Christina Rossetti wrote Remember as a paean to her lover, a poem for someone about to die. It’s rather heartbreaking.
Me, I’m in Edinburgh, at the Fringe and, well, it’s rather uplifting. Ephemeral, sure but with curios aplenty.
And some catch you by surprise.
One set we saw today involved comedian Arthur Smith, talking about his late father, Syd. Syd spent time in Colditz the prison camp, but what was most poignant were his words describing his return to England when released. He spoke of the journey by train, bus and foot to his family home, the flags and friends and family there to meet him. Now I’m a father I can stand in the shoes of his parents, imagining the hell they went through waiting for that moment. I cried, just a little, as I imagine they must have done. It seemed very natural. Funny how dusty words about events over 70 years old can do that.
So my take is not as flippant as originally intended. That wasn’t my mood. I hope you enjoy it.
Remember me when I am gone away
Even though our eyes met but once on meeting
You gave me a look as I went to pay
That spoke volumes though your gaze was fleeting.
‘Do you want chocolate’, words dusted
Lightly, their meaning clear – I know you well,
You’re saccharine to my sugar – Not trusted
False promise this. ‘No thanks.’ I can tell
You wish it could be so different;
Our lives should take the path well trod,
In that glimpse our future is not so distant,
A cup’s width. We are ripples. Then a nod.
You will remember how we parted. Strange
To think it’s all because I couldn’t. ‘Change,’
You said.
This is very good His Geoffleship 💜
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Glad to see it passes the test
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😉
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Lovely bottom photo.
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That is true. Very cute
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I am rather fond of the original, it usually makes me well up as it has particular meaning to me. Your take though is rather nice – real – and the lovely Linda not looking makes it even better.
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Thanks. Yes it’s a favourite of mine too so I tread warily in unpicking it
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Lovely! Enjoy the Fringe with your Dearest One.
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Charming poem. “We are ripples. Then a nod” – I like that! Enjoy the festival!
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Thanks Jan. just home after an intense week of shows. It’s been the usual fun
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Nicely done.
A number of my poet friends have been performing at the Fringe this week. I’m hoping to join them next year…
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Now I’ll be there if you do Mr Lane! I’m working on the heckles (in five line iambic parameter natch)
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I got heckled by a three year old today… She had sand in her wellie, and her sister was being mean… (true story)…. So I relish some more intellectual heckling!
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Not sure I can compete with a sandy-footed rugrat but I’ll try
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