-
Continue reading →: Singing to the grave
The human voice can make extraordinary sounds, ranging from the high treble of a chorister to the rough growling of a Tom Waits. But there comes a point in a performer’s lifetime when they should stop trying to reach for the sounds of their youth. Puberty is the obvious turning point for…
-
Continue reading →: Humiliating Exit from Europe
As an Anglo-Celt there are a few moments when my dual nationality comes in handy. Watching England self destruct in their match against Iceland last night was one of those moments. The Icelandic roar from the terraces was as creative as their football. English fans who believed the pre-match hype…
-
Continue reading →: Turkeys voting for Christmas
The result of the EU referendum has left many people here in shock at the outcome. Financial markets have reacted predictably with share prices dropping and the pound taking a battering. The UK now has just over 2 years to negotiate the terms of exit with the EU. During this…
-
Continue reading →: Stronger together
A single stick may break easily, but a bundle of sticks is much sturdier. Does this help resolve the current European debate? ‘Our wee country’, Northern Ireland, is doing rather well in Euro 2016, and who would have expected the Republic of Ireland to beat Italy? Imagine if North and South were…
-
Continue reading →: Referendum overload
A momentous decision is facing the people of the UK, whether to continue watching puffed up politicians on TV spout their own version of the truth about staying in the EU, or turn over and watch the football. There is a terrible guilt about no longer being prepared to hear…
-
Continue reading →: A memorable day
The day started savagely with the sight of two seagulls picking over the body of a dead rat lying on the pavement. Not what I expected to see on my tootle into work on the bike. My enthusiasm for Euro 2016 is growing, although I don’t feel any great allegiance to…
-
Continue reading →: Sam Gardiner – architect and poet
Sam Gardiner, who died recently, wrote some great poems. Here’s one that was published in 1993 Protestant Windows They come at sunset peddling daylight, two Salesmen wearing glasses, through which they view His shabby sliding sashes with disdain. “Wood?” they suppose and feign Dismay. “Yes, comes from trees,” And he raises the…
-
Continue reading →: Freedom of Movement
The right to cross borders is in the news. Refugees and economic migrants are detained at holding stations to determine where they will be allowed to go. Tourists fully expect to be able to jet around the world with visa applications a mere formality. We, who are relatively safe within our…
-
Continue reading →: Too much
Excess is alright in small doses, but you pay the price. St Patrick’s day in Ealing started modestly enough with some real ale outside the Grove pub watching the world go by and writing the odd rhyme. I ate a bag of unsalted nuts and moved on when the sun…
-
Continue reading →: The joys of idleness
To truly enjoy idleness you have to witness the frantic rushing about of others going about their daily business. I joined a queue at Waitrose to buy croissants and was nearly grateful that their till wasn’t working so that I would have to stand in line again. The bus journey…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
odespinner 