Poems & Pictures - Colins Conker

[Dark Star]

Photography plus poetry! Not everyones cup of tea but for my own reasons I have recently discovered how strong an art form poetry is. I love photography of course and wondered if, occasionally, people might like to illustrate a favourite poem with an image.

This could fall flat on its face and if it does so be it :)

Nothing ventured as they say...;)

Here's an older shot of mine and a poem I found today.

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/sunset-tree.jpg

Just Beyond The Sunset

Just beyond the sunset
Someone waits for me
Just beyond the sunset
Lies my destiny
Where the purple mountains
Lie in deep tranquility
There I’ll find the treasure
Of love eternally

Just beyond the sunset
Waits someone so fair
Just beyond the sunset
All alone they wait there
Their hair is golden
The colour of the sand
Their eyes sparkle in the night
Like diamonds in your hand

Just beyond the sunset
Lies a home for me
Where the world is peaceful
Like a paradise should be
Just beyond the sunset
Someday is where you’ll find me

Written - July or Aug 1966

By David Harris:(

[f.box]

stunning picture that. nice poem too.

even though this is not a technically good picture it is one of my old favourites for personal reasons and i love the poetry of the sign.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/bums.jpg

[sbowler579]

:D:D:D

[F-Stop]

This is very much my cup of tea DS. In my younger days, I was an aspring writer. Haven't done much work lately, but there are always ideas hitting me. I'll have to start trying to incorporate some poems with my shots. Thanks for the inspiration. :)

[Lady Pitstop]

What a novel or should that be "poetry" idea :thumbs: - great shot and lovely poem!

[Duckydoodle]

Wow that's spooky. I love poetry and have been writing pieces off and on for years and have been thinking of combining it with my photography and look at you with the same idea. How uncanny :lol:

[Lady Pitstop]

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1074/white_lily_rs.jpg

The Lily by William Blake

The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,
The humble sheep a threat'ning horn:
While the Lily white shall in love delight,
Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.

or

Love Is Like by DR

My love is like the Lily white
Pure and simple and sheer delight
It's dazzling beauty outshines them all
And more and more in love I fall.




Thought I'd join in :)

[Grendel]

What a great idea John :thumbs:

Off to put my thinking cap on now :thinking:

[Dark Star]

Lovely image Donna, and a lovely verse!

f.box - what a hoot :D Love it!

Maureen post some work :D!!!

Keep 'em coming :D

[Grendel]

http://www.image-evolution.co.uk/PSD/Sean.jpg


Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Kahlil Gibran 1883-1931

[Susane]

Excellent idea John, I like.:)
Will get my thinking cap on too. :thumbs:

[latie]

Interesting idea!
I think I'll have ago at that myself soon!

[Dark Star]

Paul - lovely image and poem! I've heard of Kahlil Gibran but never read any of his work! Thanks for sharing that one!

[maddog.mark]

DS Great idea, there's some great shots/poems posted already:thumbs:.

I haven't used poetry before but have used some song lyrics before. Will have to give some thought to this, but which comes first the poem or the shot?:thinking:

EDIT clearly in Darkstars case the shot came first:bang: must read threads properly:D

[Dark Star]

I haven't used poetry before but have used some song lyrics before. Will have to give some thought to this, but which comes first the poem or the shot?:thinking:

EDIT clearly in Darkstars case the shot came first:bang: must read threads properly:D

Thanks Mark - songs are poems with music so use lyrics as well! And words or image first?

Doesn't matter really :D

[maddog.mark]

ok then heres mine.

Click pic for larger pic

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/1278267642_8d66ad162f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/w99/1278267642/)

Driver 8

The walls are built up, stone by stone,
the fields divided one by one.
And the train conductor says
''Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We’ve been on this shift too long''

And the train conductor says
''Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we’re still a ways away''

I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm.
The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won’t get snagged.
Bells are ringing through the town again,
Children look up, all they hear is sky-blue, bells ringing

And the train conductor says
''Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we’re still a ways away''

Way to shield the hated heat.
Way to put myself to sleep.
Way to shield the hated heat.
Way to put myself, my children to sleep.

He piloted this song in a plane like that one.
She is selling faith on the Go Tell crusade.
Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent, hear the bells ring again.
Field to weed is stricken thin

And the train conductor says
''Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We’ve been on this shift too long.''
And the train conductor says
''Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we’re still a ways away'
Lyrics courtesy REM (so not quite of the standard of other authors on here, but right for the shot:))

[Dark Star]

Nice one Mark, good match of lyrics with a great image....hope we get a few more soon :D

[Beth]

Yes, I think this is wonderful. I love poetry too. Lovely poem and gorgeous photo too. :)

[Dark Star]

One for Liverpool - The Liverpool Saga is an 800 line poem written by people from across Merseyside to celebrate Liverpool's 800th birthday - this is just a segment the full poem can be found here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2007/05/18/capital_culture_liverpool_saga_feature.shtml)

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/stuff2.jpg


The Liverpool Saga

From the first tentative scratch of the pen
To the keyboard’s final breathless amen,
One poem. A patchwork of laughter and tears.
Eight hundred lines. Eight hundred years.

800 years, oh what stories to be told
By the people young and old -
The bad times, the good times, tears and laughter.
The next 800 memories are left to the young to tell thereafter.

*

I’m a Liver bird, verdigris and aloof.
They made me their emblem,
They made me rustproof
And I’ll not leave this city, cos I’m tied to the roof.

[GarynLea]

Apologies for the poor quality as it was taken with a camcorder.

The ship is the "Brig Unicorn" based in St Lucia and was used in the making of the Pirates series as the Black Pearl. I love the classics and therefore a classic ship to a classic poem ....

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Brig_Unicorn.jpg

"Sea-Fever"

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

By John Masefield (1878-1967).
(English Poet Laureate, 1930-1967.)

Gary :)

[Dark Star]

Gary thanks for joining in! That happens to be a favourite poem of mine!

That first line says it all!

And a very appropriate image!!!

[Dark Star]

Looks like this might be a dead duck of a thread but here's one more from me

To accompany my image of Liverpool St (a bit cheeky posting the image twice but what the hell)

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/lsoyo2.jpg

And an extract from John Betjeman (full poem here (http://www.literarynorfolk.co.uk/Poems/a_mind's_journey_to_diss.htm))

Dear Mary,
Yes, it will be bliss
To go with you by train to Diss,
Your walking shoes upon your feet;
We'll meet, my sweet, at Liverpool Street.
That levellers we may be reckoned
Perhaps we'd better travel second;
Or, lest reporters on us burst,
Perhaps we'd better travel first...

[dazzajl]

Looks like this might be a dead duck of a thread

I think it's been a great thread and I can see David Harris being labeled an even bigger lost cause than me.

I'd like to have seen some connections that ran a little deeper than a common subject but I've not had time to dig out poems and images. I'm sure lots of others have been in the same boat.

I still might though. I have some interesting thoughts for "not waving but drowning". :lol:

[Duckydoodle]

Sorry dark Star haven't had time to have a go at this yet but I do intend to. It's a brilliant idea please don't write it off :)

[f.box]

thanks for posting that one dark star - i love john betjaman. :)

[Dark Star]

Oooh I'm encouraged thanks guys......:D

[Dark Star]

To celebrate 4,000 posts
I thought I'd do it here
And rather than just say it
And expect you all to cheer

I thought I'd post this poem
And it would be a blast
To post some pics below it:
My First, My Best, My Last :D

My First Posting on Here April 2006

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Tree_Nr_Elterwater_3.jpg

My Best Pic (in my humble opinion :D)

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/london/goodbye.jpg

And My Last Pic (or at least one of my more recent favs)

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/r1.jpg

Thanks to all on TPF for the knowledge, friendship and laughs!!! :thumbs:

[Baz777]

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN2842-1.jpg




The Wife, The Shopper

She glides aimlessly like a cloud
Milling around through the crowd
Many purchases she has in mind
Never seemingly able to find

With evil intent on her mind
That expensive item she’s going to find
Rushing around place to place
With beads of sweat upon her face

Finally with the purchase secured
Husband relieved and desperately bored
Halfway home the husband finds
She wants to go back, She’s changed her mind!



Photo and Poem by me :D

[Dark Star]

Good poem Barry (oh so true ;)) and a very fitting image :D

[Duckydoodle]

Great poem Barry but that is sooo not true and so stereotypical...














...Ok it is :lol:

[Lady Pitstop]

Congratulations on 4000 posts John :woot: good set of shots to go with the poem :clap::thumbs:


:lol: Great shot and poem Baz :clap::thumbs: I don't know what you mean - women indecisive?? :nono: ;)

[Grendel]

Well done on the milestone of 4000 posts John, and what a great way to acknowledge it :thumbs:

[birdy961]

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/IMG_0794a.jpg

What Is A Cat?

Gentle eyes
that see so much,
paws that have
the quiet touch.

Purrs to signal
"all is well"
and show more love
than words can tell.

Graceful movements
touched with pride,
a calming presence
by our side.

A friendship
that will last and grow -
small wonder
why we love them so.
Author Unknown

[Dark Star]

Nice poem Robin! And a lovely cat!!!

I'm a cat fan myself :D

A response from the dog fans awaited :D

[birdy961]

Nice poem Robin! And a lovely cat!!!

I'm a cat fan myself :D

A response from the dog fans awaited :D

Cheers John

Thought it fitted the bill, the cat is called cooking fat and he loves me :lol:

[WeddingHack]

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/IMG_0609-after.jpg

The nightmare that keeps me up at nights
Is about oxygen masks on airline flights
They don’t contain any oxygen it seems
They're only there to muffle the screams

Paul Curtis

:D

[Dark Star]

Neat poem Paul - I've heard the same myself!!!

And great shot! Somewhat quease making for some reason :D

[Dark Star]

Not a brilliant image but it suited the poem - which might raise a smile

Image by me, poem by my brother :D

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/signs.jpg

UK place-names

I can't abide that Sat Nav
I love maps quaint and old,
From mine here's places that have
Strange titles to behold.

The UK breezes billow
Round signposts north and south -
They guide you to Prickwillow,
They lead to Cockermouth.

I've never really got 'em
Each one is quite unique,
Why call somewhere Pratt's Bottom
Or Frisby on the Wreak?

Was Funtington a giggle
Was Effingham reviewed?
Did Upham make them wriggle
Is Foxup something rude?

Whoever thought up Swinton
Their commonsense was seen
But what of Piddlehinton
And what if Acock's Green?

They must have had a flicker,
A smile they couldn't dodge,
To conjure Upper Dicker
As well as Knockie Lodge.

Did parish council dollops
Imagine Fockerby?
They gave us all The Wallops
And Wetwang by the sea.

These names should never alter
We all would feel their loss,
Though some make my eyes water -
Especially Ball's Cross.

:p

Robert Murray

[Duckydoodle]

Nice image and fantastic poem :lol::clap:

[Dark Star]

Thanks Maureen :D My bro has a real talent for poetry (serious and humorous) which has to a degree inspired this thread!

I have a few of his up my sleeve for when the right image comes along!

[Dark Star]

Well I'm determined to keep this one alive til some of the early posters in this thread get their poetry hats on....

Here's another from my bro....

Pity I can't get to thr real Easter Island but HomeBase will have to do :D

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/no-skin.jpg


The Lost Gods

Inside Easter Island are figures of stone
Deserted they stand where the ocean winds moan,
Marooned and abandoned, forever to be
Eternally looking out on the blue sea.

The lost gods of Britain they once used to reign,
Rhiannon on horseback and brave Cuchulain,
They linger at circles, at figures of chalk,
On hilltops in whispering echoes they talk.

The Sphinx, silent feline created from lime
At sunrise a sentinel, there for all time;
Mysterious reflection, the ancients they hid
A star world of wonder in each pyramid.

And vast sacred temples on sand and on turf
Are fingerprints left on the fast changing earth,
Although many years have gone by, they still show
The dreams of the ones that were here long ago.

[dafmeister]

If ever there was a book waiting to happen this is it.
I would buy two copies in a flash.

Anymore takers??????

Brilliant photos and the poetry is excellant.

[Dark Star]

Ah Dafmeister thank you :D Thought the same myself!

Images and words!

Works well for me :D

[dafmeister]

Credit where its due and all that!
They really are amazing.

[Dark Star]

A poignant poem that seems to suit this image.

(Image by me, poem by my bro)

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/london/lurve.jpg

I See

I see the tender words they write
That tell of what they've got,
And as I lie alone at night
I know that I have not.

I see the couples pass me by
In love, so full of wealth,
They're not to know that here I sigh
My company, myself.

I hear the chiming wedding bells,
The groom and bride who laugh,
Then turn my gaze on dream filled dells
To walk a rustic path.

I knew a girl, but dare not ask
My shyness was too whole;
Perhaps a poet's only task
Is just to touch your soul.

[dafmeister]

Beautiful.

[Toothie]

John you and ** bro should take that book idea and run with it. excellent thread. i just need an image to go with my fave poem.

[Susane]

Found a poem for my Valentines roses from my man. :)

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l200/seven317/DSCF3583rcopy.jpg


Captive Roses by Raymond A. Foss

beautiful, long stemmed,
perfect blooms, captive blooms
in the vases, of gifts of love
from her, from me, from them
giving in love, captured on
the digital screen, the memory card,
the ether emulsion
of this new age
images of beauty,
preserved in the camera
to be shared, remembered
into the future
long after the bud fades

February 1, 2008

[Dark Star]

Thanks Ruth and thanks for that image and very appropriate poem Susane it nicely counters my sadder poem ;)

[Dark Star]

Perhaps I'll do one a week :D

No apologies for posting this image again - it seemed to suit my brothers poem (well the 4th verse at least :D):

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/walk11.jpg

Show Me

Guide me cross horizons vast
Oe'r waves of torquoise bright,
Where seagulls fly and sirens cry
Beneath the stars at night.

Take me to a distant isle
That man has never planned,
With none of gain's corroding pains
Just gentle silver sand.

Let me walk a forest path
Where spirits are themselves;
And from the trees I'll hear the breeze
Bless all the woodland elves.

Let me look at sinking suns
In colours strange and deep,
With amber rays and golden haze
To drown the land in sleep.

Take me to a mystic world
Where flies the snow white dove,
And verses true I'll write for you
And you can show me love.

[Rhodese]

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1433/BLACKPOOL-GULL.jpg

Gift Of The Seagull
by Munda

A lonely seagull flies the winds
Majestic... soaring...gliding wings
A single screech sounds from the sky
Come fly with me... come here and fly

My spirit floats to be a part
I feel the beating of its heart
My soul, one with this bird of sea
Now knows the meaning to fly free

I feel the winds caress my soul
And soar the streams without a goal
My being trembles of delight
A treasure I received tonight

The seagull's flight of soaring high
The gift of what it means to fly

[Dark Star]

Nice poem Rhodese and great image - is that a composite?

Seagulls are my no 1 bird :D

:D

[HanC]

Wow just stumbled upon this thread....amazing! What a great idea Dark Star!! And what an incredibly talented poet your brother is :)

[Dark Star]

Thanks Hannah, I've only scratched the surface of his work - I hope to post more in due course! But I really would welcome other posters! The more the merrier :D

[Rhodese]

Nice poem Rhodese and great image - is that a composite?

Seagulls are my no 1 bird :D

:D

Yes the gull and the reflection are imported.

[Dark Star]

When I read the poem below I could only see one person's images and very kindly Gary aka HIMUPNORTH has let me use this image of his to accompany the words. Gary must be one of the few people in this community who get to experience the sentiments expressed below!

It was taken December 2007 in the Torridon mountains in Wester Ross, Scotland.

http://garywilliamson.co.uk/PhotoDump/XA1D7489.jpg


Flying

If I had but the power
To fly upon the wing,
I'd glide for every hour
Away from everything.

And see each country spire
So far apart from all,
Then circle even higher
Where only angels call.

Above the lonely ocean
I'd smoothly soar and rise
Or plummet in slow motion
Beneath a bridge of sighs.

To watch the desert sands shape
The dunes that shine and glow
And see the distant landscape
That only birds can know.

[Lady Pitstop]

I thought I'd pay another visit :) Some lovely shots and poems :thumbs: John, you're brother has certainly got a gift there! :clap:

[Dark Star]

Thanks Donna for popping in :) - the lad has indeed got some talent!

I'm hoping others join in though...I still think theres some mileage in this thread! :D

[dafmeister]

Any news on this book then Dark Star?

[Dark Star]

Any news on this book then Dark Star?

Not yet dafmeister :D I have in excess of 150 poems to look at :D and nowhere near as many suitable images.

[dafmeister]

I am still living in hope!!

[Dark Star]

From the sublime to the ridiculous - it still made me laugh :)

My pic, his words.

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/tescos-2.jpg

Down at the Supermarket

The car I cannot park it,
Straight off I'm in a mess,
Down at the supermarket
I always feel great stress.

Expressions look so trying,
It can't be too much fun,
The loads that some are buying
They must weigh half a ton.

I start to rove and oh did
I mention something yet?
I won't be overloaded,
I've only bits to get.

One trolley wheel is wonky,
The steering's gone to pot,
It's like a legless donkey
That strays around a lot.

Some shopper's placed another
Slap bang in front of bleach,
Although I soon recover
The cleaners I can't reach

Most items relocated
With 'Buy one get one free'
And now they've seperated
The sugar from the tea.

Intending you and me search
Around their massive store,
According to new research
It makes the herd buy more.

A trick to fill all coffers
And help them get more rich,
While heading for pork offers
A hold up makes me bitch:

Two plonkers stop to natter,
Oblivious they smile,
They think it doesn't matter
If they block up the aisle.

I'll smash through them quite rightly,
My anger I shall prove;
Instead I ask politely
If both of them can move

The chocolate's in new flavours,
The tarts they seem to cram,
The crisps outnumber Quavers,
The lager's near the jam.

A sprog is loudly bawling,
Which makes his mother curse,
The silly mare's appalling -
She's simply made things worse.

With plastic bags not many
I stand here open gobbed,
They cost more than a penny
You can't help feeling robbed.

The checkout girl's called Pippa,
No chance here of reprieve,
Her yakking is so chipper
She makes me want to heave.

And now my queue is slowing
It's bound to take a bit,
With fifty coupons showing
The one in front's a tit.

Though I depart a grinner
This robot world I spurn,
The supermarket's winner -
It knows I must return.

[RobertP]

Happy Easter??

Full marks for Bobs poem though :)

[Dark Star]

Happy Easter??

Full marks for Bobs poem though :)

Ta, old image :D

[Ashers]

not a good photo but i love this poem

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m147/asherman_01/Picture031-1.jpg

Ode On A Grecian Urn


Thou still unravish'd bride of quietness,
Thou foster-child of silence and slow time,
Sylvan historian, who canst thus express
A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme:
What leaf-fring'd legend haunts about thy shape
Of deities or mortals, or of both,
In Tempe or the dales of Arcady?
What men or gods are these? What maidens loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape?
What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?

Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on;
Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear'd,
Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone:
Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave
Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;
Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
Though winning near the goal yet, do not grieve;
She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,
For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair!

Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed
Your leaves, nor ever bid the Spring adieu;
And, happy melodist, unwearied,
For ever piping songs for ever new;
More happy love! more happy, happy love!
For ever warm and still to be enjoy'd,
For ever panting, and for ever young;
All breathing human passion far above,
That leaves a heart high-sorrowful and cloy'd,
A burning forehead, and a parching tongue.

Who are these coming to the sacrifice?
To what green altar, O mysterious priest,
Lead'st thou that heifer lowing at the skies,
And all her silken flanks with garlands drest?
What little town by river or sea shore,
Or mountain-built with peaceful citadel,
Is emptied of this folk, this pious morn?
And, little town, thy streets for evermore
Will silent be; and not a soul to tell
Why thou art desolate, can e'er return.

O Attic shape! Fair attitude! with brede
Of marble men and maidens overwrought,
With forest branches and the trodden weed;
Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought
As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral!
When old age shall this generation waste,
Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe
Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say'st,
"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,--that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."

John Keats

[Dark Star]

Nice poem Ashers :D Thanks for joining the thread :D

[hughwi]

Seriously, this is a great idea, and i really think the Picture/Poem Book has some mileage Dark Star, your brother has some very witty work and it seems to resonate well in current social conditions! and you seem to have some rather insightful/appropriate photos to go with them!

[Dark Star]

Thanks for your comments hughwi - the idea is definitely gaining strength in my head :)

[Dark Star]

This one tickled me so I went to the Early Learning Centre and bought some letters :D

My pic, my bro's poem, I hope it raises a smile :D

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/letters.jpg


The Alphabet Ruck

A began to rant and curse
Which rather cheesed off B,
Other letters felt much worse -
It soon incited C.

D was peaceful, you could tell
And so became the ref
Which by the way was just as well
For E had used an F.

G insisted H stay cool
While I was quick to say
'None of you are capital,
Especially J and K.'

L was sick of M you see,
Who also disliked N,
O required an urgent P
But had to Q again.

R declared 'It's such a mess!'
Then all the air turned blue,
For S had heard old T confess
'I'm really sick of you U.'

V ( who wore a great big hat )
And W were wrecks,
Both intensely staggered at
The bolshy tone of X.

The letters had the ruck of rucks
So Y went off to bed,
'Impoliteness really sucks'
Deliberated Z.

[karenfairham]

Nice one

[Dark Star]

Thanks Karen and welcome to TPF :D

[Dark Star]

While I'm gone on hols it'd be nice to see a few poems up here for when I come back :D

[who?]

what a great thread

//thinks...//

[Mohain]

Just want to say ... Bravo! :clap: great idea for a thread. I probably wont be contributing as I know nothing about poetry and the only poems I know aren't reproduceable here ;) but I've enjoyed this thread, long may it continue!

[Dark Star]

Thanks who? And mohain glad you're enjoying it :D hopefully we'll see some more contributions soon!

[Dark Star]

Well no poets stepped forward in my two week absence ;) so I'll pick it this thread up again :D

The poppy images posted recently reminded me of the poem below by me bro'

I know its a bit sad :( and perhaps November would have been more appropriate tie to post it but this time I'm driven by the current image - which is a corker. :thumbs:

Donna (aka Lady Pitstop) has kindly allowed me to use this image against my brother's words:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/poppies_800.jpg

The Pals of 1914 - 1918

Some pals from a village decided
To answer the great battle cry,
Their deep bonds of friendship abided
And cheering crowds bid them goodbye.

They volunteered, part of a story
For King and for country so fair;
They left to find triumph and glory
But found quite another thing there.

In wasteland the friends had got stranded
With no time to cry or just pray,
To a scene out of hell, came an enemy shell
That shattered and blew them away.

And now in a meadow they're resting
Where white columns silently stand
Like billowing sails, with thousands of pals
Who never returned to this land.

[marky_h]

Wonderful....:) Poignant at any time. The grey skies in Donna's shot add a real melancholy too - very good combination, John.

[Dark Star]

Wonderful....:) Poignant at any time. The grey skies in Donna's shot add a real melancholy too - very good combination, John.

Thanks Mark - I thought that about the skies too - as soon as I saw the shot today that poem came to mind!

[Dark Star]

Okay so this is a one man thread :D

Heres one for Fathers Day.

The image is my Dad - he died in 2001 and I still have the odd cry about him.

He taught me consideration for others and how to be a decent bloke!

Not a technically brilliant shot and taken on my first Kodak digital camera.

Lyrics by Harvey Andrews and Graham Cooper

I miss him!

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/dad.jpg

For My Father words by Andrews - Cooper

This song's for my Father
Whose paintings hang on my wall,
To remind me of hours
We spent watching sunset fall

In field and in forest
With brushes and paints he would stay,
While I sat by the river
Fishing the hours away

From the city he'd take me
Whenever his days were free,
To a farm in the country
To places all new to me

And I'd never stop wanting
Answers only a boy would need,
And we questioned together
And we never disagreed

But as I grew much older
Spending hours on my own,
Scorning help from my father
Believing that I was full grown

Asking nothing of elders
I slithered in silence through years,
Greeting Father with laughter
And his wishes with jeers

Now we both bear time's markings
And the son is grown to a man,
I spend hours with my father
And he paints when he can

And we talk of the future,
Of the past, of days yet to be,
And we question together,
Now we rarely disagree

So this song's for my Father
Whose paintings hang on my wall,
With thanks for the hours
We spent watching sunset fall

In field and in forest
With brushes and paints he will stay,
Till the fall of the evening
Takes the colours away

[deadpan]

Some that make me giggle....

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z157/deadpan_2007/279974860_1f3b070468_o.jpg


http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z157/deadpan_2007/2264847788_8e24ec0f83_o.jpg

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z157/deadpan_2007/banksy_stencil.jpg

[Dark Star]

Well theres a twist! Photos OF poems - where can these be found - neat grafitti :D

[deadpan]

Google Banksy poems

Most have been buffed/removed, however if you have a few 100k spare you could source an original :)

[Dark Star]

http://195.177.193.138/gallery/data/500/Family11.jpg

This marks my 5,000th post - and how better to celebrate than a picture by hacker (I hope he doesn't mind but it suits the poem beautifully) and a poem that I penned for the occasion.


Well this is my 5000th post
And please don’t see this as a boast
But I thought I celebrate this node
With a simple TPF based ode

I’ve been here for a year or two
And posted photos just like you
And on the way I’ve got to know
The people mentioned down below

Those who run the place you know
Dod, CT, Marcel and Glo
Rob and Ian and Digital Failure
Post too large - they're bound to nail yer

Lets not forget the other Mods
Moomike, Matty, Matt are Gods
And the one I’ve left til a little later
Is motor man – old Badgerbaiter

But what about the rest of us
I think its time we made a fuss
Theres Fangman, Ven they’re nature lovers
And sawman too to name another

And talking of things out in the field
Our friend Janice has oft revealed
Natures colour - its so lush
And that chiff chaff in her bush

Flower ladies we regard with honour
Susane and Jo and clever Donna
Their shots are skilled they’re never lucky
Lets not forget the ones by Ducky

And what about the great debates
The threads that everybody rates
The monthly “I hate HDR”
Ooops Look out here comes Pete Carr

The togs come from the Uks ends
The Souths got blinkerz and Ladylens
Two Scots are Gary and Himupnorth
Its cold up there for what its worth

ChewyUk is Cardiff way
King Boru - Irish - has his say
There are many folk of whom to speak
Grendel, Toothie and Techno Geek

Some hail from even distant shores
Anton and Jewel and maybe more
And some names can be so hard to speak
Namillhs and Mojo Jojo - eek!!!

Initials too like kmlc
And don’t forget old PPP
Dellipher and Diddy Dave
Enjoy a chat and perhaps a rave

Davenjulie - one named twice!
Borats Baby - lets all say 'nice'
Slipper-one and Ghandi too
Theres even one here just called who?

Jimmy’s ducks, weddings by Hacker
No one would call Arkady a slacker!
Forbidden Biker, that man Fraggle
Both London lads who like to haggle

And lets remember Canon Bob
Who’s calibrator’s just the job
And Alby’s tiny insect pics
Knocks David Attenborough for six

And romance has oft come here
Joe-T and Ladybird are dear
And we've even had one good pair marry
That’s Marianne and her man Barry

So many more fit in with ease
Like photo_star and minimeeze
Some are suave and some are smooth
Like the Tasty Male and the King of Groove

And King of Landscapes Les Mclean
(Hes knocking HDR again!)
And us, as togs, should all aim higher
And emulate that man Messiah

And Friday brings us Cobra's jokes
To raise a smile with all the folks
Hypnotic, birdy, baz777
Take pictures that were made in heaven

And some have gone who once came here
Bachs and Catdaddy have disappeared
But plenty stay and never flit
Fracster, Ekimeno and that Oldgit

Hillwalkinggirl she walks a lot
Steveinspain takes a good shot
Lets not forget Galaxy66
Known for taking all sorts of pics

And if your names not on this list
Don't be down and don't be p*ssed
Cos theres way too many - don't blame me
Like Betty, Jonnyreb and Alib

So apologies if you're left out
Please don't moan or even shout
Theres way too many for me to remember
Otherwise I would be here til September

And Marky_h and that Defiance
Who make a word association alliance
And spammers taste a bitter pill
Poor Markos count went down to nil

So thanks for reading this daft ditty
Its not too good and not too witty
But just meant to be a toast
To the forum that I love the most!

So raise your glasses in the air
And with one voice we should declare
For those who've stayed and those who've left
The bestest place is TPF

:D

[birdy961]

http://content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/00020149.gif (http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&ref=10)
Well done good sir, Love it
Very good indeed

What a wonderfull site full of lovely peolpe this truly is :thumbs:

Congrats on the 5000 as well

[Dark Star]

Ta Robin sorry you didn't get a mention :D

[birdy961]

No need to apologise John :thumbs:

I think this deserves a thread of it's own though:woot:

[Dark Star]

Its a poem with a picture - its where it belongs ;) - hopefully get some more interest in this thread and more contributions :D

[birdy961]

Good point well made :D
I am sure the other's will find it shortly :thumbs:

[Lady Pitstop]

:woot: Well Done on the big 5000! :woot:

And that poem is just brilliant :notworthy: :clap::clap:

[Grendel]

John that's marvelous :clap:

oh and many congratulations on 5000 posts :woot:

[Dark Star]

Thanks Paul and Donna - it was a pleasure to write :D Just a pity I couldn't namecheck everyone who contributes :D

[Cobra]

Well done Dark Star
Its nice to see you have come far
And to celebrate you have posted a nice little ditty
You forgot me, but I won't get sh'tty
I'll just post one of these and let it bee :D http://2ni2.com/emoticon/special/spam.gif

Congtrats on 5K John :thumbs:

[Dark Star]

Well done Dark Star
Its nice to see you have come far
And to celebrate you have posted a nice little ditty
You forgot me, but I won't get sh'tty
I'll just post one of these and let it bee :D http://2ni2.com/emoticon/special/spam.gif

Congtrats on 5K John :thumbs:

Aw damn I had you in it once
But took you out - I'm such a dunce
I may return I have a verse
Im sure it will not make it worse

[Cobra]

Aw damn I had you in it once
But took you out - I'm such a dunce
I may return I have a verse
Im sure it will not make it worse

OK John You win I'm all poemed out :D :thumbs:

[Dark Star]

OK John You win I'm all poemed out :D :thumbs:


You;re in now as is Birdy :D

[Cobra]

You;re in now as is Birdy :D

:lol::lol::lol: :thumbs:

[birdy961]

You;re in now as is Birdy :D


Am honoured, thanks John :$

[Dark Star]

Am honoured, thanks John :$

You're welcome Robin - just pop the cheque in the post :D

[birdy961]

To the usual nigerian account sir :nuts::naughty:

[Yv]

http://195.177.193.138/gallery/data/500/Family11.jpg

This marks my 5,000th post - and how better to celebrate than a picture by hacker (I hope he doesn't mind but it suits the poem beautifully) and a poem that I penned for the occasion.


Well this is my 5000th post
And please don’t see this as a boast
But I thought I celebrate this node
With a simple TPF based ode

I’ve been here for a year or two
And posted photos just like you
And on the way I’ve got to know
The people mentioned down below

Those who run the place you know
Dod, CT, Marcel and Glo
Rob and Ian and Digital Failure
Post too large - they're bound to nail yer

Lets not forget the other Mods
Moomike, Matty, Matt are Gods
And the one I’ve left til a little later
Is motor man – old Badgerbaiter

But what about the rest of us
I think its time we made a fuss
Theres Fangman, Ven they’re nature lovers
And sawman too to name another

And talking of things out in the field
Our friend Janice has oft revealed
Natures colour - its so lush
And that chiff chaff in her bush

Flower ladies we regard with honour
Susane and Jo and clever Donna
Their shots are skilled they’re never lucky
Lets not forget the ones by Ducky

And what about the great debates
The threads that everybody rates
The monthly “I hate HDR”
Ooops Look out here comes Pete Carr

The togs come from the Uks ends
The Souths got blinkerz and Ladylens
Two Scots are Gary and Himupnorth
Its cold up there for what its worth

ChewyUk is Cardiff way
King Boru - Irish - has his say
There are many folk of whom to speak
Grendel, Toothie and Techno Geek

Some hail from even distant shores
Anton and Jewel and maybe more
And some names can be so hard to speak
Namillhs and Mojo Jojo - eek!!!

Davenjulie - one named twice!
Borats Baby - lets all say 'nice'
Slipper-one and Ghandi too
Theres even one here just called who?

Jimmy’s ducks, weddings by Hacker
No one would call Arkady a slacker!
Forbidden Biker, that man Fraggle
Both London lads who like to haggle

And lets remember Canon Bob
Who’s calibrator’s just the job
And Alby’s tiny insect pics
Knocks David Attenborough for six

And romance has oft come here
Joe-T and Ladybird are dear
And we've even had one good pair marry
That’s Marianne and her man Barry

So many more fit in with ease
Like photo_star and minimeeze
Some are suave and some are smooth
Like the Tasty Male and the King of Groove

And King of Landscapes Les Mclean
(Hes knocking HDR again!)
And us, as togs, should all aim higher
And emulate that man Messiah

And Friday brings us Cobra's jokes
To raise a smile with all the folks
Hypnotic, birdy, baz777
Take pictures that were made in heaven

And some have gone who once came here
Bachs and Catdaddy have disappeared
But plenty stay and never flit
Fracster, Ekimeno and that Oldgit

Hillwalkinggirl she walks a lot
Steveinspain takes a good shot
Lets not forget Galaxy66
Known for taking all sorts of pics

And if your names not on this list
Don't be down and don't be p*ssed
Cos theres way too many - don't blame me
Like Betty, Jonnyreb and Alib

So apologies if you're left out
Please don't moan or even shout
Theres way too many for me to remember
Otherwise I would be here til September

And Marky_h and that Defiance
Who make a word association alliance
And spammers taste a bitter pill
Poor Markos count went down to nil

So thanks for reading this daft ditty
Its not too good and not too witty
But just meant to be a toast
To the forum that I love the most!

So raise your glasses in the air
And with one voice we should declare
For those who've stayed and those who've left
The bestest place is TPF

:D

:notworthy::notworthy: how very excellent John, and many congratualtions on the 5k, what a way to celebrate :clap::woot:

[Dark Star]

Cheers Yvonne - I like to celebrate a milestone with at least a contribution like what you did :D

[RobertP]

Cheers Yvonne - I like to celebrate a milestone with at least a contribution like what you did :D

Is that a nod to Morcambe and Wise?

Congrats on the poetry and the perseverance :)

Now to get back to enjoying my last full day of Dordogne sunshine.... chasing bugs with a macro lens in the gites garden :)

[Hacker]

Very well done, sir!

:clap:

[Dark Star]

Very well done, sir!

:clap:

Thanks Colin and especially for the image :D

And thanks Rob - safe journey home!

[Marcel]

John sir, that is brilliant! :D

[Dark Star]

Thanks Marcel - ooo and a title - I'm honoured ty!

[Jimmy_Lemon]

ooo that really is quite cool and brilliantly written John :) Slightly miffed that I just get ducks! lol :p

[Dark Star]

ooo that really is quite cool and brilliantly written John :) Slightly miffed that I just get ducks! lol :p

Hey I would've included your entire portfolio but...ducks came to mind ;)

Glad you liked it! :)

[ekimeno]

Dark Star - great poem and thanks for the mention! :clap::wave:

[Janice]

That is SOOOO clever, John. And a verse all to myself! ;)

[Dark Star]

That is SOOOO clever, John. And a verse all to myself! ;)

To you and your chiff chaff :) TY Janice

[maddog.mark]

Superb DS very entertaining...even though i didnt get a mention:bat:

:thumbs:

[Dark Star]

Superb DS very entertaining...even though i didnt get a mention:bat:

:thumbs:

Gimme some time and those who I haven't mentioned will fine a verse slipped in I reckon ;)

Thanks for the thumbs up :D

[Mojo Jojo]

very nicely done :)
i love it very sweet
xxxxxxxxxx

[Susane]

Gimme some time and those who I haven't mentioned will fine a verse slipped in I reckon ;)

Thanks for the thumbs up :D

You'll have your work cut out now DS!

I'm honoured that you put me in, gives me a nice, warm feeling.
Although I guess my name is easy for you to remember as it is the same as your wife's but with a different spelling. :)

Well done sir!

[Dark Star]

very nicely done :)
i love it very sweet
xxxxxxxxxx

TY Mojo Jojo great name!


I'm honoured that you put me in, gives me a nice, warm feeling.

Although I guess my name is easy for you to remember as it is the same as your wife's but with a different spelling. :)

Well done sir!

Ty that makes it all worthwhile (and you're in there with the flower girls in you're own right! :D)

[jeangenie]

Hi Dark Star

Where on earth have I been to have missed this fantastic thread. It's made me laugh and cry. Your bro's such a talented guy. There's got to be a book in the offing! And the dedication should be to you:

With thanks to Dark Star, shining bright
Five thousand posts lit up the night
And TP posters, young and old
Said 'hey that's great, that's pure gold'


(Sorry - I'll just stick to pics!!)

Jean

And congrats on the big 5K :clap:

[Dark Star]

Hi Dark Star

Where on earth have I been to have missed this fantastic thread. It's made me laugh and cry. Your bro's such a talented guy. There's got to be a book in the offing! And the dedication should be to you:

With thanks to Dark Star, shining bright
Five thousand posts lit up the night
And TP posters, young and old
Said 'hey that's great, that's pure gold'


(Sorry - I'll just stick to pics!!)

Jean



Thanks Jean - nice rhyme - I'm honoured :D

Yep my bro is the poet not me and I'd love to get his stuff published - one day :D

Hoping others contribute as well though :)

Ps I just slipped another verse in :D

[Just Dave]

Love it John well done :thumbs:

[Galaxy66]

Thanks for drawing my attention to this thread John, poetry is a gift and it shows in this thread, loved the relation of the poems to the pics.
Sorry I missed it.

[Dark Star]

Cheers D'n'J and G66

[Dark Star]

Now back to real poetry. Its my pleasure on Summer Solstice to present a tribute to Stonehenge!

Image by Lady Pitstop to whom thanks go and words by my bro who knows more about stones circles and henges than I'm sure is good for him!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2595597038_100933de0a_o.jpg

Meditation on Stonehenge

Go in your mind to a long ago age
When mysterious magic did reign,
Try to imagine the very first sage
Who looked at that empty green plain.

Digging a henge with just deer antler picks
Creating a ditch and a bank,
Everything ready to build and to fix
For gods that they wanted to thank.

An avenue gradually came into view,
No energy once did they save on,
Processions took place in the avenue too
That led from the great River Avon.

Finding the bluestones then moving them all
Across quite impossible trails,
Tethering ropes around, straining to pull
So many tons back from old Wales.

Set in a horseshoe that blessed everywhere
Designed to enlighten their days,
Worshipping nature with due love and care
Until they began the next phase.

Laying in Avebury, blocks that were seen
The ancients regarded as gold,
Giant slabs resting where they'd always been,
Seventy million years old.

The outer ring needed these, so they were brought
But no one knows how or can tell,
Carved into oblongs and sculpted with thought
And crowned with grey lintels as well.

Inside, the trilithons holding the key
Like guardians stood in the centre,
Mystical sentinels, silent and free
Awaiting on wise ones to enter.

Pilgrims at solstices still feel as one
Eternity's ruin so vast,
Place of the spirits who walk with the sun
Enigma forever to last.

[photon]

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/5607/hijack100x80fv1.jpg Cos it's so nice!

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1907/IMGP1747-425x600.jpg

The Green Hills of Somerset
Oh the green hills o' Somerset
Go rolling to the shore;
`Twas there we said that we'd get wed,
When spring came round once more.

`Twas there we kissed and said goodbye
Beside the kirkyard wall,
And the song the blackbird sang to us
Was the sweetest song of all.

Green hills o' Somerset!
Green hills o' Somerset!
When shall we walk by you,
Green hills, once more!

Oh the green hills o' Somerset
Go rolling to the sea,
And still today the violets
Are blooming there for me.

The shadows kiss the waving grass,
Beside the kirkyard wall,
But the song the blackbird sings to me
Is the saddest song of all.

Green hills o' Somerset!
Green hills o' Somerset!
No more we'll walk by you,
Green hills, once more!

- Frederick E. "Danny Boy" Weatherly

Photo taken on Monday 16th after the funeral of my uncle. Two years earlier the verse above was read at my grandmother's funeral. Life goes on! The pup in my snap is nine weeks old.

End of hijack. Normal service resumed.

[Lady Pitstop]

Thanks John for using my shot of Stonehenge - your brother is very gifted :)

Beautiful poem to go with a beautiful shot :) Thanks Photon for sharing that.

[Dark Star]

Thats a lovely poem and image photon - very poignant!!! And have no fear its not my thread - I'm after as many contributions as possible from all comers so thanks :D

[sawman]

Never been mentioned in a poem before. Thanks a lot I enjoyed reading all about oor fowks!

[Dark Star]

Thanks a lot I enjoyed reading all about oor fowks!

Glad you liked it Charlie

Never been mentioned in a poem before.

I suspect theres about 80 more people on here who could say the same :D

[InaGlo]

Fabulous thread John :thumbs:

Loving the TP poem every bit as much as I do the beautiful & clever poetry from your brother.

Top stuff! :clap:

[Duckydoodle]

You didn't think that this thread was going to catch on when you first started it and look now 5 pages on and some wonderful images and poetry to match have been posted.


Your brother is very talented. Have any of his poems been published?

[Dark Star]

Fabulous thread John :thumbs:

Loving the TP poem every bit as much as the beautiful & clever poetry from your brother.

Top stuff! :clap:

Thanks Glo! Thats appreciated

You didn't think that this thread was going to catch on when you first started it and look now 5 pages on and some wondeful images and poetry to match have been posted.


Your brother is very talented. Have any of his poems been published?

Thanks Maureen - never been published but I intend to change that if he's willing ;)

[Duckydoodle]

I love reading and writing poetry but with my wee nippers it's hard to find time to be a mum, work full time, do my photography and everything else. Lost quite a bit of my poetry a year or two ago when computer bust :(
Still get the odd occasion when I can dabble will share one day :)

Would love to hear if he ever does manage to get published :)

[jeangenie]

Dark Star and Photon:

2 more lovely poems. I've been back and read them several times now.

LP - that dramatic sky looks just right for stonehenge. Well captured.

Thanks to all of you. :)

[F-Stop]

Someone take a photo for this!!

The Moon

The moon is peaked out cautiously
From behind the clouds last night
And I stared in admiration
At the half-lit satellite

No stars there were a dancing
Just the peaking of his eye
Across the hollows of the heavens
And the stillness of the skies

[Dark Star]

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/moon01.jpg

The Moon - by Ian aka F-Stop

The moon is peaked out cautiously
From behind the clouds last night
And I stared in admiration
At the half-lit satellite

No stars there were a dancing
Just the peaking of his eye
Across the hollows of the heavens
And the stillness of the skies


Nice poem f-stop - is that self penned? Thats the only moon shot I have I'm sure there are others and better :D

[Dragon23]

This is my first time posting an image on here so please be patient with me :P

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/Damned4eva/Best-Pan-shot-ever.jpg

This is one of my first attempts of Pandora, shes 1 of 2 of my greyhounds.

This poem isnt mine (but i wish it was) but everytime i read it, it hits home.

My Best Friend by Fiona E Reekie.

You can come home with me, the lady had said
With a lovely kind smile, and a pat on the head.
I'll love you, dear Greyhound, protect you from harm,
And the Greyhound responded by nuzzling her arm.

Okay said the Greyhound, I'll give it a go,
I suppose if I don't then I'll never know
What it's like to be cared for, to be loved and adored,
Must be better than being stuck in this kennel, bored.

But what if you get sick of me, or even change your mind?
Will you dump me or abandon me, leave me behind?
Oh no! Said the lady, please can't you see?
You'll remain by my side, my best friend you will be!

I mean it, dear Greyhound, I won't let you down
She said, stroking his head to banish his frown.
Okay, said the Greyhound, just give me time,
And I promise I'll be your best friend, And you will be mine.

[laser_jock99]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/laser_jock99/LANDSCAPES/GURNSEY_002.jpg

From one of my favourites- The Rubaiyat Of Omar Khayyam Of Naishapur by
Edward Fitzgerald

[Dark Star]

This is my first time posting an image on here so please be patient with me :P

This is one of my first attempts of Pandora, shes 1 of 2 of my greyhounds.


Patience not needed Garry - a lovely shot of a beautiful dog and a great poem that compliments the image well, thank you!

Welcome to the forum and thanks for this contribution :thumbs:

[Dark Star]

From one of my favourites- The Rubaiyat Of Omar Khayyam Of Naishapur by
Edward Fitzgerald


Thanks LJ - lovely image. Its not a poem I know - thanks for posting the extract I'll seek out the full version and have a read!

[Lem]

Hello everyone, I am a newbie on the site and I am slowly making my way looking through the different forums. Have enjoyed looking through this forum, especially liked Dark Stars 'Alphabet Ruck'.

The picture was taken in our local Christian cemetery and the poem is I believe a Buddhist poem of death.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1914/deathtp.jpg


Since time began
the dead alone know peace.
Life is but melting snow.

[Dark Star]

Welcome Lem - cracking image and thoughtful poem!

Nice to see religions/beliefs can blend ;)

[Dark Star]

Image is one I took a while ago at St Pancras, poem by the bro!

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/kc7.jpg

Homage to John Betjeman

Dear John if you saw London
You'd simply look away,
It's beauty has been undone,
Grotesquerie holds sway.

You were a fan of elegance
And champion of grace,
Which sadly have no relevance
To any urban place.

Though churches that you fought for
Stand tall amongst the mess,
Now office blocks are sought more
St Paul's is seen much less.

Developers you did oppose
Have won thanks to new rules,
As every idea they propose
Is passed by council fools.

It's bound to bring more work in
For each smug architect;
Who deemed a giant gherkin
Would make the view correct?

A leaning mass obscures the sky
Near Tower Bridge so fair,
The Thames horizon ruined by
A venue for the Mayor.

Those once loved streets you trod on
Contain successive shocks,
The planners of Tate Modern
Produced a faceless box.

At Battersea they've had a sale
Just four great chimneys soar,
The Power Station's had it now
They're going to build one more.

You wouldn't be delighted,
In fact you'd just walk on,
Your London has been blighted
By all they've done, Dear John.

[Dark Star]

Now I'll be the first to criticise this image as I took it but I wanted to get this poem up as it complements the alphabet ruck (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=688666&highlight=alphabet#post688666) posted earlier - it made me chuckle and its nearly Friday :D

I might redo the pic if I get time :D or PM me a better one!! Please :)

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/num002.jpg


The 1 to 20 ruck by Bob!

1 got in a right old strop
A temper tantrum grew,
Taking time to have a pop
At poor old number 2.

That kicked off a great big spat
And fights began to thrive,
3 put on it's hard tin hat
As 4 insulted 5.

Enveloped in red mist was 6
Which wasn't for the best,
7 started chucking bricks
While slagging off the rest,

Everyone who was it's mate
Was called a swine and then
In a state 8 got irate
And slapped both 9 and 10.

All were verbally attacked,
11 turned more mean,
Teasing 12 about the fact
It wasn't quite a teen.

13 bashed 14 as well
Unlucky but there's more -
1 stayed down where it had fell
Now 14 was a 4.

No truce was there ever found
They spilled out on the street,
15 passed a rumour round
That 16 wasn't sweet.

17 just didn't have
The stomach for a minute,
18 acted like a chav
And picked on 19 innit.

20 made a raucous din
No digits battled as those,
30 coppers all moved in
And issued 40 ASBOs.

[Dark Star]

Two Images - One Poem

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2575304315_c540c82952.jpg

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/moon01.jpg

Opposites

Evening shadows all grew long
A sunset did appear,
Silver moonbeams came along
Which meant the night was here.

There's a time when we cry less
But sorrow comes to all,
Give me smiles of happiness
And let my teardrops fall.

[rally-media]

http://www.rally-media.co.uk/images/forum/mcrae-dash.jpg



I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That is spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved
Know what that little line is worth

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash

So think about this long and hard
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be arranged

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life's action to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
And how you spent your dash"

[Dark Star]

A great contribution RM - is that self penned? If so its a fantastic poem, well done!

And a very fitting image too!

Thanks again for the contribution :D

[rally-media]

I wish it was, I do pen stuff obviously but nothing as moving as that.

I probably should have put Anonymous at the bottom.

[Dark Star]

I wish it was, I do pen stuff obviously but nothing as moving as that.

I probably should have put Anonymous at the bottom.

Well thanks anyway its a corker and glad to see new poems (to me anyway!)

Get some of your own up here next :D

[rally-media]

Sorry another one that isn't mine.

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/rose.jpg

A rose once grew where all could see,
sheltered beside a garden wall.
And as the days passed swiftly by,
it's branches spread straight and tall.

One day a beam of light shone through,
a crevice had opened wide.
The rose bent gently toward it's warmth,
then passed beyond, to the other side.

Now those who deeply feel its loss,
be comforted the rose blooms there.
It's beauty even greater now,
nurtured by Gods own loving care.

[Dark Star]

Thanks again Marcos - not sure who wrote the rose poem but the only reference I could find was this:

" This poem is lovingly engraved on the obelisk in memory of Drew and Jeremiah Smith at The Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Kentucky"

Adds some poignancy to the verses!

:(

[Dark Star]

Photo by Colin (aka Hacker for which my thanks), Poem by my bro' :D

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f273/HackerUK/Duxford-July-07207-Edit.jpg

Battle of Britain scene

A pilot was riddled with bullets
The plane he controlled torn in two,
His mission had failed,
His parachute sailed,
Descending from out of the blue.

A farmer came running in anger
His temper beginning to boil,
He carried a gun,
Aware that a Hun
Had fallen upon English soil.

A strange thing occurred in the moment
When he arrived there at the scene;
He realized the truth,
No more than a youth
Was dying on that field of green.

Words came in a strange foreign language
Beseeching release from the pain,
The farmer then knelt,
Surprised how he felt
His sympathy starting to gain.

For here was a real human being
And not the foe he'd grown to hate;
With fear in his eyes
Beneath summer skies
This soldier was confronting fate.

His body, so twisted forever
Then struggled in one final writhe,
The end came at last,
His time here had passed,
A young man no longer alive.

In jubilance others assembled
Relieved that the pilot was killed,
Each triumph was good,
The farmer just stood
And left a boy there in the field.

[jeangenie]

Another beautiful poem with a message, John. It illustrates so clearly the futility of war. Your bro has a fantastic gift for expressing complex thoughts in such a way that they touch everybody who reads them.

rally-media - I love the rose poem, too. It creates a lovely picture in words.

[Dark Star]

Thanks Jean - if only I could get an image of Beethoven I'd lighten the mood :)

[Dark Star]

A thank you to Mike (aka poacher) for his Oxford image (Geordi you were a close runner up :))

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/IMG_2212_straightened_done_filtered_resized.jpg


Oxford morning

When darkness was no more the hue
And silver light was dawning,
Exhilarating was the view
Upon an Oxford morning.

Before a person came along
Or anyone arrived,
Before the birds attempted song
Or any noise there thrived.

I wandered streets I couldn't name
Where everything so old,
Despite the early hour became
A paradise of gold.

In empty squares and weathered tiers,
Within a distant bell,
There was a sense of many years
That echoed like a well.

While rows of holy gargoyles frowned
From every lofty height
The thoroughfares I walked around
Were slowly turning bright.

At last the dawn began to close,
It's shadows now decreased,
When columns of the sun arose
My spirit was released.

The very structures that I saw
Appeared as gleaming fires,
An Oxford morning full of awe
Beneath the dreaming spires.

[zooki]

poem by Dicky Cantrell

http://photos-620.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v196/167/57/512031620/n512031620_759700_7368.jpg
After finding the cat dead
We questioned everyone
Except
Curiosity.

[Dark Star]

poem by Dicky Cantrell

After finding the cat dead
We questioned everyone
Except
Curiosity.

:lol:

[zooki]

what?:p its true.

[Dark Star]

what?:p its true.

I know - it killed one of mine once ;)

[Dark Star]

Image mine, poem my bro's

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2575304315_47f45e95b7_o.jpg

The sun's farewell

The weary sun lay in the west,
To go away he planned,
Yet on that day the things he'd blessed
Were pained to lose his hand.

A pond that stored his golden light
Felt sad and it appears,
While dwelling on the dark of night
Became a pool of tears.

The cornfields where his light had thinned
Began to sigh and grieve,
Regretfully they asked the wind
Why sunlight had to leave.

The moon knew there was little choice
And that he must depart,
The sorrow she could never voice
Was kept within her heart.

The sun replied with sleepy beams
'Although I've closed the door,
When I return from peaceful dreams
I'll heal you all once more.'

[zooki]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b63/joeywoji/th_n512031620_171922_3854.jpg (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b63/joeywoji/n512031620_171922_3854.jpg)

The Splintered Face: Tsunami Poems by Indran Amirthanayagam

Let's not speak
of countries or homelands; . . .
Let's pick up
the dead now, all
the peace agreements,
insurance papers.
Let's walk across
the borders now.

[Dark Star]

Very nice poem Zooki, and a fitting image given the subject :(

Thanks for posting and keep 'em coming!

For those interested my bro is now very warm to the idea of getting his work published! Watch this space!

[Cobra]

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x195/photo-web/L.jpg

You can't buy loyalty, they say
I bought it though, the other day;
You can't buy friendship, tried and true,
Well just the same, I bought that too.
I made my bid, and on the spot
Bought love and faith in a whole job lot,
so all in all
The purchase price was pretty small.
I bought a single trusting heart,
That gave devotion from the start.
If you think these things are not for sale,
Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a stump for a tail.

Anon

[EdinburghGary]

Dark Star I thought you had only written the one poem here, I have a lot of catching up to do!!!

Gary.

[Dark Star]

Dark Star I thought you had only written the one poem here, I have a lot of catching up to do!!!

Gary.

Gary I've written none apart from the ode to tpf :) - any of my postings tend to be my brother's poems to a suitable image of mine or others who have kindly agreed to let me use their shots.

Its nice to see others now joining in :thumbs:- thats a lovely dog Cobra and a fitting poem :)

[Cobra]

thats a lovely dog Cobra and a fitting poem :)
Thank you, on both counts John :thumbs:

[Dark Star]

I'd like some opinions on the image and poem please - not sure the image does the poem justice tbh

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/k02.jpg

Mr Bailey

I

Mr Bailey taking class
Explaining every feature,
Hopes were high that all would pass
With such a well liked teacher.

Trained at university
For two things he did yearn,
Banishing adversity
And helping others learn.

One more day his words could soar,
To show how minds could reach,
Mr Bailey stood before
The students he would teach.

Most absorbed his message when
There came an interruption,
Just a few were bored and then
They caused a loud disruption.

Shouting was against the rule,
He issued them detention,
Knowing, as in every school
The need was full attention.

Staying later after hours
They held a sullen grudge,
Who was he to wield such powers
And who was he to judge?

II

Two weeks on inside a park,
A lane where lovers roam,
Mr Bailey after dark
Alone and cycling home.

Up ahead his path was blocked
The sight he saw astonished,
Faces sneered and minds were locked,
The group he had admonished.

Parked the bike and then approached
Attempting now to reason,
Soon to find as he encroached
Kind acts were out of season.

Mr Bailey calm and still
Politely how he tried,
Mr Bailey talked until
A knife stuck in his side.

Shining moonlight bathed the ground,
An owl flew by serene,
Footsteps were the only sound
As they fled from the scene.

Next day school was destitute
And for those who'd done wrong:
Young Offenders' Institute,
They didn't serve too long.

III

No more children would be taught
By he who'd met his end,
Funny how they sometimes thought
They'd lost a special friend.

Mr Bailey with his ways
Made lessons such a joy,
Talked about in older days
By every girl and boy.

[Cobra]

Both very poignant John :thumbs:
The image suits the mood
the poem is all to close to reality sadly :(

[Dark Star]

Thanks Chris - the next few will be much lighter if I can get my hands on a shot of a busker or of Beethoven ;)

[jeangenie]

Wow, I miss this thread for a day or so and have so much catching up to do. :)

Your brother continues to touch and astound me, John. The sun poem is beautiful and clever in its simplicity. I'm so glad he's coming round to the idea of publication.

The dog poem sums up having dogs for me. They're just the best thing. My 2 are currently sitting under my desk waiting patiently (or sleeping off their dinners :D) while I type.

The 'Mr Bailey' poem made me shudder in horror. I'm an ex-teacher and I've only been in tight corners a twice - once student and once a very angry parent, and on both occasions it could have got violent. I can't imagine the horror of the scenario described in the poem. Too close for comfort for me.

IMO the image is a good illustation. It's totally impersonal and somehow reflects the mentality of the kids in this poem.

[Hobbytog]

Think I'll do some street candids and put my interpretation of them in a poem. This is an inspirational thread!

Paul

[Dark Star]

Think I'll do some street candids and put my interpretation of them in a poem. This is an inspirational thread!

Paul

Thanks Paul - I look forward to seeing your work in here :)

[Hacker]

John, that one is very fitting in the current climate. Lovely piece of work.

:clap:

[Dark Star]

Thanks Colin my bro is quite chuffed about the reaction his work is getting on tpf :D The book idea is gaining ground!

[Dark Star]

A lighter ode for a Sunday, my thanks to Maureen (aka Duckydoodle) for the superb image :D

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd155/mausue/Apple0316pb.jpg

Isaac's Inspiration

Isaac Newton didn't know
What kept things on the ground,
Why they never rose to go
Or didn't float around.

Sat beneath a tree in shade
With this he'd often grapple,
Till the day his name was made
By one descending apple.

Earth had simply magnetized
Creating a response,
Something Isaac recognized
When fruit fell on his bonce.

He rushed in for a cup of tea,
Two lumps he always took
Then wrote a note on gravity
That grew into a book.

Amid the fame Sir Isaac copped
He thought but never said
'It's lucky that old apple dropped
And hit me on the head.'

[CT]

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/OY8N5611-01.jpg

The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?
He'll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
and hide his head under his wing, poor thing.

[Dark Star]

The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?
He'll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
and hide his head under his wing, poor thing.

:D Unseasonal maybe but a fantastic image that matches the rhyme perfectly Cedric, the poor thing looks frozen! Thanks for posting :thumbs:

[Dark Star]

I hope I'm not boring y'all ;)

This is one of the most uplifting poems my bro' has written in my opinion and I've had two beautiful images suggested....they both fit the imagery and sentiments so well that I'm using them both.

Thanks to jeangeanie for the first image of the candle and to Janice for the second image of the '..boat to steer'.

Comments on the images and the words are always welcome :)

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1976/DSCF0035candle.jpg

Prayer

Cast these heavy chains away
And let their shackles fall,
Tell me how I find a way
That leads me to your hall.

There at last behind the doors
I'll lose these tears of mine,
Where I'll place my hands in yours
And you shall pour the wine.

Help my eyes behold and then
Return the skies to blue,
So I see the world again
As beautiful and true.

Looking at the rivers here
Unable to decide,
I will choose the boat to steer
But only you can guide.

Show horizons far and warm
That bring a new tomorrow,
Rid me of this petty storm
Along with pain and sorrow.

In the night when hope is gone
And I am less than whole,
Shine your healing light upon
The darkness in my soul.

http://www.janicehobbs.com/weddingboat.jpg

[Ian D J]

Just caught up on this thread (I'm still in the process of trying to get to know everyone and everything in here) and I love what's shown in here. While a lot of your and your brother's efforts (photos and your postings) are top notch, you seem to excel the most on sunset/sunrise shots.
Good work, this is a thread I will come back to whenever I can. :)

[Dark Star]

Thanks Ian thats kind of you - I hope you enjoy the odes and the images :D

[Dark Star]

Image by kind permission of Jimmy_Lemon :)

Poem by Bob

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1024/december_01.jpg

Brian the Busker :)

There once was a terrible singer
Called Brian the busker and he
Turned every song into a minger,
For every note he sang off key.

A guitar that he couldn't master,
Harmonica ready to puff,
His set was a total disaster
Each chart topper really was rough.

The Underground's whole panorama
Would echo as he spread The Jam,
Destroying Bananarama
And ruining singles by Wham!

The folk style he never could hack it,
Paul Simon he turned into junk,
In fact it was so bad a racket
Art Garfunkel came out as funk.

He gave Stevie Wonder a blunder
As well as U-2 and T. Rex,
The Undertones simply went under
And then he made ABC wrecks.

He even messed up Bjorn and Benny
A poor Chiquitita he plucked,
His Dancing Queen lured not one penny,
Fernando and Waterloo sucked.

Some pleaded if he would do Bruce less
They'd never heard Springsteen so dire,
His Jerry Lee Lewis was useless,
He put out his Great Balls Of Fire.

Donations bought less than two cuppas
From Beatles and Monkees and Byrds,
While doing the Mamas And Papas
He couldn't remember the words.

Yet Brian would not take his hat back
Convinced he could win coins and smiles,
Sinatra he tried from the Rat Pack,
But sounded as if he'd got piles.

A dose of the worst heebie - jeebies,
Commuters' ears hurt with the pain
And when he attempted the Bee Gees
They bundled quick on the next train.

Bohemian Rhapsody's grandeur
It took him a whole month to learn,
He gave all it's lyrics a gander,
Determined that now he would earn.

He transformed it into a catfight
The opera bit made them all laugh,
Poor Brian he screwed things up that night,
Queen's epic alerted the staff.

His voice was like tins in a funnel
And now he was told to move on,
While they led him up the next tunnel
He gave them a quick Elton John.

From Dollis Hill over to Wapping
From Bethnal Green to Leicester Square,
If people are fleeing not bopping
It's Brian who's busking down there.

[Cobra]

:lol:
I didn't know your Brother knew me :D
Great image JL :thumbs:

[Dark Star]

:lol:
I didn't know your Brother knew me :D
Great image JL :thumbs:

:lol: I feel a bit bad for the real busker in JL's pic - I'm sure he's better than Brian (or Chris ;))

Fairy stuff on its way soon :D Watch this space

[Keltic Ice Man]

What a fantastic thread. Great idea. Must go back to the start now and reread.

Well done folks.

[Dark Star]

Cheers K.I.M :)

...and here's that fairy I mentioned - when I saw Angi's (aka zarozinia) superb image it brought to mind the poem below, thanks to her for the use of her pic! (and okay, I know its not a violet ;))

http://fc05.deviantart.com/fs32/i/2008/202/5/9/I_believe_by_AngiNelson.jpg

The Violet and the Fairy

How a violet in a bower
It was praying for the rain,
Just a solitary flower
Longing for a drink again.

Then a fairy danced upon it
All aglow in silver light
And she told a simple sonnet
To relieve the flower's plight.

And the words produced the weather
That the violet needed there,
For the fairy was forever
Full of gentleness and care.

Then the dry and weary petals
They became the finest jewels,
Like the rarest precious metals
While the rain it fell in pools.

As the fairy started going
With another plant to save
She could she the violet glowing
And could hear the thanks it gave.

[admirable]

Tomorrow should have been my 1st go at taking pics at a wedding, Laura's wedding, instead yesterday was my 1st go at taking pics at a funeral, Laura's funeral.

What a turnaround, I have known this family a long long time so it was a very emotional day for me to say the least. We travelled the same route in the same Highland style as we did for her Mother some 18 odd years ago.

Laura was mature for her age and had a very positive outlook on life, needless to say she was a BIG fan of the colour PINK

I have lots of pictures, most are better quality than this but it's one of the few I have without showing any direct personal emotions or TV cameras.

Links,

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/latestnews/Brave-cancer-victim-dies-days.4325356.jp

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/tags/laura-mackenzie/

http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/sex-health/2007/10/24/i-thought-it-was-just-first-date-nerves-89520-19999409/


http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4739/laura21mg0.jpg


The Thing Is…

The expression 'The Thing Is' is commonly used throughout Scotland and the Roy Castle Foundation are to publish a book of Laura's poems.


The thing is…
I look around at the friends close to me,
And I see how I should be,
What I should be doing,
What I wish I could do.

I am stripped of my youth,
I am stripped of any independence I had,
I have been robbed of the dreams I once had,
I have been robbed of what made me…me,
Laura.

But the thing is,
Now I am stronger wiser,
I try to get those close to me to realize,
How precious life is,
How they should get out there,
With no fear, and live their lives to the full,
They are there,
They listen,
They talk,

But the thing is,
They’ll never truly understand,
Until they have walked in my shoes,
They won’t realise that life is a gift,
Tied with a big pink bow!

Written by Laura MacKenzie on 11/02/2008

[Keltic Ice Man]

Beautiful, yet very sad, but thank you for sharing.

[Dark Star]

That is so sad and I am touched and honoured that you have chosen to include the image and the poem in this thread

My condolences go to all who knew and loved Laura!

:(

[GarynLea]

That busker poem is right up my street as I used to play in a club band called SOOT (Slightly Out Of Tune) an understatement in reality and used to busk for local charities too when I had the time.

Thank you for that trip down memory lane.

[Dark Star]

That busker poem is right up my street as I used to play in a club band called SOOT (Slightly Out Of Tune) an understatement in reality and used to busk for local charities too when I had the time.

Thank you for that trip down memory lane.

Pity I didn't have a picture of SOOT :) Great name by the way !

Glad you liked it Gary!

[Daysleeper40]

Oh how horribly sad for Laura and all of her friends and family - my heart goes out to them all.

Beautiful poem and I think the picture captures how loved she must have been. I hope her diary and poems do help others in a similar position xxx

[Dark Star]

Haven't posted one for a bit so here's one of two for Saturday...image with thanks to mole2k who tells me its a shot of Devils rock, to be found on the North East coast of Ireland. Poem by Bob.

http://www.mole2k.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_9082_small.jpg

The coastal way

At this one location, forgotten and hiding
The breezes are strong and no soul is seen where
Abandoned to silence the seagulls are gliding
Above walls of chalk that have always been there.

Small flowers glow mildly in so much profusion
Allowed to grow wildly with no man made hedge,
Through mist ocean heights can appear an illusion
No path ever built leads to this rocky edge.

When rain is approaching the scene's altered by light
Then cliffs are swept up in a curtain of grey
But sometimes at dusk they absorb the red twilight
Improving the view of the old coastal way.

[Dark Star]

And a second seaside one - I saw Spencer's (aka Gandhi) images of the pier at Weston Super Mare and it reminded me of a short tribute Bob wrote when it burnt down. Thanks to Spencer for the use of his image!

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/2055/DSC_1978pano.jpg

The Pier

At Weston-super-Mare the pier
Was taken by the flame,
When bygone buildings disappear
We're sad it's not the same.

A sense of loss when history dies
But by the seaside there
The pier shall like a phoenix rise
At Weston - super - Mare.

[jeangenie]

Haven't had chance for several days to spend the time on this thread that it deserves, so it was good to catch up at a liesurely pace today.

admirable - what an inspiration your friend Laura must have been. My sympathies go to all those who loved her. It must be impossibly difficult to take photos at a funeral, and I'm sure Laura's friends and family appreciate it.

I loved the Busker poem - it must be the busker who's always working the queue I get stuck in - anywhere. :) Wonderful character image too.

The poem about Weston-super-Mare pier is short and sweet - says it all very neatly. The image is very atmospheric and kind of sad, imo. Very well captured and the perfect illustration for the poem.

The coastal way poem is lovely and the Devil's rock image looks quite ghostly.

This thread continues to be a great delight - thanks John.

[Dark Star]

Jean thanks for taking the time to comment, this thread gets many views but fewer comments and I hope people enjoy both the images and the accompanying words.

[MissyC]

I hope I'm not intruding on your thread? There seem to be images from others here, so hope I can add one of mine?

Photo I took in Provence - some blending applied for a dreamy feel; Poem by Blake

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/MissyC/hols/_DSC1251_s1.jpg

William Blake: 'Ah! Sunflower'

Ah Sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun;
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller's journey is done;

Where the Youth pined away with desire,
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves, and aspire
Where my Sunflower wishes to go!

[Dark Star]

Chrissy thanks for posting theat dreamy, summery image and the poem and they certainly do complement one another! Nice to read!

No intrusion here btw - although I seem to have posted the most poems I'd encourage as many people as possible to get involved and post their own images and words or simply their own images alongside a favourite lyric or poem :)

PS 800 pixels longest edge :)

[jeangenie]

MissyC I love this picture - different from the usual Provencal sunflower pics and complements the poem very well. :clap::clap:

[MissyC]

Dark Star and JeanGenie, thanks for your comments. I'm pleased that you like the image... a first to lie flat down on a road verge for a shot, but it was the only way of capturing the height of the sunflowers, and the dramatic contrast between the poppies, sunflower heads and the deep provence morning sky! I was pretty content with the result.

The blending with some gaussian blur was an afterthought to give a dreamy feel. Wish I was there now!!

[Dark Star]

Not posted one for a while so here's a fresh one from the bro'

If you're our age some of this might be familiar ;)

The view is from the Monument in London, click on the image for a larger version :)

http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/skyline-small.jpg
(http://www.darkstarimages.co.uk/general/skyline-big.jpg)

London Moments

When the London of my childhood conjured moments of pure joy
When the the slightest thing would scare us but the fear we could enjoy,
Black and white on television, our imaginations held
Like the time we saw the Daleks from another distant world.

In the decade of the sixties brilliant music came to us
That was instantly familiar as a scarlet London bus,
For the soundtrack to the moments and our games and fizzy drinks
Were the Beatles and the Stones, The Love Affair, The Who and Kinks.

And at Battersea the Grotto was a special Neverland
Flying on the roller coaster didn't think we'd ever land,
By the lake at Crystal Palace I recall the dreaded jaws
In the features on the statues of the mighty dinosaurs.

There's a building we ascended and it's called the Monument
If you chose to walk the staircase ever on and on you went,
At the summit through the railings we observed the sight of sights
Panorama of our London, from the highest of the heights.

Though the days that I remember they are long ago and gone,
Like a bonfire in November they're inclined to linger on,
While the time has flown to leave me just another present day
All those simple London moments never seem to go away.

[MissyC]

:) Though my childhood wasn't in London, the sentiments relating to that era I can relate to!

[Dark Star]

Thanks MissyC much obliged - London was a huge part of my childhood in the 60s, Red Rovers for 3/6d or a Twin Rover for 7 bob :) and the capital was yours for the day :)

[Toothie]

John your photos go so well with ** brothers poems another beautiful match :)

[Dark Star]

John your photos go so well with ** brothers poems another beautiful match :)

Thanks Ruth - we'll be discussing the book project soon :)

[Kiasmum]

Just found this thread and there are some beautiful images and poems.

I'm not a poet but my husband likes haikus and this is just a silly one to go with this...


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a204/karinpope/Kia-wants-july06.jpg


I am your best friend
now,always,and especially
when you are eating.


:D

[Dark Star]

Thanks Karin welcome to this thread :) Its the first haiku of the thread (I think :)) and a lovely looking dog! :)