Author Archives: grahamswords1962

For Joyce and Ada May 11th, In preparation for my mum’s birthday today, I spent a number of days repairing a photo of her sat with her mum when she was about 16 I reckon. It took ages to finish, it was a labour of love that inspired the following poem. Sepia tinted memories, goldContinue reading “May 11th”

For too many to mention May 10th Heavenly blossoms borne on floating stems, Heady, delightful bouquets like incense. Empty promises, no garlanded gems, Unperfumed evenings, fragrance, is not scent. Tended with such care, those slim tender limbs, Hold lime leaves in May, where great hope is laid. Year after year, expectation grows dim, As kindnessContinue reading “Waiting in Vain”

For no one in particular May 9th If science allowed it, what would you ask? What am I, what’s the point of existing? Is there a toad god, maybe, what’s my task? Amphibious philosopher thinking Does loneliness wash with you in your tray? Does the sun in you deep thoughts elicit? Perhaps you contemplate inContinue reading “Mr Toad”

For the brave Lady Rachel of Robin May 8th What valiant pilgrim would stand at this door, Fearless of the evil lurking inside? Fabled beasts of forest, mountain, and moor? Good men and women have tried, failed, and died. “There in be dragons” whispers the gnarled tree, “And ghostly machines, for to dig ditches, DustContinue reading “John Bunyan’s Shed”

For Brian and Karen, happy foraging. May 7th, Should I equate you with a fairground ride? I find you far more exhilarating! Discovered living among the dead we hide, I took you home to enrich my kitchen. The Hydra’s Ivory stars you display, Amidst your luscious, silken verdant sprays. Drenching Italianate woodland bouquet, Refreshing myContinue reading “Garlic 18”

For Jethro, and his love of all things renewing May 6th Spring’s herald hangs voiceless, faceless, silent. Now the trumpet beckons a new season, Its first flush of life so soon sadly spent, Energies engaged for other reasons. Dried tobacco ponytails tumble out, Like clay-coloured flowing rivers in flood, Elephant hide desiccated by drought, ParchedContinue reading “Wordworth’s Shroud”

For Derek & Elaine May 5th In Winter’s cold lifeless light, you appear. Delicate silent limbed, full of deceit, Unpainted canvas with oils not yet smeared, Pearl snowdrops swaying gently above your feet. Like a temptress in Spring, you taunt and tease, Playing guessing games of “what will I wear?” With dried aubergine squid youContinue reading “Myopsida Palmatum Atropurpureum”

For Gladys and all the Facebook refugees My second garden sonnet in May is about that little grey visitor that just seems to be Marmite for so many. May 4th Come on in you maker of mischief you, Your audience forestalls performance. In the wings of shrubs, you await your cue, To swish dandy tailContinue reading “The entertainer”

There’s no fruit to be picked in springtime, Winter has bleached the tree bones dry, starved scarecrows against the sky. There’s no fruit to be picked in springtime, First the leaves and blossoming flowers, then bees and sweet April showers. There’s no fruit to be picked in springtime, Then golden rays begin to nurse, platesContinue reading “Tender Fruit”

For Julie, Naomi, Darren and Ollie I’m a bit late in starting this idea, but I’m going to aim to write a sonnet a day for the month of May about things I see in my garden. Clearly it is the most appropriate month in which to do that, so here goes with the firstContinue reading “No ugly duckling”