

at close range

whilst in a now

a young woman

bright

beautiful

caring

fights the battle

of The Light

that young minds

might reach tomorrow

and it's dreams

with hope

and love

till foully murdered

in a park

parody of peace and place


My heart goes cold

with a lump

as hard as musket ball

at such a treachery

of fate


And I would

that I

could twist a future

into giving her

some

of my

accumulated years

that she

might have

some more

and

when next I venture

on The Way

for her I'll pray

at Santiago

and light a candle

to help replace the one

so brutally

put out.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

SABINA

Cold dreams

and old wars

rage

on my screen

re-hashed

for new generations

as Napoleon's Waterloo

is yet again explained

by the fact he had piles

and newest discovery

of stomach cancer

plus second-rate seconds-in-command

as we are

regaled

by computer generated expositions

of the effects

of musket, cannon ball and bayonet thrust

at close range

whilst in a now

a young woman

bright

beautiful

caring

fights the battle

of The Light

that young minds

might reach tomorrow

and it's dreams

with hope

and love

till foully murdered

in a park

parody of peace and place


My heart goes cold

with a lump

as hard as musket ball

at such a treachery

of fate


And I would

that I

could twist a future

into giving her

some

of my

accumulated years

that she

might have

some more

and

when next I venture

on The Way

for her I'll pray

at Santiago

and light a candle

to help replace the one

so brutally

put out.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

Samarkand.

RAIN DROPS AND YOUNG LOVERS

I watch two rain drops

race

like excited teenagers

from opposite corners

down my window

and I almost hear them laugh

as they collide

meld

grow

wed

die

as one.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

samarkand.

wed

 

[malingerer]

RAIN DROPS AND YOUNG LOVERS

I watch two rain drops

race

like excited teenagers

from opposite corners

down my window

and I almost hear them laugh

as they collide

meld

grow

wed

die

as one.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

samarkand.

wed

Following my heart

....................................... and pursuing numbers

I was leafing through my very old

and battered

copy of the I Ching

and found

this:

" Full of fear

full of longing

Home

where are you:

"" Here"

cries the heart

"Here"

and I smile

for

as the old ones of Ireland

say

"where the Heart lies

the feet

wander"

and I know my heart

follows

my feet

up a long slow climb

to a certain mountain in Camino.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

Following my heart

....................................... and pursuing numbers

I was leafing through my very old

and battered

copy of the I Ching

and found

this:

" Full of fear

full of longing

Home

where are you:

"" Here"

cries the heart

"Here"

and I smile

for

as the old ones of Ireland

say

"where the Heart lies

the feet

wander"

and I know my heart

follows

my feet

up a long slow climb

to a certain mountain in Camino.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

Samarkand.

SINGULARITY

I

am the centre

of

mine own circle

but

where within

is mine own centre

Does it move

as I do

so:

is there a centre

a singularity

in The universe

and

does it

move

from an original

point

to a now

perhaps a speck

a dot

or is it

that mote

within my eye

or

has it travelled

within that dust spot

on a comet

to my world:

a fleeing soul

within a snow flake

seeking

the furthest edge

from centre

to break free

cross over

to be

a new centre

a singular

Singularity.

Walk soft

stay safe ( or why should you?)

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

SINGULARITY

I

am the centre

of

mine own circle

but

where within

is mine own centre

Does it move

as I do

so:

is there a centre

a singularity

in The universe

and

does it

move

from an original

point

to a now

perhaps a speck

a dot

or is it

that mote

within my eye

or

has it travelled

within that dust spot

on a comet

to my world:

a fleeing soul

within a snow flake

seeking

the furthest edge

from centre

to break free

cross over

to be

a new centre

a singular

Singularity.

Walk soft

stay safe ( or why should you?)

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

SALT

................. in my veins

for I

am of the ships

that raided South

to leave our seed

in Ireland's soil

but always

always

comes the call

in ocean's roar:

" More !

there is more!

on a way

beyond your sail

and where

you must furl

your sail

and walk

into

and over

a sea

into the West!

You must follow

the Sun

and tired though you be

your journey

has just begun

so do not tarry"

And I

have walked

and walked

into the West

to where my ship

that long-ship of yearning

awaits

this final stage

and I

can use my star

the sun

to call me

call me

to Ocean's Deep

beyond

The Soul-Path's Run.

Walk soft

stay

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[Former member 49149]

Samarkand, do have a look at this:

ITHACA Constantine P. Cavafy When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the angry Poseidon - do not fear them: You will never find such as these on your path, if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine emotion touches your spirit and your body. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter, if you do not carry them within your soul, if your soul does not set them up before you. Pray that the road is long. That the summer mornings are many, when, with such pleasure, with such joy you will enter ports seen for the first time; stop at Phoenician markets, and purchase fine merchandise, mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony, and sensual perfumes of all kinds, as many sensual perfumes as you can; visit many Egyptian cities, to learn and learn from scholars. Always keep Ithaca in your mind. To arrive there is your ultimate goal. But do not hurry the voyage at all. It is better to let it last for many years; and to anchor at the island when you are old, rich with all you have gained on the way, not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches. Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage. Without her you would have never set out on the road. She has nothing more to give you. And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you. Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what Ithaca means.

Video: Ithaca by C.P.Cavafy (Recited by Sean Connery, with music by Vangelis)

 

[malingerer]

Samarkand, do have a look at this:

ITHACA Constantine P. Cavafy When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the angry Poseidon - do not fear them: You will never find such as these on your path, if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine emotion touches your spirit and your body. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter, if you do not carry them within your soul, if your soul does not set them up before you. Pray that the road is long. That the summer mornings are many, when, with such pleasure, with such joy you will enter ports seen for the first time; stop at Phoenician markets, and purchase fine merchandise, mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony, and sensual perfumes of all kinds, as many sensual perfumes as you can; visit many Egyptian cities, to learn and learn from scholars. Always keep Ithaca in your mind. To arrive there is your ultimate goal. But do not hurry the voyage at all. It is better to let it last for many years; and to anchor at the island when you are old, rich with all you have gained on the way, not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches. Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage. Without her you would have never set out on the road. She has nothing more to give you. And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you. Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what Ithaca means.

Video: Ithaca by C.P.Cavafy (Recited by Sean Connery, with music by Vangelis)

I like this. Thank you.

Samarkand.

 

[Former member 49149]

Camino is journey, way, as is the intention of Ithaca. Today (Monday) I was in London, for a funeral, and then when I got home I watched the service again, and read your poem, and at once recalled the link to Ithaca... and the camino of each one who sets out on a journey...Buen Camino, Samarkand! Thank you for your depth of spirit.

 

[Former member 49149]

Samarkand, one of the editorial pieces in the paper I read made me think of you. Poets do indeed have a key role in reflecting glints of current realities, personal and universal. I offer this as support for your own role in offering your reflections in the society of the forum.
From The Irish Times
The place of poetry

Many of us end our school days bidding farewell to poetry, and not always a fond farewell. But for many others it remains an essential part of life. Whatever about being “the unacknowledged legislators”, as Shelley called them, poets are often the specialists we turn to on occasions of personal trauma or loss, war or pestilence. The recent deaths of two of this country’s most distinguished poets, Brendan Kennelly and Máire Mhac an tSaoi, and the responses to their deaths, is a reminder of poetry’s value in society and the role of those who write it.
It is perhaps the most accommodating of the art forms. It can praise or protest, elegise or eulogise, tell a story or evoke a place, speak to moments of remembrance and romance – and, as poets have always been doing, give powerful expression to the ache of love. Poetry reminds us how to pay attention to the world and its wonders, to look at things anew, as Kennelly urges the reader to do in his popular poem Begin.
There is much activity around poetry that deserves public support and funding: the small press publishing that is almost a labour of love, the festivals and readings, the UCD Poetry Archive where the harvesting of poets’ voices will be a resource for future generations, and particularly the work Poetry Ireland, which only recently, in collaboration with local authorities, created the opportunity for a cohort of local Poet Laureates to pay homage to their towns and communities.
Poetry has also been an enriching part of the ongoing programme of commemorations, providing the most appropriate language for these complex and sensitive occasions looking back on our history.
The pandemic and its lockdowns seem to have triggered a renewal of interest in poetry as a consolatory art, a place in which to find our bearings and reset our perspectives. This has been a time in need of the kind of assurance the late Derek Mahon provides in his poem Everything is Going to be All Right. In our age of spin and sloganeering, poetry is more necessary than ever.

 

[malingerer]

Samarkand, one of the editorial pieces in the paper I read made me think of you. Poets do indeed have a key role in reflecting glints of current realities, personal and universal. I offer this as support for your own role in offering your reflections in the society of the forum.
From The Irish Times
The place of poetry

Many of us end our school days bidding farewell to poetry, and not always a fond farewell. But for many others it remains an essential part of life. Whatever about being “the unacknowledged legislators”, as Shelley called them, poets are often the specialists we turn to on occasions of personal trauma or loss, war or pestilence. The recent deaths of two of this country’s most distinguished poets, Brendan Kennelly and Máire Mhac an tSaoi, and the responses to their deaths, is a reminder of poetry’s value in society and the role of those who write it.
It is perhaps the most accommodating of the art forms. It can praise or protest, elegise or eulogise, tell a story or evoke a place, speak to moments of remembrance and romance – and, as poets have always been doing, give powerful expression to the ache of love. Poetry reminds us how to pay attention to the world and its wonders, to look at things anew, as Kennelly urges the reader to do in his popular poem Begin.
There is much activity around poetry that deserves public support and funding: the small press publishing that is almost a labour of love, the festivals and readings, the UCD Poetry Archive where the harvesting of poets’ voices will be a resource for future generations, and particularly the work Poetry Ireland, which only recently, in collaboration with local authorities, created the opportunity for a cohort of local Poet Laureates to pay homage to their towns and communities.
Poetry has also been an enriching part of the ongoing programme of commemorations, providing the most appropriate language for these complex and sensitive occasions looking back on our history.
The pandemic and its lockdowns seem to have triggered a renewal of interest in poetry as a consolatory art, a place in which to find our bearings and reset our perspectives. This has been a time in need of the kind of assurance the late Derek Mahon provides in his poem Everything is Going to be All Right. In our age of spin and sloganeering, poetry is more necessary than ever.

ABDUCTEES

written primarily for Maddie

(Madeline Mc Cann)

but now also

for another

Abductee

in OZ :

Little girls both taken.

Maddie

I have prayed for you

every single day

since that terrible time

you were taken.

Your name is Celtic

I

am Celt

it was a wound to my soul

and I pray

if you are alive

you are well

and not abused

and if dead

may you be at peace

but still I pray

for I cannot accept

your absence

as now

the wound grows wider

at another taking.

Should I abandon

my endless

almost useless

agonising

praying?

And then

my wilting chilis

grow two fresh white flowers

to ease my heart a little

so that my prayers

will continue

and I will whisper the soul-shout

of my warrior-people

into the wind:

" We do not forget".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

~Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

ABDUCTEES

written primarily for Maddie

(Madeline Mc Cann)

but now also

for another

Abductee

in OZ :

Little girls both taken.

Maddie

I have prayed for you

every single day

since that terrible time

you were taken.

Your name is Celtic

I

am Celt

it was a wound to my soul

and I pray

if you are alive

you are well

and not abused

and if dead

may you be at peace

but still I pray

for I cannot accept

your absence

as now

the wound grows wider

at another taking.

Should I abandon

my endless

almost useless

agonising

praying?

And then

my wilting chilis

grow two fresh white flowers

to ease my heart a little

so that my prayers

will continue

and I will whisper the soul-shout

of my warrior-people

into the wind:

" We do not forget".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

~Samarkand.

Its Monday, wet and wild, so here's a smile.

AN ODE TO THE MORNING DUMP
.

.



.



.






THUMP !!!




Its a long drop!






Ya geddit?



OZONIANS PROBABLY WILL




Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

ABDUCTEES

written primarily for Maddie

(Madeline Mc Cann)

but now also

for another

Abductee

in OZ :

Little girls both taken.

Maddie

I have prayed for you

every single day

since that terrible time

you were taken.

Your name is Celtic

I

am Celt

it was a wound to my soul

and I pray

if you are alive

you are well

and not abused

and if dead

may you be at peace

but still I pray

for I cannot accept

your absence

as now

the wound grows wider

at another taking.

Should I abandon

my endless

almost useless

agonising

praying?

And then

my wilting chilis

grow two fresh white flowers

to ease my heart a little

so that my prayers

will continue

and I will whisper the soul-shout

of my warrior-people

into the wind:

" We do not forget".

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

~Samarkand.

LITTLE GIRL FOUND !

news on UK TV this morning says little girl in Australia found alive and well. I am overjoyed and it certainly puts my own fears and foibles in their place! Absolutely brilliant news.
Samarkand.

 

[Bristle Boy]

LITTLE GIRL FOUND !

news on UK TV this morning says little girl in Australia found alive and well. I am overjoyed and it certainly puts my own fears and foibles in their place! Absolutely brilliant news.
Samarkand.

Joyous indeed. Every parents nightmare.
I haven't stopped smiling at the news and the words "My name is Cleo" meant so much.

 

[malingerer]

Joyous indeed. Every parents nightmare.
I haven't stopped smiling at the news and the words "My name is Cleo" meant so much.

FAITH.........

...........

holds

enfolds

but does not cling

it is no chain

or leash

but when on-trail

it traces

a thread

softer than silk

stronger than steel:

my Handrail

on Camino.

There

when needed

when I swallow my pride

and ask

for it is friend

mentor

not overseer

and on stormy days

opens my heart

to The Light

that warms

within.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

FAITH.........

...........

holds

enfolds

but does not cling

it is no chain

or leash

but when on-trail

it traces

a thread

softer than silk

stronger than steel:

my Handrail

on Camino.

There

when needed

when I swallow my pride

and ask

for it is friend

mentor

not overseer

and on stormy days

opens my heart

to The Light

that warms

within.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

THE FALLING LEAVES OF TIME

and autumn leaves

flit

like ghostly birds-of-paradise

across

my window

in a strange moult

and I wonder

do trees remember

a more ancient time

before the clocks changed

before even

man's clocks began to rule

and forged a chain

of cogs

to bring an apparent order

to our world.

And I wonder

are there Horologists

in Hell?

Are there time-locks on the gates

that ope with keys of thought

or prayer

or is there an Alexander

on standby

to wield the sword

and break the chains?

I come back to watching leaves

and drinking coffee

made to a time-honoured

ritual

of mine own making!




walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE FALLING LEAVES OF TIME

and autumn leaves

flit

like ghostly birds-of-paradise

across

my window

in a strange moult

and I wonder

do trees remember

a more ancient time

before the clocks changed

before even

man's clocks began to rule

and forged a chain

of cogs

to bring an apparent order

to our world.

And I wonder

are there Horologists

in Hell?

Are there time-locks on the gates

that ope with keys of thought

or prayer

or is there an Alexander

on standby

to wield the sword

and break the chains?

I come back to watching leaves

and drinking coffee

made to a time-honoured

ritual

of mine own making!




walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

A MIGRANT CHRISTMAS

Far

from their hellish origins

of drought

famine

corruption

riven by war

fleeced

trafficked

they die

in the ice cold channel

to a carol

of crashing wave

and crying

drowning

children

The men and women

of lifeboats

snatch what they can

and ask no questions

or their reason

for drowning

There are no roses

on a sailor's grave

or on migrants either

so I wear the Rose Tattoo

and carry my own

and pray for those

who chose to dare

for are we pilgrims not migrants also

often seeking a better life

of spirit

and grateful for

the kindness of strangers

and the outstretched hand?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

A MIGRANT CHRISTMAS

Far

from their hellish origins

of drought

famine

corruption

riven by war

fleeced

trafficked

they die

in the ice cold channel

to a carol

of crashing wave

and crying

drowning

children

The men and women

of lifeboats

snatch what they can

and ask no questions

or their reason

for drowning

There are no roses

on a sailor's grave

or on migrants either

so I wear the Rose Tattoo

and carry my own

and pray for those

who chose to dare

for are we pilgrims not migrants also

often seeking a better life

of spirit

and grateful for

the kindness of strangers

and the outstretched hand?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

AUTUMN LEAVES AND FALL MIGRANTS

The wind rises

temperatures drop

dying leaves cling

to parent trees

as waves climb higher

and boats sink

with drowning children

clinging

to drowning parents.

Do NOT walk safe

or softly

but rage

against

the great futility.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

AUTUMN LEAVES AND FALL MIGRANTS

The wind rises

temperatures drop

dying leaves cling

to parent trees

as waves climb higher

and boats sink

with drowning children

clinging

to drowning parents.

Do NOT walk safe

or softly

but rage

against

the great futility.

Samarkand.

GUNS AND GARLANDS

A battleship

sunk

there

in Pearl Harbour

The great guns

now covered

in weeds

barnacles

and decorated by

garlands

of small

colourful

fish

The men who served

lie dead

their names alive

on plaques

but still their spirits

live

in bravery

and honour

so In salute you

in the long ago

and in the ever present

now.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

GUNS AND GARLANDS

A battleship

sunk

there

in Pearl Harbour

The great guns

now covered

in weeds

barnacles

and decorated by

garlands

of small

colourful

fish

The men who served

lie dead

their names alive

on plaques

but still their spirits

live

in bravery

and honour

so In salute you

in the long ago

and in the ever present

now.


Samarkand.

A "KINDNESS" OF STRANGERS

Caught out by weather

and a missed bus

I plodded into town

uncomfortable

till having coffee

I noticed

my down jacket was sodden

I had had the poncho over

but forgotten how bad I sweat

under pressure and exertion

making me wet

from the inside

with lungs like mine

this is not good

so I hurried to a charity shop

just as it opened

and found a good but cheap cagoule

waiting for me

I bought a top as well

and the nice lady let me change

on the premises

As I packed away my wet gear

into the ruck

I thought of the nameless donors

who had saved me

and I wondered what you call a group of such strangers

till I felt The Smile

and knew immediately:

" Its a Kindness of Strangers""

Walk soft

(and check the weather forecast )

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

SAMARKAND.

I noticed

 

[malingerer]

A "KINDNESS" OF STRANGERS

Caught out by weather

and a missed bus

I plodded into town

uncomfortable

till having coffee

I noticed

my down jacket was sodden

I had had the poncho over

but forgotten how bad I sweat

under pressure and exertion

making me wet

from the inside

with lungs like mine

this is not good

so I hurried to a charity shop

just as it opened

and found a good but cheap cagoule

waiting for me

I bought a top as well

and the nice lady let me change

on the premises

As I packed away my wet gear

into the ruck

I thought of the nameless donors

who had saved me

and I wondered what you call a group of such strangers

till I felt The Smile

and knew immediately:

" Its a Kindness of Strangers""

Walk soft

(and check the weather forecast )

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

SAMARKAND.

I noticed

Pearl Harbor day

and a President

and First Lady

stand

framed in Silence

what else

is there

to say.

samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

Pearl Harbor day

and a President

and First Lady

stand

framed in Silence

what else

is there

to say.

samarkand.

EARTH-BURN

Twilight charcoal etched trees

point upwards

to the winter sky

grey and sullen

in the face

of coming solstice

now days away

and I count them

feeling my heart

unfold

in the ancient rhythm

of this our mother-home

bestowing blessings

on her ingrates

screaming for more

as our earth-ship burns

whilst the beggar child

is denied the manger

for we need the straw

for our pampered pets

and foodstuff

for cosmetics.

Walk soft.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

EARTH-BURN

Twilight charcoal etched trees

point upwards

to the winter sky

grey and sullen

in the face

of coming solstice

now days away

and I count them

feeling my heart

unfold

in the ancient rhythm

of this our mother-home

bestowing blessings

on her ingrates

screaming for more

as our earth-ship burns

whilst the beggar child

is denied the manger

for we need the straw

for our pampered pets

and foodstuff

for cosmetics.

Walk soft.

Samarkand.

HUDDLE

Antarctic penguins

do it

Charles dickens' poor

certainly did

and I will

huddle

especially this solstice

around the memory-fires

circled by my ghosts

of Xmas past

present

and future

waving me on

with laughter

tears

and years

of putting one foot

past the other

to light a candle

at end of Way

in thanks

to my Ancestors

and my love in Now

as Tomorrow smiles

and beckons me

from safety of huddle

to unknown's glimmer

on that far horizon

I call

Camino.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

HUDDLE

Antarctic penguins

do it

Charles dickens' poor

certainly did

and I will

huddle

especially this solstice

around the memory-fires

circled by my ghosts

of Xmas past

present

and future

waving me on

with laughter

tears

and years

of putting one foot

past the other

to light a candle

at end of Way

in thanks

to my Ancestors

and my love in Now

as Tomorrow smiles

and beckons me

from safety of huddle

to unknown's glimmer

on that far horizon

I call

Camino.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

Solstice

and my world teeters

on the edge

like a guillemot chick

taking that first

great leap of faith

from cliff

so high

so high

and far

from the light of tomorrow

calling from the sea

of forever

" This Way!

This Way ! "

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

Solstice

and my world teeters

on the edge

like a guillemot chick

taking that first

great leap of faith

from cliff

so high

so high

and far

from the light of tomorrow

calling from the sea

of forever

" This Way!

This Way ! "

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Via

con Dios.

Samarkand.

.38

A pistol calibre

and the year of my birth

a serious omen

for my coming Christmas

would be

the last of Peace

as 39

brazen

with sounding gong

announced War

who scattered

like snowflakes from Hell

a dreadful bounty

of conflict.


now

I am 83

a number reversal

as I walk towards

84

and the completion

of the seventh cycle.


Millions have died

since '38

in continuing conflict

and pandemic.


So what gives me hope?

The Earth turned

at solstice

and tomorrow

is the beginning

of the calendar year

I pray for those I love

and with whom

I communicate.


One word?

Love

in the eyes of a child

Love

in a smile

Love

in every mile

I can still walk.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

.38

A pistol calibre

and the year of my birth

a serious omen

for my coming Christmas

would be

the last of Peace

as 39

brazen

with sounding gong

announced War

who scattered

like snowflakes from Hell

a dreadful bounty

of conflict.


now

I am 83

a number reversal

as I walk towards

84

and the completion

of the seventh cycle.


Millions have died

since '38

in continuing conflict

and pandemic.


So what gives me hope?

The Earth turned

at solstice

and tomorrow

is the beginning

of the calendar year

I pray for those I love

and with whom

I communicate.


One word?

Love

in the eyes of a child

Love

in a smile

Love

in every mile

I can still walk.

Walk soft

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.


Samarkand.

WINTER

Grey

but seemingly a sullen sad damp

kind of greyness

unlike the wild

calling

of grey geese overhead

with magic

sight and sound

of whistling wings

and joy in their cries

lifting my heart

bringing warmth

as I feel a kind of pity

for winter's child

so often maligned

as the orphan season

yet

it prepares

to lengthen days

promising spring

" Patience"

it whispers

" Patience,

I give you this gift

to help

when your tired heart

the climbs do face

Patience

for there is no race

on Camino

and seasons each

their song

will bring

do you but listen"

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

WINTER

Grey

but seemingly a sullen sad damp

kind of greyness

unlike the wild

calling

of grey geese overhead

with magic

sight and sound

of whistling wings

and joy in their cries

lifting my heart

bringing warmth

as I feel a kind of pity

for winter's child

so often maligned

as the orphan season

yet

it prepares

to lengthen days

promising spring

" Patience"

it whispers

" Patience,

I give you this gift

to help

when your tired heart

the climbs do face

Patience

for there is no race

on Camino

and seasons each

their song

will bring

do you but listen"

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

A FEBRUARY HEART

............................................ is a candle flame

within the igloo

of my winter soul

radiating warmth

and light

to mimic Sun

and beacon be

against the Dark.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

A FEBRUARY HEART

............................................ is a candle flame

within the igloo

of my winter soul

radiating warmth

and light

to mimic Sun

and beacon be

against the Dark.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

Samarkand.

A FEBRUARY HEART

............................................ is a candle flame

within the igloo

of my winter soul

radiating warmth

and light

to mimic Sun

and beacon be

against the Dark.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con

Dios.

Samarkand.

BETRAYAL

Our arrogance has become inflated

with cruelty

Once

Dog

was companion on the hunt

guardian of our encampments

later

guards and guides

to our flocks and herds

then sadly

war -dogs

Now

bred

to fit in handbags

crossed endlessly

to become

expensive mongrels

Cow

now forever linked to machines

deprived of her calves

so that we

greedily

can steal her milk

Hen

once jungle fowl

now caged worse

than criminals

Our relentless thefts

go on

Deprivation

of other lives

not our concern

as feed we our growth

with the deaths

of others

Pillaging

more than goods

resources

but Life itself

a suicidal betrayal


Change

change we must

no matter how small

that first step

to reconciliation

reconnection

that Life may bloom

above the ash

we are starting to drown in.

Walk soft

for what is underneath your foot?

and

as ever

Via

con Dios

who resides in all things.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

BETRAYAL

Our arrogance has become inflated

with cruelty

Once

Dog

was companion on the hunt

guardian of our encampments

later

guards and guides

to our flocks and herds

then sadly

war -dogs

Now

bred

to fit in handbags

crossed endlessly

to become

expensive mongrels

Cow

now forever linked to machines

deprived of her calves

so that we

greedily

can steal her milk

Hen

once jungle fowl

now caged worse

than criminals

Our relentless thefts

go on

Deprivation

of other lives

not our concern

as feed we our growth

with the deaths

of others

Pillaging

more than goods

resources

but Life itself

a suicidal betrayal


Change

change we must

no matter how small

that first step

to reconciliation

reconnection

that Life may bloom

above the ash

we are starting to drown in.

Walk soft

for what is underneath your foot?

and

as ever

Via

con Dios

who resides in all things.

Samarkand.

BUD

There

at end of twig

at end of branch

a small

green

bud

Scout

for spring

as geese fly

o'er head

debating

time to go

North

as I look

South

and count the days

to fly

Iberia

heart land

soul-spring

with Swifts

circling above me

at Roncesvalles

chattering their mountain prayers

to me

a fellow Pilgrim.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

BUD

There

at end of twig

at end of branch

a small

green

bud

Scout

for spring

as geese fly

o'er head

debating

time to go

North

as I look

South

and count the days

to fly

Iberia

heart land

soul-spring

with Swifts

circling above me

at Roncesvalles

chattering their mountain prayers

to me

a fellow Pilgrim.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

THE SILENCE OF THE WOLF-MOON

The silence

calls me

wakes me

draws me

to the window

sky deep

in banks of white

softening to grey

in the fading light

whilst small stars gleam

as I feel the silence

warm me

as if my Guardian

lends a cloak

and then

much later

I rise again

to watch

the wolf-moon

watching me

from out the West

in the deep

deep blue

of the pre-dawn dark

and I smile

at this the first Great Moon of '22

pulling me

to Path and Way

of mile

after mile

of Blessed Way.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE SILENCE OF THE WOLF-MOON

The silence

calls me

wakes me

draws me

to the window

sky deep

in banks of white

softening to grey

in the fading light

whilst small stars gleam

as I feel the silence

warm me

as if my Guardian

lends a cloak

and then

much later

I rise again

to watch

the wolf-moon

watching me

from out the West

in the deep

deep blue

of the pre-dawn dark

and I smile

at this the first Great Moon of '22

pulling me

to Path and Way

of mile

after mile

of Blessed Way.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

SAROEAK

Basque markers

transhumance

old

I went to find them

a lifetime ago

and failed

but

I found Camino

instead

and turned my back

on the rising sun

West

I went

and am going still

seeking

my final departure point

to come home

like those sheep

from the ancient mountains

home.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

SAROEAK

Basque markers

transhumance

old

I went to find them

a lifetime ago

and failed

but

I found Camino

instead

and turned my back

on the rising sun

West

I went

and am going still

seeking

my final departure point

to come home

like those sheep

from the ancient mountains

home.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

FLEETING

the instance

between

self

and

Self

moment of

perfect balance

like

a foot mid-stride

pausing

in silent communication

connection

re-connection

with the other

on the Long Way

Home.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

FLEETING

the instance

between

self

and

Self

moment of

perfect balance

like

a foot mid-stride

pausing

in silent communication

connection

re-connection

with the other

on the Long Way

Home.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

PRAYERS REQUESTED

My one and only darling daughter has COVID. She is a Derry child like me but lives way up in the North East of Scotland. Currently worried about the slates flying from her roof in the big winds. Its also the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday which is sad enough. I shall be lighting candles galore tomorrow for all !

Thank you.

Samarkand.

 

[Former member 49149]

How is your daughter, pray tell... thanks for sharing that burden. The other point you mentioned: I will leave it alone. Aware of it, yes, very much so.
Pax, Samarkand/@malingerer.

 

[malingerer]

How is your daughter, pray tell... thanks for sharing that burden. The other point you mentioned: I will leave it alone. Aware of it, yes, very much so.
Pax, Samarkand/@malingerer.

She seems to be very upbeat about it all! Staying cozy and drinking lots of hot tea! Methinks there might be the odd drop of something stronger in there! Thanks for asking Kirkie and as to point two, yes, best left alone on this forum at any rate.

Take care and buen camino.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

She seems to be very upbeat about it all! Staying cozy and drinking lots of hot tea! Methinks there might be the odd drop of something stronger in there! Thanks for asking Kirkie and as to point two, yes, best left alone on this forum at any rate.

Take care and buen camino.

Samarkand.

A LAST DAY

An etching of Magpies

stark

against the dawn-framed trees

as Nature tips her palette

to empty raggy clouds

across the sky

of this

January's last day

still gripped by winter

and flogged by winds

yet

there is a blue

from out the North

chasing down this day

heading South

to where the Way awaits

and Swifts

begin to gather

in my mind.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[chinacat]

Just wondering how your daughter’s faring.

Omicron seems to be more short-lived than previous strains; I thought perhaps she might be feeling a little better by now.
But I’ll light another candle, just in case …

 

[malingerer]

Just wondering how your daughter’s faring.

Omicron seems to be more short-lived than previous strains; I thought perhaps she might be feeling a little better by now.
But I’ll light another candle, just in case …

Thank you! I went to light one this morning and the church was closed so you've saved me!

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

Thank you! I went to light one this morning and the church was closed so you've saved me!

Samarkand.

CHANGE/CONTROL

The morning meet of magpies

chatters ferociously

over first item:

nest sites

then control of high points

war

on neighbours

especially crows.


The news tells me

that flowers are blooming early

Will insects rise too late

to feed the avian young

now premature

Will Swifts arrive too soon

Will the winter wheat

ripen before my eyes

Will the grass

wither early

depriving dairy cows

causing shortage

to dilute good coffee

with synthetic

forming a new mongrel " café con leche"

so beloved of pilgies

Will I need a sun umbrella

nice new summer weight

merino base layers

will cheap throwaway ponchos

litter the landscape

I wonder

but

ATLANTIC

hurls his legions

shoreward

with wind and gale

berserker waves

to gouge and carve out headstones

from our

arrogance.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

CHANGE/CONTROL

The morning meet of magpies

chatters ferociously

over first item:

nest sites

then control of high points

war

on neighbours

especially crows.


The news tells me

that flowers are blooming early

Will insects rise too late

to feed the avian young

now premature

Will Swifts arrive too soon

Will the winter wheat

ripen before my eyes

Will the grass

wither early

depriving dairy cows

causing shortage

to dilute good coffee

with synthetic

forming a new mongrel " café con leche"

so beloved of pilgies

Will I need a sun umbrella

nice new summer weight

merino base layers

will cheap throwaway ponchos

litter the landscape

I wonder

but

ATLANTIC

hurls his legions

shoreward

with wind and gale

berserker waves

to gouge and carve out headstones

from our

arrogance.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

EIGHT

An octet of Magpies

abruptly finish their madrigal

and gaze at me

so I follow the rule of eight

and make a wish

never to be disclosed

according to the rule of seven

so I close my eyes

and wait

till I feel the Smile

from my Guardian Angel

who I know has been eavesdropping

all the while

and whispering

Camino

Camino

on my behalf

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

EIGHT

An octet of Magpies

abruptly finish their madrigal

and gaze at me

so I follow the rule of eight

and make a wish

never to be disclosed

according to the rule of seven

so I close my eyes

and wait

till I feel the Smile

from my Guardian Angel

who I know has been eavesdropping

all the while

and whispering

Camino

Camino

on my behalf

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


Samarkand.

THE PASS TO RONCESVALLES

A many

of stars

hangs

in the early hours

soul-lanterns

held high

by those

who cannot return

for another dawn

which of itself

awaits

another day

awaiting

to be born

earmarked for me

on that mountain pass

to which

I ever yearn.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE PASS TO RONCESVALLES

A many

of stars

hangs

in the early hours

soul-lanterns

held high

by those

who cannot return

for another dawn

which of itself

awaits

another day

awaiting

to be born

earmarked for me

on that mountain pass

to which

I ever yearn.

walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

LOST

I did not like my father

to me

when small

he was bully

coward

drunkard

In later life

when I to sea did go

and army join

I forgave him

for watching film

documentary

and talking to the old

I realised

he had fought his Way

a bitter Camino

across Africa

Sicily

Italy

France

Germany

leaving his best

with the best

fallen comrades

How proud those men had been

of self

country

and each other

Perhaps he had wished

to return whole

to us

and I

his son

would be proud

of him

So now this older self

stands in horror

as if a thought

had triggered a hidden mine

and I listen

to that small boy still within

crying in that untold anguish

for hands let go

too soon

of Grandmother

Father

Mother

for whom I must go a-Camino

to light my candles

say the words

and commit my pebbles

to the Deep

at Finisterre

No model father have I been to mine

and forty years it took

before my son said

"Dad, I love you"

and now

I can say the same of mine

forgiving

all our futures.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[Former member 49149]

LOST

I did not like my father

to me

when small

he was bully

coward

drunkard

In later life

when I to sea did go

and army join

I forgave him

for watching film

documentary

and talking to the old

I realised

he had fought his Way

a bitter Camino

across Africa

Sicily

Italy

France

Germany

leaving his best

with the best

fallen comrades

How proud those men had been

of self

country

and each other

Perhaps he had wished

to return whole

to us

and I

his son

would be proud

of him

So now this older self

stands in horror

as if a thought

had triggered a hidden mine

and I listen

to that small boy still within

crying in that untold anguish

for hands let go

too soon

of Grandmother

Father

Mother

for whom I must go a-Camino

to light my candles

say the words

and commit my pebbles

to the Deep

at Finisterre

No model father have I been to mine

and forty years it took

before my son said

"Dad, I love you"

and now

I can say the same of mine

forgiving

all our futures.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

Have you listened to this?
https://www.eimearquinn.com/videos/yann-derrien-with-carlos-nunez.
I love it, and it came straight to my mind, reading your above words...

 

[malingerer]

Have you listened to this?
https://www.eimearquinn.com/videos/yann-derrien-with-carlos-nunez.
I love it, and it came straight to my mind, reading your above words...

have pinned this to START on my desktop and will watch/listen at a later and quiet time. Will probably buy some cheap headphones so as not startle the nayboors!

Buen camino

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

have pinned this to START on my desktop and will watch/listen at a later and quiet time. Will probably buy some cheap headphones so as not startle the nayboors!

Buen camino

Samarkand.

THE SEA SHALL HAVE THEM

A sea-bell rings

from an ancient deep

rung by ocean

that swallowed the ringer

long ago

as silent stand the stones

of ancient dwellings

whose builders

lost the fight

to seas of hunger

but still the bell

tolls

for me

and thee

standing here

on the edge

between shore and ocean

listening

to the siren-cry

of never-sleep.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE SEA SHALL HAVE THEM

A sea-bell rings

from an ancient deep

rung by ocean

that swallowed the ringer

long ago

as silent stand the stones

of ancient dwellings

whose builders

lost the fight

to seas of hunger

but still the bell

tolls

for me

and thee

standing here

on the edge

between shore and ocean

listening

to the siren-cry

of never-sleep.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

STOLEN VOICES

A small child dies

on an Afghan street

discarded by new owners

having been sold by her parents

to make ends meet

she wasted from within

unable to go much further

whilst pilgrims fly

around the world

to walk

to Santiago

I heard her small voice down the timeline

reminding me

of when I walked

over a Dublin bridge

head down against the rain

brusquely passing by

a tinker child crying

with the cold

begging for pennies

and calling to me as I hurried

only to see him again

lying on a sheet of cardboard

in Albania

small hand clutching a tin

with a few coins

eyes almost lifeless

from drugs to ease his pain

and I wonder

are the souls of men now born

with holes

to drain emotion

so that our senses are not clogged

by pity

and we can smell the incense

from a great burner

and listen to great bells

forgetting to ask

for whom the bells toll.

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

STOLEN VOICES

A small child dies

on an Afghan street

discarded by new owners

having been sold by her parents

to make ends meet

she wasted from within

unable to go much further

whilst pilgrims fly

around the world

to walk

to Santiago

I heard her small voice down the timeline

reminding me

of when I walked

over a Dublin bridge

head down against the rain

brusquely passing by

a tinker child crying

with the cold

begging for pennies

and calling to me as I hurried

only to see him again

lying on a sheet of cardboard

in Albania

small hand clutching a tin

with a few coins

eyes almost lifeless

from drugs to ease his pain

and I wonder

are the souls of men now born

with holes

to drain emotion

so that our senses are not clogged

by pity

and we can smell the incense

from a great burner

and listen to great bells

forgetting to ask

for whom the bells toll.

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

OWNERSHIP

The naming of storms

is an arrogance

like old explorers

thinking they own that

which they name

but Child of the Wind

throws that back

in our faces

and pounds the beaches

laughing with the

wildness

of Gale

to see us scurry

before her

like frightened mice

fleeing the hawk.

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[chinacat]

OWNERSHIP

The naming of storms

is an arrogance

like old explorers

thinking they own that

which they name

but Child of the Wind

throws that back

in our faces

and pounds the beaches

laughing with the

wildness

of Gale

to see us scurry

before her

like frightened mice

fleeing the hawk.

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

I always think of stormy winds as being a blessing, cleansing the air that we have polluted.

 

[malingerer]

I always think of stormy winds as being a blessing, cleansing the air that we have polluted.

STORMS

EUNICE

lashes the shores

reminding me

of storms I have survived

Typhoon

mid Pacific

when our ship rolled so far over

it was not believed

she could come back up

but she did

Monsoon

in Hong Kong

with the storm drains

running like rapids

drowning the unwary

and great boulders

loosened from The Peak

crashing down on shanties

taking life

from those who already

had little else to lose

Razor edged blizzards

and whiteouts

in Cairngorm

making ice-shrouds

for the lost

and pilgrims

on their way

to Roncesvalles

becoming ghosts

that whisper

by their markers

So I pray

for that small one with her mother

in the park

and ask the gale-children

to let her pass

and let her home

for flying debris

is not selective.

Walk soft

stay safe

it will be time enough

to whisper

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

STORMS

EUNICE

lashes the shores

reminding me

of storms I have survived

Typhoon

mid Pacific

when our ship rolled so far over

it was not believed

she could come back up

but she did

Monsoon

in Hong Kong

with the storm drains

running like rapids

drowning the unwary

and great boulders

loosened from The Peak

crashing down on shanties

taking life

from those who already

had little else to lose

Razor edged blizzards

and whiteouts

in Cairngorm

making ice-shrouds

for the lost

and pilgrims

on their way

to Roncesvalles

becoming ghosts

that whisper

by their markers

So I pray

for that small one with her mother

in the park

and ask the gale-children

to let her pass

and let her home

for flying debris

is not selective.

Walk soft

stay safe

it will be time enough

to whisper

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

WEATHER

Storm FRANKLIN

brother to EUNICE

charges in

like a rowdy teenager

scattering the already strewn

as crows ignore him

in wheeling pairs

checking on future nest sites

as dogs

run joyously

through the park

remembering their wolf-time

before we tamed them

and I

with no fire

absorb the heat

from a storage heater

and likewise fall

to remembering

as life goes on.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

WEATHER

Storm FRANKLIN

brother to EUNICE

charges in

like a rowdy teenager

scattering the already strewn

as crows ignore him

in wheeling pairs

checking on future nest sites

as dogs

run joyously

through the park

remembering their wolf-time

before we tamed them

and I

with no fire

absorb the heat

from a storage heater

and likewise fall

to remembering

as life goes on.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

CALLING

I cast a dancing rune

to see

what can be seen

and the Butterfly of Time and Space

comes fluttering close

to me

with wings of silk

and eyes of gold

bringing whispers

from the sea

that flows around a Universe

forever

calling me

to summon Self

as Crew

and build

a craft with dreams supplied

to sail beyond Forever

just West

of the Timeless Tides

and ride the waves of Never

which is always

where

I bide.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

CALLING

I cast a dancing rune

to see

what can be seen

and the Butterfly of Time and Space

comes fluttering close

to me

with wings of silk

and eyes of gold

bringing whispers

from the sea

that flows around a Universe

forever

calling me

to summon Self

as Crew

and build

a craft with dreams supplied

to sail beyond Forever

just West

of the Timeless Tides

and ride the waves of Never

which is always

where

I bide.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

UKRAINE

Today

the rain

is blood

Stand firm

tides turn

Tomorrow

Freedom's flag

never furled.

Vaya con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

UKRAINE

Today

the rain

is blood

Stand firm

tides turn

Tomorrow

Freedom's flag

never furled.

Vaya con Dios.

Samarkand.

OF SMOKE AND VELVET

Once

long ago

in a fold of time

at Bethlehem

a small

wide-eyed kitten

watched in wonder

as a child

was born

Later

when all had gone

The Stillness came

and the kitten

softly

padded towards the sleeping infant

The kitten sat

then gently

stretched a paw

in silken stroke

to the child's face

as came The Smile

and it awoke

eyes wide opened

they saw each other

Who knows

what was exchanged

for the cat never tells

and off the kitten went

on a long long journey

through the spirals

of dream

and time

till for a brief

of lives

she stayed

with me

in her mode of Russian Blue

fur soft as silk

eyes full of fable

She went away

but now and then

I wonder

when I am wandering

through my Tiger Years

if what I see

is Smoke and Velvet

singing songs

to me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

OF SMOKE AND VELVET

Once

long ago

in a fold of time

at Bethlehem

a small

wide-eyed kitten

watched in wonder

as a child

was born

Later

when all had gone

The Stillness came

and the kitten

softly

padded towards the sleeping infant

The kitten sat

then gently

stretched a paw

in silken stroke

to the child's face

as came The Smile

and it awoke

eyes wide opened

they saw each other

Who knows

what was exchanged

for the cat never tells

and off the kitten went

on a long long journey

through the spirals

of dream

and time

till for a brief

of lives

she stayed

with me

in her mode of Russian Blue

fur soft as silk

eyes full of fable

She went away

but now and then

I wonder

when I am wandering

through my Tiger Years

if what I see

is Smoke and Velvet

singing songs

to me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

GRAVITY

Rain

falls

here

Bombs

fall

there

Gravity

is impartial

but magpies three

sit

in a rain-soaked tree

and will defy

like Freedom

to fly.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

GRAVITY

Rain

falls

here

Bombs

fall

there

Gravity

is impartial

but magpies three

sit

in a rain-soaked tree

and will defy

like Freedom

to fly.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

CONTRAST

I sit in the pre-dawn dark

drinking coffee

watching the light

creeping in

to the park

For me

no bombs fall

no sirens call

no shell

makes hell

of my home

but I remember

1938

when I was born

and heard the prelude

and my heart constricts.

Walk soft

but pray hard

stay safe

if you can

My thoughts are with those

in desperate need

in this desperate time.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

CONTRAST

I sit in the pre-dawn dark

drinking coffee

watching the light

creeping in

to the park

For me

no bombs fall

no sirens call

no shell

makes hell

of my home

but I remember

1938

when I was born

and heard the prelude

and my heart constricts.

Walk soft

but pray hard

stay safe

if you can

My thoughts are with those

in desperate need

in this desperate time.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

THE WORD

AND

THE BULLET


Twins

to a dreadful

mother

WAR

They seek

their playmates

For one

The Gun

The other

The Poet

each staining the Earth

one

with blood

the other

with trodden dreams

as burdened women

carry children

some dead

to graves

or a fleeting safety

Many

saying goodbyes

perhaps

for ever

they take tomorrows

with them

giving that strength

that only love

can give

to partners

returning

to War


NO PASARAN

I whisper down the wind

NO PASARAN

The Dream

never

dies.

Walk proud

Vaya

con Dios.

SAMARKAND.

 

[malingerer]

THE WORD

AND

THE BULLET


Twins

to a dreadful

mother

WAR

They seek

their playmates

For one

The Gun

The other

The Poet

each staining the Earth

one

with blood

the other

with trodden dreams

as burdened women

carry children

some dead

to graves

or a fleeting safety

Many

saying goodbyes

perhaps

for ever

they take tomorrows

with them

giving that strength

that only love

can give

to partners

returning

to War


NO PASARAN

I whisper down the wind

NO PASARAN

The Dream

never

dies.

Walk proud

Vaya

con Dios.

SAMARKAND.

DAYBREAK

How lovely

the dawn

The park

shyly

puts on

her new coat

of green

The silence

softly admires

The wind is low

and the sun

promises

to be high

and bright

Small birds

begin to flutter

and I am reminded

to replace a feeder

as I drink

my first coffee

of the day

and bask

in solitude.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

DAYBREAK

How lovely

the dawn

The park

shyly

puts on

her new coat

of green

The silence

softly admires

The wind is low

and the sun

promises

to be high

and bright

Small birds

begin to flutter

and I am reminded

to replace a feeder

as I drink

my first coffee

of the day

and bask

in solitude.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

A CHANGE IN THE WAY



My journey

postponed

I am gutted

and face

into the West

and the Wind

still feeling the call

of Ancestor

and a long-ship

moored

in time

awaiting the cast off

and timeless continuation

of that journey

into the setting sun

and then

beyond

to my star-home

Procyon

and refurbishing

resupply

and then

onwards

for the waves

of Universe

are as

Way

beneath my feet.

Walk soft

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

A CHANGE IN THE WAY



My journey

postponed

I am gutted

and face

into the West

and the Wind

still feeling the call

of Ancestor

and a long-ship

moored

in time

awaiting the cast off

and timeless continuation

of that journey

into the setting sun

and then

beyond

to my star-home

Procyon

and refurbishing

resupply

and then

onwards

for the waves

of Universe

are as

Way

beneath my feet.

Walk soft

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

AWAITING SWIFTS

I long for Swifts

yet pray for those

small children

that they may know

that not all things

with wings

are drones

or missiles

Our mother earth

grows irksome

as we become the fleas

of evolution

and irritate her skin

with deadly fratricide

unheeding of tomorrows

but still I pray

for the Swifts of April

May

and summer

flighting to my soul

with feathered hope

in every wingbeat.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

AWAITING SWIFTS

I long for Swifts

yet pray for those

small children

that they may know

that not all things

with wings

are drones

or missiles

Our mother earth

grows irksome

as we become the fleas

of evolution

and irritate her skin

with deadly fratricide

unheeding of tomorrows

but still I pray

for the Swifts of April

May

and summer

flighting to my soul

with feathered hope

in every wingbeat.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

COLOURS

A last claw

from Winter

backed by winds

and rain

flies in The Grey

But defiant

are new leaves

of green

as buds swell

and bark displays

new clothes

in readiness for Easter

Awakening

Arising

And The Purple waits

to greet the Pilgrim

and the incense shrub

will sweeten air

in Nature's own cathedral.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

COLOURS

A last claw

from Winter

backed by winds

and rain

flies in The Grey

But defiant

are new leaves

of green

as buds swell

and bark displays

new clothes

in readiness for Easter

Awakening

Arising

And The Purple waits

to greet the Pilgrim

and the incense shrub

will sweeten air

in Nature's own cathedral.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

TIME TO LET GO.....

the young man said

as we homed in

on each other's accents.

Same land

different tribes.

Understood we both

what was meant.

Time for Elders

to let go

and stop passing on

the ancient pain

to let the young

live

making

a new beginning.

I felt the pain nevertheless

but reached within

to sever the hawser

of the heaviness

of history

and pointed the prow

of self

to a new journey

to share the wonder

of voyage

with a life companion

to touch the light

in every leaf

as joy did speak

in every note

of birdsong

thanking the young

for showing me

The Way.

Vaya con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

TIME TO LET GO.....

the young man said

as we homed in

on each other's accents.

Same land

different tribes.

Understood we both

what was meant.

Time for Elders

to let go

and stop passing on

the ancient pain

to let the young

live

making

a new beginning.

I felt the pain nevertheless

but reached within

to sever the hawser

of the heaviness

of history

and pointed the prow

of self

to a new journey

to share the wonder

of voyage

with a life companion

to touch the light

in every leaf

as joy did speak

in every note

of birdsong

thanking the young

for showing me

The Way.

Vaya con Dios.

Samarkand.

BLOSSOM

Drifting West

ahead of a bitter biting

Eastern wind

The Blossom reminds me

of the children of conflict

unable to withstand

the charlatans of cruelty

till they die

like the blossom

underfoot

often

unsung

Vaya

con Dios

I whisper

thinking also of pilgrims

trudging West

past markers of those

who could

like the blossom

float

no further.

walk soft

stay safe

pray hard

think deep.

Samarkand.