Friends? No. Why not? I still love you. Part of the mosaics cycle of poems

Talk with me. Silence! A taste of darkness. Part of the mosaics cycle of poems

once you said "nothing has changed" but you were so wrong Part of the mosaics cycle of poems

Cotton fluffy clouds sailing in clear blue skies English roses blooming in perfect English gardens. Perfect English oak trees rooting to the Magna Carta in this perfect English village with its perfect village green. Connie recalls her night of lust and smiles drifting into dreams of Oliver. Clifford seeks comfort in the Sunday Telegraph brooding over affairs of state and the dark satanic mills turning to the winds of Europe. Wrapped in the Union Jack he hankers for the day when freedom will come to his hallowed land again. At the fete jealous wives watch with envy sweet half-virgins of sixteen run around in skimpy dresses selling kisses for a shilling, jolly Morris dancers are dancing on the green, stalls are selling fruitcake and strawberries with cream. The vicar in his pulpit like a soul possessed seethes with righteous anger preaching yet another sermon to an empty church and England's heart will beat for ever in this green and pleasant land.

In the season of dusk and sadness, I recall flights of little swallows heading down south across the sleepy skies of summer ‘Is this it?’ asks a baffled man. A blackbird on the chimney squawks, 'There’ll never be another springtime' then it jeers and mocks him. The jester loves the young queen, and a mournful owl on the roof hoots the prince's final lines: ‘The rest is silence. 1 *’ The trees withered and almost bare, plead with Persephone to stay— they know September is almost here. 1 Hamlet's final line A few words about the poem…   Poems of Despair: A Reflection on "Springtime"   The poem "Springtime" navigates the transition from summer to autumn, capturing a mood steeped in despair and loneliness. The imagery of withering trees and mournful creatures resonates with the themes found in many of poems of despair, where the natural world mirrors the emotional landscape of the characters depicted.   The poem opens with a scene evocative of the closing days of summer, described as a "season of dusk and sadness." This phrase immediately sets the tone of melancholy that pervades the poem, suggesting that even the warmth and light of summer are tinged with sorrow. The swallows, traditionally symbols of hope and renewal, are portrayed in a subdued manner, flying across "sleepy skies," as if the vitality of summer is already waning.   In the second stanza, the poem introduces a human element with the "baffled man," whose confusion and disillusionment reflect a broader existential despair. The blackbird's squawk, declaring that "There’ll never be another springtime," serves as a harsh reminder of the inevitability of change and the finality of lost opportunities. The bird’s jeering tone underscores the cruelty of time's passage, further deepening the poem’s exploration of loneliness and despair.   The third stanza shifts to a more allegorical scene, where the jester’s unrequited love for the young queen and the prince’s final lines—"The rest is silence"—evoke themes of unfulfilled desire and the inescapability of death. The jester's love for the young queen is a poignant representation of improbable love, highlighting the futility of pursuing something unattainable. It also serves as a metaphor for man's futile attempts to halt the advance of time and the inevitable onset of old age. The jester, a figure often associated with folly, reflects the human condition where, despite knowing the futility of their efforts, people still strive to achieve the impossible. The mournful owl, an emblem of wisdom and foresight, echoes the sentiment of finality, reinforcing the sense that all things must come to an end.   The poem concludes with the image of withered trees, almost bare, pleading with Persephone to stay. This reference to the Greek myth of Persephone, who must return to the underworld each autumn, encapsulates the central theme of poems of despair and loneliness: the inescapable cycle of loss and renewal, where even the natural world is subject to the forces of decline and separation. The trees' desperation to hold onto Persephone, knowing that September—and the death of summer—is imminent, serves as a powerful metaphor for the human desire to resist change, despite its inevitability.   In summary, "Springtime" is a poem that explores the themes of despair and loneliness through its vivid imagery and symbolic references. The transition from summer to autumn becomes a metaphor for the broader human experience of loss, longing, and the passage of time. By weaving together elements of nature, mythology, and existential reflection, the poem offers a poignant meditation on the inevitable decline that accompanies the change of seasons and the human condition itself.

The master puppeteer gathers all his marionettes for a grand performance.   He strides on stage stern and in full control— the undisputed only king of their puppet world.   Tonight, the puppets will perform a drama of love and painful loss of loyalty and betrayal.   But all is not well in the land of make believe tonight. Despondent and unhappy, the puppets huddle in dark corners muttering words of courage and dreams of revolution.   Yet they know they are not fighters. Losing their resolve, they bow their puppet heads and return once more to the drudgery of the puppet world.   All but one.   Calmly, he stalks in silence until one night he begins to spin yarns of daring courage and brave tales of insurrection.   Stirred, they rise all as one. ‘All puppets are born equal’, they cry and plunge their little knives into the master puppeteer's back.   The marionettes are now in a panic— it is time for tonight's performance and there is no one to take command.   'What will become of us?’ they yell and shriek in terror.   Into the light with a hundred shiny medals pinned on his valiant chest, steps out from the darkest corner their new heroic and glorious leader. A few words about the poem… The Allegory of Power in "The Glorious Leader" and Its Reflection in the Political Poems   "The Glorious Leader" is a compelling addition to the collection "Political OP" offering a nuanced exploration of power dynamics and the consequences of political upheaval. Through its symbolic narrative, the poem serves as a trenchant critique of the transition from the old tsarist order to the dictatorial regime of Stalin, highlighting the perils of authoritarian rule and the manipulation of opportunism.   The master puppeteer symbolizes the entrenched authority of the old tsarist regime, maintaining control over the marionettes with an iron grip reminiscent of the autocratic rule of the tsars. His stern demeanour and unquestioned dominance mirror the oppressive structures of the pre-revolutionary era, where power resided in the hands of a privileged few at the expense of the masses.   Discontent festers among the marionettes of the puppet world, reflecting the simmering unrest of Russian society before the Bolshevik Revolution. Despite their dreams of revolution, the puppets initially succumb to resignation, mirroring the inertia and disillusionment that plagued the populace under the old order.   However, one puppet emerges as a symbol of revolutionary fervour, embodying the spirit of change and defiance against the established order. Through tales of courage and rebellion, this figure galvanizes his peers to challenge the entrenched authority of the master puppeteer, exposing the opportunism and deceit inherent in maintaining the status quo.   The puppets' revolt against the master puppeteer mirrors the overthrow of the old tsarist regime, as the forces of revolution sweep aside the relics of the past in pursuit of a new social order. The emergence of "The Glorious Leader" is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power amid the chaos and uncertainty of revolution. In a chilling parallel to Stalin's rise to prominence, the poem exposes the brutality and tyranny of the new dictator, whose reign of terror eclipses the oppression of the old regime. "The Glorious Leader's ascension illustrates the irony of revolution betrayed, as freedom and equality are subverted by Stalin's authoritarian regime.   In conclusion, "The Glorious Leader" offers a poignant reflection on the tumultuous transition from the old tsarist order to the Stalinist regime, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics and the enduring struggle for social justice in the face of oppression and upheaval. Through its allegorical lens, the poem invites readers to contemplate the profound impact of political change and the dangers of authoritarian rule in shaping the course of history.

Night falls on London Town. Hustlers, dancers, and musicians and all who know the seedier side of city life begin to drift to work.   Men steal greedy glances at teenage girls in low-cut dresses and hungry youngsters full of lust head for Soho to the bars and clubs. New lovers meet, old lovers kiss and the smell of sex is hanging in the air.   Home-sick fragile girls —most almost children— begin once more their life of shame.   Bewildered and afraid they lean in darkened doorways ready to sell their battered bodies on seedy beds in dingy basements.   Homeless wrecks, gather at Waterloo to spend their night in cardboard boxes. Their stories never told—from a baby girl or baby boy to a drunken mess, with nothing in their wretched lives but a flask of meths.   Three in the morning.   John O'Kelly in an alcoholic stupor tries in vain to forget Veronica. She had said she would stay forever but as she was promising undying love she was opening their door to leave.   All is quiet at this hour except for the sound of those hurting and of all who lost all hope and of the sound of Johnny's body floating silently down the river. A few words about the poem… Poems of Despair: An Analysis of “The Ballad of John O’Kelly”   "The Ballad of John O’Kelly" is a striking example of poems of despair and loneliness, delving deep into the bleak realities of life on the margins of society. Through its vivid portrayal of London's nocturnal world, the poem captures the profound isolation and sorrow experienced by its characters, reflecting a broader commentary on the human condition.   The poem begins with the descent of night over London, signalling the emergence of those who navigate the city's underbelly. The initial verses paint a picture of a world where desperation and longing are ever-present, with men casting "greedy glances" and "hungry youngsters" seeking momentary satisfaction in the hedonistic spaces of Soho. This setting serves as a backdrop for the exploration of despair and loneliness that characterises the lives of the poem's subjects.   Central to the poem's theme are the "home-sick fragile girls," whose presence underscores the vulnerability of youth drawn into cycles of exploitation. Described as "almost children," these girls embody a tragic innocence lost, forced into "a life of shame" that perpetuates their isolation. Their bewilderment and fear, as they "lean in darkened doorways," highlight the emotional desolation that defines their existence. These images resonate with the theme of despair that runs through the poem, marking it as a poignant addition to the tradition of poems of despair and loneliness.   The poem’s focus then shifts to the homeless, gathering at Waterloo station. The image of "homeless wrecks" spending the night in "cardboard boxes" is a powerful commentary on the alienation faced by society’s most disenfranchised. Their "stories never told" emphasise the invisibility of these individuals, whose lives have been reduced to "a flask of meths." This portrayal serves as a critique of a society that neglects its most vulnerable, leaving them in a state of perpetual despair and loneliness.   John O’Kelly, the poem's titular character, is introduced in the final stanzas, epitomising the personal toll of loneliness. His attempt to "forget Veronica" in an "alcoholic stupor" reflects the depth of his despair, as he grapples with the emotional void left by her departure. The image of his "body floating silently down the river" at the poem’s close is a stark representation of the ultimate surrender to hopelessness. This quiet demise, unnoticed by the world, encapsulates the profound isolation that can accompany such despair.   "The Ballad of John O’Kelly" offers a sombre reflection on the themes of despair and loneliness, positioning itself within a tradition of poems that explore the darker aspects of the human experience. Through its stark imagery and unflinching portrayal of life on the margins, the poem invites readers to confront the realities faced by those who live in the shadows of society. In doing so, it contributes to a broader discourse on the emotional and psychological impacts of loneliness and despair, making it a compelling example of poems of despair and loneliness.   This poem is dedicated to my dear friend John O’Kelly, may he rest in peace.

In a moment of confusion, an uninvited shadow with a medal dangling proudly around his neck slithered into the poet’s bedroom. Wounded verses poured from the young man’s mouth into a leaden night of sorrow, searching for the stolen moon. It is dawn now in Alfacar; the poet is serene and peaceful. We can see the sky in his eyes, but the sky is made of glass— cracked and painted red. Read A short biography of Federico García Lorca   Spain's greatest poet and playwright A few words about the poem… A Tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca : The Assassin's Haunting Tale   The poem "The Assassin's Tale," a tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca in the collection Political Poems, serves as an allegory for the death of renowned Spanish poet and playwright. The poem depicts a moment of confusion when an unwelcome figure, symbolizing Lorca's assassin, intrudes into the poet's bedroom.   The assassin proudly wears a medal around his neck, representing the ideological motivations behind Lorca's killing. The poem emphasises the tragic nature of Lorca's death through the imagery of wounded verses flowing from the poet’s mouth, searching for the stolen moon, symbolizing the loss of inspiration and creativity caused by his demise.   The mention of Alfacar, a village in Spain where Lorca was executed, and the portrayal of the poet as serene and peaceful in death underscore the poem's connection to Lorca's tragic fate. The final image of the cracked and painted red sky in the poet's eyes suggests the shattered dreams and bloodshed resulting from his untimely end.

Rachel screams. A ripping pain mauls her body but the cruel abuser has no pity. Aysha gasps for breath. The bombs keep falling and a ton of rubble crushes her tiny chest. Rachel and Aysha holding hands, weep at the gates of Salem but the Lord is deaf. A few words about the poem… Anti-War Poems | The Tragedy and Hypocrisy within the Conflict Machinery In the poem "Rachel and Aysha," part of the collection “Anti-War Poems,” the stark verses unfold with an unyielding focus on the senseless nature of armed conflict, a perennial human tragedy that, often, concludes through negotiation rather than a triumph of arms. The agony depicted in the narratives of Rachel and Aysha serves as a poignant reminder of the catastrophic toll war exacts, particularly on the innocent. The rawness of Rachel's screams and Aysha's final breath serves as a testament to the brutality inflicted upon the vulnerable, highlighting the tragic reality that warfare thrusts upon the young. These verses paint a vivid, unflinching portrait of the profound pain experienced by children caught in the crossfire of conflict. The golden gates of Old Jerusalem, a symbol of antiquity and resilience, stand as silent witnesses to the relentless cycle of violence that persists despite the passage of time. The narrative further underscores the senseless nature of wars, emphasizing that negotiations, not the relentless march of armies, typically bring about their resolution. It is a reflection on the absurdity that often accompanies armed conflicts, where the ultimate resolution is found not in the triumph of might but in the deliberations around a table. In contemplating the tragedy of war, it becomes evident that those who bear the brunt of its horrors, particularly the young, are not the architects of such conflicts. The decision-makers, ensconced in positions of power and privilege, seldom experience the ultimate sacrifice demanded by the wars they orchestrate. This glaring asymmetry between those who declare war and those who pay its price serves as a scathing commentary on the inherent injustice embedded in the machinery of armed conflict. Moreover, the verses implicitly criticize the hypocrisy of superpowers who often resort to proxy wars to further their geopolitical ambitions. This cynical manoeuvring using others as pawns in a deadly game exposes the dissonance between the professed pursuit of justice and the covert pursuit of self-interest. Proxy wars, devoid of any moral high ground, lay bare the manipulation and exploitation at the heart of international power dynamics. In crafting an anti-war narrative, it is crucial to acknowledge the human cost of conflicts, the disproportionate burden borne by the innocent, and the duplicitous strategies employed by those who wield geopolitical influence. "Rachel and Aysha" becomes a poignant plea against the perpetuation of violence, a call to question the motives behind armed conflicts, and a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize diplomacy over the destructive allure of armed warfare.

At six o'clock with his open casket on their stooping shoulders the frozen mourners shiver and stumble in the mud. The lilac march rises in the sombre streets and a eulogy draped in black weeps silently in the censer. When he closed his eyes at three in the afternoon under the shade of a dwarf lament a moth puzzled by the brightness of the moon sat trembling on his upper lip. It lay in his tobacco-stained moustache with eyes full of sorcery and sang "La Cumparsita" accompanied by three doleful voices of gypsies on guitars. His mother howling like a jilted dog, called out to him by his name at birth; a name no one had heard since the day the laughing son was born. The padre ran to the house of endless misery but all he saw were two soldiers crossing off his name from their list and night's first-born child fleeing through the side gate disguised as a yellow moth. A few words about the poem…   Political Poems:  The Story of the Laughing Son   Gabriel García Márquez’s novel "Chronicle of a Death Foretold" provides fertile ground for poetic adaptation, and "The Story of the Laughing Son" is a compelling example within the genre of Political poems. This poem weaves a narrative that captures the tragedy and fatalism intrinsic to the source material, presenting a scene rich in imagery and steeped in sorrow.   At its core, the poem opens with a stark image: "At six o'clock / with his open casket / on their stooping shoulders / the frozen mourners shiver / and stumble in the mud." This vignette immediately sets the sombre tone, depicting the weight of grief borne by the community. The use of "frozen mourners" and "stumble in the mud" juxtaposes physical and emotional burdens, anchoring the reader in a moment of collective mourning.   The poem's lilac march through solemn streets evokes a sense of ritualistic mourning, enhanced by the "eulogy draped in black" that "weeps silently in the censer." This evocative detail situates the reader in a procession that is as much about the performance of grief as it is about its personal experience. The use of lilac, a colour often associated with spring and renewal, contrasts sharply with the funereal imagery, suggesting a bittersweet tension between life and death.   When the poem shifts to the moment of death at three in the afternoon, it focuses on a surreal detail: "a moth puzzled by the brightness of the moon / sat trembling on his upper lip." This image imbues the scene with a quiet, almost mystical quality. The moth, an emblem of transformation and fleetingness, adds a layer of symbolism to the narrative, echoing themes of mortality and the ephemeral nature of life. The moth's presence on the "tobacco-stained moustache" further humanizes the deceased, connecting him to everyday, earthy elements even in death.   The inclusion of "La Cumparsita," a well-known tango, sung by "three doleful voices / of gypsies on guitars," infuses the scene with cultural resonance and a melancholic melody. This auditory element enriches the reader's sensory experience, blending the visual and the auditory to deepen the emotional impact.   The poem reaches a poignant climax with the mother’s anguished cry, "howling like a jilted dog," as she invokes his birth name, a name long forgotten by the community. This moment underscores the profound personal loss and the disjunction between public and private grief. The mother’s cry is both a lamentation and a reclamation of identity, highlighting the enduring bond between parent and child even in death.   The narrative's conclusion introduces the padre and the ominous detail of "two soldiers crossing off / his name from their list," a clear nod to the premeditated nature of the assassination. This bureaucratic action starkly contrasts with the mother's visceral grief, underscoring the cold, detached machinery of death.   The final image of "night's first-born child / fleeing through the side gate / disguised as a yellow moth" brings the poem full circle, returning to the motif of the moth. This transformation reveals that the moth resting on his moustache earlier was Death in disguise. The moth's escape symbolizes the release of the soul from earthly constraints, with Death assuming the form of the yellow moth, bringing about the ultimate encounter with eternity. The yellow moth, bright and conspicuous, becomes a symbol of Death's persistent presence and the inevitable fate awaiting all.   "The Story of the Laughing Son" stands as a powerful example of political poems, capturing the essence of Márquez’s narrative while imbuing it with its own poetic life. Through its vivid imagery and poignant details, it offers a meditation on death, memory, and the enduring human spirit, ensuring its place within the rich tapestry of political poems.

The crazed painter dips his brush into the hues of his squalid mind. He pours his twisted visions onto the temple walls— putrid green to drown the lamb, red and black for the demons dancing on the towers. With his paintbrush, a dagger drawn at midnight, he paints The Star and three wise impostors until everyone is pierced by his poisoned arrows; bruised and bleeding, they gasp for their betrayed lives. He smears the manikins with bright red lipstick and parts their frail thighs. Their torn see-through negligees and scarlet panties are down to their knees and the spectators ogle the disfigured dolls, masturbating in unmuted frenzy. Botticelli's Venus emerges from the rancid waters, a skull and a few broken bones, yet she is more alluring than these promiscuous manikins sprawled out by the riverbank with such abandon. Depraved faces with distorted vision shine in the dark but the painter with a single stroke of his jealous brush blindfolds their lurid eyes. The masterpiece, complete with salivating manikins and bloated corpses, now hangs in a renowned gallery. Patrons come to glimpse the mind of this tortured genius. Aspiring artists, teachers and their pupils armed with pens and pads kneel and stare in awe and renowned critics crowd around writing perceptive words to feature in the columns of the Sunday newspapers. Amazed, I watch from my world of two dimensions wishing for such an insight into my own crazy mind. A few words about the poem…   Satire Poems: The Psyche of Modern Society in "The Mind of a Tortured Genius"   "The Mind of a Tortured Genius," from the Satire Poems, offers a vivid tableau that delves into the psyche of a crazed painter, revealing deep-seated critiques of contemporary societal behaviours. This poem, rich in surrealist imagery and complex themes, subtly addresses modern society's inclination to blindly follow trends, mindlessly echoing popular opinions without genuine understanding, and bestowing praise where it may not be warranted.   Surrealist poems, known for their ability to transcend reality and explore the subconscious, provide a compelling framework for critiquing societal norms. In "The Mind of a Tortured Genius," the surrealist elements create a haunting narrative that reflects the superficiality and herd mentality prevalent in today's world. The crazed painter, a symbolic figure of the misunderstood artist, uses his brush to project his inner turmoil onto the world, mirroring society's tendency to celebrate the sensational without true appreciation.   The poem opens with the painter dipping his brush into the "hues of his squalid mind," setting the tone for a narrative that is both disturbing and evocative. The colours—putrid green, red, and black—are not just representations of the painter's mental state but also metaphors for the various emotions and conflicts within modern society. These hues highlight the contrast between outward appearances and the often chaotic inner reality, mirroring society's fascination with the grotesque and sensational.   As the poem unfolds, the imagery becomes increasingly grotesque and pointed. The painter's depiction of "manikins with bright red lipstick" and "torn see-through negligees" serves as a critique of society's objectification and commodification. This stark imagery underscores the dehumanizing aspects of modern culture, where individuals are reduced to spectacles for public consumption. The manikins, ogled by spectators in "unmuted frenzy," symbolize society's voyeuristic tendencies and its superficial engagement with art and culture.   Amidst this bleakness, the emergence of Botticelli's Venus from "rancid waters" as a "skull and a few broken bones" stands out as a powerful metaphor. This transformation represents the resilience and enduring spirit of those who maintain their integrity and authenticity despite societal pressures. Venus, more alluring than the "promiscuous manikins," symbolizes the beauty of genuine artistry and the strength of character that prevails over superficiality.   The poem's climax, where the painter "blindfolds their lurid eyes" with a single stroke, can be interpreted as a symbolic act of defiance against the superficial gaze of society. This moment signifies a reclaiming of dignity and autonomy, challenging the spectators' passive consumption and prompting them to look beyond the surface. It is a powerful statement on the artist's role in revealing deeper truths and resisting the urge to conform to popular expectations.   In its conclusion, the poem shifts focus to the reception of the painter's masterpiece in a renowned gallery. Here, the poet juxtaposes the superficial admiration of critics and patrons with the deeper understanding sought by aspiring artists and teachers. This contrast highlights the disconnect between popular opinion and genuine appreciation, critiquing society's propensity to heap praise where it may not be due. The poem subtly encourages readers to question the validity of such accolades and to seek their own understanding.   "The Mind of a Tortured Genius" stands as a compelling satire of modern society within the context of the series Surrealist Poems. Through its vivid imagery and layered symbolism, it challenges readers to think critically about societal behaviours and the nature of artistic appreciation. By alluding to the mindless repetition of popular opinions and the superficiality of modern culture, the poem calls for a deeper engagement with art and a more thoughtful consideration of what truly merits praise.

I live inside her twisted mind. There was no choice. She left the door ajar and casually asked me to come in— youth can be so careless these days. At night, listening to the lullabies of a lovelorn owl, we watch the moonrise in the waters of the river past her door. First-time riffs, trip on the wings of ravens counting the banjos in the Poplar Valley. I consume her thoughts relentlessly. In vain, she shrieks and curses me to leave her but we both know I’m an obsessive songsmith with an agenda: I want to tune that off-key flute she’s been hiding inside her bedroom since the day she turned sixteen—she knows I’m her only lover, and I will not abide by her kind of angry music. Part of the   mosaics   cycle of poems A few words about the poem…   The Obsessive Songsmith | A Toxic Love Poem  In the surreal poem "I Will Always be her Lover," from the series Toxic Love, the narrator delves into the intricacies of a relationship existing within the realms of a twisted mind. The portrayal of the narrator's presence within the subject's consciousness is marked by a certain inevitability, a consequence of the door left ajar and a casual invitation that reflects the carelessness of youth.   The nocturnal setting, accompanied by the melancholic serenade of a lovelorn owl and the observation of the moonrise over the river, adds a layer of atmospheric depth to the narrative. The introduction of first-time riffs and the imagery of ravens counting banjos in the Poplar Valley evoke a sense of surrealism, contributing to the overall dreamlike quality of the poem.   The narrator's relentless consumption of the subject's thoughts, highlights a certain possessiveness that goes beyond mere infatuation and despite the subject's futile attempts to repel his presence, the narrator sees himself as an obsessive songsmith with a distinct agenda. The agenda however is only revealed as a metaphor in the next stanza leaving the reader to bring his own fantasies to the tale.   The central motif revolves around the desire to tune the off-key flute concealed within the subject's bedroom since her sixteenth year. This metaphorical instrument may represent a part of her identity or emotions that have been hidden or suppressed. The narrator asserts himself as her exclusive lover, unwilling to tolerate the discordant notes of her "angry music."