Category DVerse

Rotten Borough – dVerse

freyathewriter 34 Comments

I want to connect with you, deep down inside

but I’m deeply disturbed by your tissue of lies,

in front of others, you’re polished and sleek –

you manage to obscure just what hides beneath.

You’ve done it before, the veneer has been fine

and your gift of the gab has played tricks with my mind.

You’ve courted, persuaded, played to my tune,

dazzled and sparkled, my energy’s consumed.

Resistance is futile, you believe in your power

whilst my boat of lost hope is bound to founder

on rocks of persuasion; as politicians stand

I can’t help but wondering – are we all damned?

IMG_1541

———-

This week, on dVerse Meeting the Bar, Karin has asked us to write in slant, or near rhyme, which I enjoy both reading, and writing. I’m posting early and linking up to Karin’s post later, as I will be hot-footing it to the polling station to vote in the European elections. As you can see from my poem, I do wonder at the sanity of it all, but better to vote than not at all, that’s not in question. My personal politics, other than ones I have shared before on the future of our planet are not for here, but I imagine you have a fair idea of the sorts of things I really can’t abide.

By the way, the title of my piece, ‘Rotten Borough’, is the name that was used for parliamentary boroughs or constituencies in the UK which had a very small electorate and could be used by a patron to gain undue influence in the House of Commons until the Reform Act of 1832, which disenfranchised them. For example, Old Sarum in Wiltshire had 3 house, 7 voters and 2 Members of Parliament! See Wikipedia for more examples!

Please pop over to dVerse to see how others have risen to the slant rhyme challenge – I will be hooking up and linking up later!

 

 

Mercury

freyathewriter 42 Comments

They say that we worshipped the sun once –

bared our skin and lay for hours, motionless

except to turn and baste, baste, baste

like hog-roasts rotating on spits,

English rose complexions transformed to copper.

 

They say that we feared the winter then –

covered our bodies in chemically engineered layers,

refusing to let the crisp air penetrate,

wishing the dark days away,

as if time was ours to discard

with no consequences.

 

They say all this.

The world must have been different then.

———

Inspiration

‘Snow can lift my heart in a way that sunshine never could.‘

I have waited, and you have come
Martine McDonagh

———-

This week, on dVerse Poetics, Mary asks us to write poetry inspired by quotations – or by a photo, or by a headline in a newspaper, or, or, or… let’s get inspired!

I have used a quotation from one of my favourite dystopian novels, ‘I have waited, and you have come’ by Martine McDonagh. I highly recommend it! My poem is set in a future where the sun is to be feared, not welcomed…

Please pop over to dVerse to see how others have risen to the challenge!

 

 

Limelight

freyathewriter 45 Comments

“When does it start? I need the loo.”

“Oh, I think in a moment or two.”

Do you want some water, in case you go dry?”

“Sssh! I’m listening, I’ll tell you why

in a minute, if you’ll just wait there.

I think I can see – yes, he’s the compere.”

“Well, put your name down, get on the list!

To come all this way, then only to miss

your chance to read, that would be a shame.

I want them to hear you, to know your name,

to learn how great your poetry is.

So step on over, don’t get in a tizz!”

“OK, I’m going! Please get me a drink,

my throat is so parched, I can hardly think.”

“I offered you that, a while ago,

just get your name down, please don’t be slow

in grabbing this wonderful chance to take part,

or I’ll drive home without you, and it’s getting dark!”

“Alright, I’ve done it! My name is submitted.

I can’t turn back, I’ve just committed

to read aloud, the spotlight’s on me.

So please, I beg, will you get me a tea?”

“Too late, my dear, the lights have turned low.

He’s calling your name – get on with the show!”

———-

Tonight, Claudia is hosting dVerse Meeting the Bar and has asked us to write poetry in the form of conversation. Riding on the wave of yesterday’s fantastic evening where I took part in my first ever poetry reading night, at the Chinwag event at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, I decided to be light-hearted. This rhyming conversation does somewhat mirror the circular discussion my best friend suffered with me beforehand, as I dithered a little over putting my name down, should, shouldn’t I have drink, what if, what if, what if…?! Whilst my heart was pounding like fury when I started reading, it was great fun and I received proper applause, not just that kind smattering that I was worried about!

I hope you enjoy this slightly comedic piece – please do let me know. And please, do pop in to dVerse, find the Mr Linky, read a few/all of the other poems and think about taking part yourself!