Remember that ancient Chinese saying –And may you live in interesting times?It sounds like benediction, blessing,but no, it’s contrary, not what it seems.Alan Spence Interesting Times: 2021Alan Spence the fifth Makar of Edinburgh has written a poem to be buried in the ground. A time capsule poem for future generations. It was his last official commission at the end of … [Read more...] about For future generations from our here and now
poetry
Poems for the dawn
I went out to the hazel wood, Because a fire was in my head. WB YeatsAnd what a fire it is in Ben Okri’s head. Luckily for us he’s set it down in this volume of poetry which takes you through the day from the unknown hour to invocation hour and ranges the continents to the very tip of the highest peak. Here is truth that we need to hear and confront in this viral age. First … [Read more...] about Poems for the dawn
Doses of compassion from the doctor-poet
As a doctor and poet he was wary of the alleged therapeutic value of poetry. One year the slogan of National Poetry Day was ‘Transform your life with poetry’. Gael Turnbull would rather it had been ‘Transform your poetry with life’. Scottish Poetry LibraryThe poet Gael Turnbull was also a GP though he was said not to like doctoring very much (‘but it paid the bills’). He was … [Read more...] about Doses of compassion from the doctor-poet
On the threshold: songs and poems for a Covid-safe Christmas
It all went quiet and a vision appearedWith a rose in her hair and a ring in her earAnd she says "Buenos Dias boys, this looks like the place" Doors open. Lights sparkle, glasses clink, friends laugh, music plays, singers sing, dancers dance. Fear not, this Covid-safe celebration is all in the mind. Well, how else would Frida Kahlo arrive in the Tay Bridge Bar? Songs and … [Read more...] about On the threshold: songs and poems for a Covid-safe Christmas
Love and light: poetry and prose in the time of coronavirus
I still believe my eyescan hold a solar system, catch all the lightsIn so many ways, this year has been an eye opener. But how good to look outwards and upwards again with poets. The theme for #NationalPoetryDay 2020 is Vision and that encompasses a world of feeling. Confession. I’ve been finding it hard to see the light these last few weeks. In search of inspiration – … [Read more...] about Love and light: poetry and prose in the time of coronavirus