Tag War

Gauntlet

freyathewriter 55 Comments

Discover me, hiding between the bookshelves

My trenches from which to peer out at the world.

 

Discover me, a hardback in front of my face

My shield and protector from prying eyes.

 

Discover me, writing as fast as the words come to mind

My pen is my sword, I’ll use it to fight.

 

Discover me.

Unravel me.

Reveal me.

 

There just might be more to me than you think.

 

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Hurrah! It’s the monthly fun that is dVerse Open Link, and the bar is open! Beth is tending bar today – she’s new, so be kind, and don’t tut, roll your eyes or indicate any other expressions of impatience as she learns where all the special beers and ales are kept.

This monthly get together has no theme, it is purely for us poets to offer up our creations and revel in all the offerings laid out before us. Why not join in, either be reading and commenting, or even by putting your work on show too? We don’t bite!

My offering is partially inspired by the inner life of a solitary writer, mixed up with influences from recent family history talk and many wonderful photos I was lucky enough to see last weekend, en famille.

 

 

Blueprint – Friday Fictioneers

freyathewriter 45 Comments

Here is my late entry into the weekly challenge brought to us by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

Here are the rules: Use the photo as inspiration, write a hundred(ish) words – and share! Here goes my offering for this week – and I welcome your comments again!

old-building-staircase

Copyright – Rochelle!

– Blueprint –

Of course, they thought of it as a cruel and unusual punishment, something in which they had delighted since 1933.

Hire a Jewish architect to draw up the plans, engage a firm of Jewish builders, take on Jewish craftsmen. Everyone knew the purpose behind the building – it was the Nazi regime’s pride and joy.

The HQ of the Third Reich’s railway system was a grand affair. The hub of their efficient cargo transportation across the continent of Europe, Poland a special destination.

The workers were just grey, miserable, expendable creatures. The grill pattern in the stairwell, their final, finishing touch…

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Click on the blue froggy below to read others’ offerings!

My Man Joe – dVerse Meeting the Bar

freyathewriter 39 Comments

Here’s my long-overdue return to dVerse Meeting the Bar. This week, Gay is asking us to write a song! Now that’s a poetry form that brings back strong memories for me – I immediately thought of my mum singing along to Steeleye Span’s ‘All Around My Hat’ as she did the housework, and being taken to a Chieftans’ concert (and falling asleep – aaah, I was only very young!). Folk music is something that my family really enjoys – there is even morris dancing going on too (my mum again, with my step-dad playing an important musical role too).

Suffice to say, I’m a fan of the old folksy ballad, singing of love, loss, pride and passion. So, here’s my attempt… It’s inspired by the centenary year of the Great War – the War to End All Wars (if only). It’s simple, yet I hope it works.

Do visit the other poets who take part in this wonderful community… you’re in for a treat! And do let me know what you think of my song.

*****

– My Man Joe –

My sweetheart Joe is big and strong
With a twinkling eye and a ready smile
He works on the railways all week long
Just to buy me a posy on a Friday

(chorus)
I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true
I’ll stand by your side, forever be true

My fiancé Joe cuts a fine dash
Driving his engine through the valleys
He collects his wages and gives me cash
Just to buy me a dress for our wedding

(chorus)
I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true
I’ll stand by your side, forever be true

My husband Joe is a fine, proud dad
He plays with his boys on a Sunday
He sings in church, gives thanks and is glad
For his family, luck and fortune

(chorus)
I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true
I’ll stand by your side, forever be true

My soldier Joe walks proud and tall
Marching away to the trenches
God bless my man! God bless them all!
Please let him come back safely

(chorus)
I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true
I’ll stand by your side, forever be true

My man Joe gave his life and soul
On the far away fields of Flanders
For my boys and me he’ll not grow old
Nor ever be forgotten.

(chorus)
I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true
I’ll stand by your side, forever be true