Poetry Appreciation

Ah - I thought it might be something to do with the poem and couldn't get my head round it!

I like the tortoise stove. I want one!

Maybe you're not old enough jodi! You have to remember the days when Christmas trees had no lights but dangerous candles, and tree decorations had newspaper for a base with silver paper over the top. And tinsel was thin.

I've still got some thin tinsel. I treasure it. Much prettier than to-day's gaudy stuff.

And the fairy was made of celluloid. Cracking a bit in places. But sooo loved!

Ariadne, where are you? I have just read this and want to know your thoughts on it.
J05 your first contribution on this thread was interesting. You are now drifting into a more familiar mode in which you are not discussing the poem but just chatting to yourself and spoiling the thread for other people. There are many areas in GN where frivolity rules and it's great to have fun. Would it be too much to ask that you consider others a little bit more and do not give in to your compulsion to throw in one liners on every thread?

JessM you seem to be in real control freak mode today! Surely Jingle can post what she wants - you don't own the thread! I think Ariadne has taken fright at the severity of your reprimand. Lighten up!

hat is so unfair jess! The poem evokes memories for me. I am just expressing those feelings.

Are contributors to this thread going to have to sit an exam at the end of it?

That is so hurtful.

You can't put beloved poems like these on screen and then expect older people not to give in to a bit of nostalgia.

I agree with jings...to wander off at a nostalgic tangent, isn't a big deal.

It is in my nature to try to steer the direction of activities if they have a serious intent. You would see me doing the same thing if we were having a real-world meeting, whatever the topic - I would be working at trying to keep discussions on track and in line with the agenda and purpose.
If we were in other contexts you would not see me doing this. So I make no apologies.
Maybe if you jo could put your thoughts in fewer one-line posts it would be less irritating for other members.

Are we starting a list of poems to be considered ? If so I would like to put forward 'When I was young and fair' which is attributed to Elizabeth 1st. I find this very moving now that I am old.

Thanks for that idea Hunt - I will google it. I do not know of it. Great idea to have a list of poems to work through. We need a Keeper of the List!

What about a separate thread where we do the list so that it does not get lost in this one?

I am here. But think I'd rather not join in, thanks.

Oh, and gaga thank you too; I don't take fright, or the hump, just withdraw. Quite happy.

Granset is a sum of many parts. To me some threads are like sitting with a group of friends chatting and,during the course of the conversation we move from one subject to another. But others are like going to a talk about something and, when that happens the point of the thread is to discuss the subject in hand which, in this case is poetry. I don't know much about poetry which is a shame as I've inherited a lot of poetry books from a departed friend who would have loved this thread. I can't say that I like The Coming of the Magi, and I found the end, with it's reflection on death strange because, as a non Christian I still feel that the birth of Christ is a celebration of birth and childhood and hopes and dreams. I also found the descriptions odd and found myself questioning how the author could have known what they saw on the way [ok I know it's a fictional account]. I would like to learn more about poetry though and look forward to reading more poems put forward.

Me too crimson - I would not like this thread to fade away.

No, it shouldn't. Enjoy it.

ariadne I'd like you to stay on this thread if possible.

How about we move on in positive fashion and discuss this poem or simply enjoy it if that is what you prefer.....?

Ludaig Jetty

The small motorboat has puttered its way
out to the fishing
the bus has passed by
to collect the children for school
the red postal van
has delivered the mail

now here at Ludaig jetty
there is only
the wind and the light
the cry of a peewit
and the lip-lip-lipping
of grey water on white sand.

It is by Scottish poet Kenneth White. I think it is lovely and hope you enjoy it too.

That is delightful Mishap - a word picture as Soop would say.
Just a few words but he evokes tranquillity.
Anyone help us with the pronounciation of "Ludaig" please?

I think it's probably just as it appears, Jess.

I tried to write an appreciation of the Betjeman poem but it ended up sounding like something an English teacher would write. That's not what you want here - believe me!

I love the Ludaig Jetty - it is so simple and uses so few words, but paints a wonderful picture - or two pictures really. There is the flurry of morning activity of the first verse, then the wonderful tranquility of the second.

I am glad that you enjoyed it.