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World Poetry Day

It’s World Poetry Day; I thought I’d write a stanza or two,
To raise a metaphorical glass to the clever things poetry can do.
A shapely expression of language; the form can take so many styles,
A quick limerick, varied verse, or perhaps just something to make you smile.

Some poems use figurative language, describing in a non traditional way,
Some poems prefer rhyme, adding pattern to what they say.
Some poems play with meter, giving structure to their length,
So many styles of poems, each with their own strengths.

But one of the wonders of poetry, in my mind anyway,
Is there are no hard or fast rules, to how you say the things you say.
So happy World Poetry Day to everyone far and wide,
And by toasting World Poetry Day, we’re somehow all allied.

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Thought of The Week – Happy Mother’s Day!

If you can be a little pedantic about grammar like me, you may be wondering whether today is Mothers’ Day (as in the day of multiple
Mothers) or Mother’s Day (as in the day of a mother). For once, I’m quite relaxed about it, either can make sense I think.

It’s not often I’ll be so relaxed about things being written right, but when mums (and dads), come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and guises, and so often help us keep going when all else around us feels chaotic, somehow it feels quite apt. 😀

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Not Dropped A Balll…..

I’m not normally a football stadium attendee,
In fact I’ve only been a couple of times – two, maybe three.
This time I went, not a ball was in sight,
My support today was for the COVID 19 fight.

I marvelled at the vaccination hub, so incredibly set up,
I’d say far worthier than football for a winners cup.
Swiftly I moved from check in to jab,
Efficient, organised and generally fab!

The wonders of science delivered through a quick sharp scratch,
From something so small, protection can hatch.
An incredibly great development, hopefully will end our isolation,
The race now on to vaccinate the nation.

Vaccination card in hand, I was quickly outside,
I took a moment to reflect and hope so many are filled with pride.
For what the NHS have done to support us all,
I’ll remember forever the football stadium trip, with no sight of a ball!

 

 

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Thought of The Week – What’s Happening With The Word Queue?

The pronunciation of the word ‘queue’ is curiously unchanged when the last four letters are taken away. So what’s the point of the last four letters? Those linguists amongst you may want to form an orderly queue (!) with explanations of the origins of language, but I prefer to think there’s a more subtle lesson in there waiting for us to figure out. Understand there is always more to something than meets the eye. Exploit the time you spend queuing to do something else whilst you wait. Think about it and repeat! 

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Thought of The Week – Even Impossible Says “I’m Possible”.

Having had more months than I care to count in lockdown, many of us have learned to do countless new things – be it from taking up a new hobby, to home schooling, to learning about the possibilities brought to us by technology. Ever the optimist, I’ve been reflecting on the benefits that have come from travelling uncharted waters and I’ve come to the conclusion that the silver lining of the last year is most of us have learned to do things in new, often simpler ways and to question our assumptions.  Through new experiences (forced on us though COVID 19 was!) we’ve learnt new skills, broadened our perspectives, and sometimes deepened our understanding of ourselves and those around us. So whilst back to normal is hopefully not too far around the corner, I’m resolved to keep the learning going.  This month I’ve been learning how to solve a Rubik’s cube. What it has reminded me is a simple motto that can be applied to all walks of life: eveything is possible with the right attitude and perseverance. 😀