Riding High

Riding high is a very apt title for this news blog, although it could be riding the waves I guess, as I’m off on another cruise in a few days, BUT I am rarely totally resting as I will be reading my poems out on this ship again, as I did on last cruise in February.

I must refer back to title Riding High title then because I have had a very busy but amazing and successful recent period, including increased local recognition, but also some humbling and stunning compliments about my “Poetry World” and “energetic” efforts for Help for Heroes and charity work. This was again “amazingly recognised” and compounded by an award of Community Champion by Hailsham and District Chamber of Commerce, and as voted on by other members made it double, no triple, meaningful.

First poem then and very tongue in cheek from me as a response to a “Twit” in my early publishing career, and featured in my 3rd book, so back to 2015 =

Poetic Prigs Presume

When is our poetry not poetry?

Apart from decree by a pretentious prig,

Who decides his opinion carries all

Like a judge presiding in his wig!

But away from all his dogma

There are mostly differing views,

For some like to tie up every line

Whilst others rhyme in twos.

Of course there is prose then

That forms up in no special way

And flows about a subject,

With no need at all to stay

Exactly to a point or course,

Or even with a topic theme.

Then leads you across anywhere

As if you were in a dream.

Thus as long as it is a pleasure

Poetry can be anything you choose,

From simple usual rhyming verse

To flyaway words about a muse.

That mine is very down to earth

And modern with a story telling style,

Suits me and many who like it,

Though elitist snobs may rile.

At this usurper who is new

And writes simply so you can see,

The essence of the poems

Which certainly pleases me!

*

Yes, and after that an old famous “one liner” from a film comes to mind, so “Just look at me now Baby!

More news then, and my 15th book “Poetic Passions” was recently published with my excellent website and Publisher James Harvey (James@soulsong.co.uk  – Home – Soulsong Publishing )doing another brilliant job with the book covers, check it out. Meanwhile the book is proving popular and starting to sell very well too.

Add to this a very well received commissioned poem for a lady who was retiring and found me on Google, another smashing gig at a regular care home and last Saturday a great collection and book sale at Tesco Langney for Help for Heroes. Yes, busy, busy, busy.

It will be timely now to reflect back over all of that, so my lead poem for my 13th book “Reflections”..

Reflection

You may not get true reflections

Unless they are sent back to you,

By astute and impartial eyes

That watch the things you do.

Or maybe it’s about your reactions

To experiences of the world you had,

Which always provoke responses

Should they be good or bad.

So indulge comments from neutrals

On your behaviours in the world,

Because you will get genuine views

When their reflections are unfurled.

*

JOKE TIME :-

Moving swiftly on then, and Ted & Beth are waving at me for a mention, and perhaps one of their poems next News Blog when I return from cruising, and I should add that their own book, “Tea For Two: Poetic Antics of Ted & Beth” is selling very well and popular with all ages, YAY, I got that right as well.

Nearly time to close then as I have packing to do, so as ever BIG THANKS for everyone who supports and follows me, which includes my Facebook pages!

Last poem then and as usual a Romance one that features proudly in my 15th and latest book “Poetic Passions”..

Picture

When I contemplate a painting

I always think of you,

Pretty as any art work

And so lovely with it too.

For no Mona Lisa picture

Or da Vinci at his best,

Could ever create attraction

That could ever pass your test.

For brush strokes can’t come alive

However clever is the touch,

And inner and outer beauty

Will always need so much

To capture all its presentation,

Only fully blossomed in the flesh

That no painting can fully copy

Or have a scent so fresh.

Thus a living breathing person

Is real beauty to behold,

So however warm a painting looks,

When you touch it, it feels cold.

Thus indulge any masterpiece

You may have for real,

As you are truly a collector

With your picture you can feel.

So when appraising your treasure

Of art in human form,

Don’t ever take it for granted

Or believe it’s just the norm.

For you must love and cultivate

Your own Mona Lisa smile,

Remembering you have it always

And not for just a while.

*

Closing then and again thanks for all support and encouragement as The Journey Continues….RIDING HIGH and SUCCESSFUL

Love, light and smiles,

Laurie xx