Poetry

This month my subject was triggered by hearing that the Poet Laureate has been asked to write a poem about Brexit! Perhaps you know his salary? £5,750 per year plus a barrel of sherry.

Last week I took a taxi to Devon to spend some holiday time with my family. My taxi driver, Lloyd Allen, is now a friend and is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. On the journey back to Bristol, what did we talk about? Poetry! For an hour Lloyd recited his poems to me. What a memory! What skill with words!

Lloyd also does eulogies at the funerals of his family and friends. One made me cry! It was for his cousin, Stan. They grew up in Jamaica, always together. When their fathers decided to move here to make better lives for their families, Lloyd and Stan were still together in Bristol. They were best friends as well as cousins. He said that Stan was always smiling, and that was the first thing I admired about Lloyd.

Did I mention that Lloyd is a martial arts instructor? He taught Stan and both men represented England in this skill.

Do you like poetry? I hope so as here is a short one of mine ...

“I Just Walked By”
I wanted to say “Hello”. Ask how you were getting on
I wanted to say “you are looking great”
Ask if you remember the good times we’ve had
Say “Do you remember lazy days—sunsets over the sea
Sunday afternoons looking at paintings
Stopping for drinks in little cafés?”
I wanted to say “I like your tie!”
Find out if you still like autumn best
I wanted to say “I miss you”
But instead I just walked by!

Enjoy October,
Esmè