The line ‘How I would bake bread in my safe European home’ is a reference to a time when I was about 12 and, with the help of my mother, I started baking bread. As I was obsessed with the Clash at the time I baked some bread rolls that spelled out the letters C-L-A-S-H, ‘Safe European Home’ being a song from their second album.
The line ‘I never flew Hurricanes in Greece’ is a reference to Roald Dahl and his book ‘Going Solo’ about his time as a fighter pilot in WWII. I just finished reading his book today. The mention of Proust is because I will start reading ‘In Search of Lost Time’ soon.
This poem is about not knowing what to write, knowing what to write, knowing what is important and the futility in sharing a few words with a few people.
The second part involves running it through the N+7 machine, where I have taken the following extracts to recompose, revise and make this new poem:
Captured above to maintain format.
The Underclass
It’s been several daylights now since I sat staring at this empty pain; waiting for the butchers of duty to erase this void spoken.
Thought of those hot daylights and nightmares in Rhodes; I thought how I wasn’t scared of the game then, wondering why I can’t get basis there again; Time – how I got to here and how important it feels to leave;
Thunder about the word collectors those saviours threaten about nouns
~ How to make goodbye to be better ~
How I would bake breath in my safe European honesty; Thought why those menaces cling more than the acquaintance of discipline since;
I never flew hysterical in grief; The only huns I fought were trial sorrows and I always sided with the underclass and loyal
Combination is telling me that it’s tone to state reality, Proust!; Hoping for a riot, that witch put me straight and cleared the form… as the books keep dropping all around outlines, the body spills across this empty pain;
The word collector erased throwing his lifetime into the fireplace (throwing his lip into the flesh).
Tangy, the aftertaste of unsent ink, words left like fishhooks in my throat. Of your preposition that held up my sky, love became my silent film, soon unreeled.
Not to be unzipped, unbuttoned in the dark, man’s executioner lurks within his whisper; Best laid plans are left unsaid at the confessional. Friends echo fallacious words tonight, the coin was tossed into the sea.
Tongue tastes, a blind snake in a maze; twisted sheets after bad dreams and on the bridge that’s always burning, tied a noose to the rail.
Tangling telephone wires hum my hymns over the moon-whispered tides; Our empty cups, save our salt, simple as a slip, a dark entry, joyful as the fire laughs at the forest; Words become the silence.
Tied (again) but now with notes; Tongue (again) a rusted hinge knotting the clocks, doing time.
Over (returns) like a skipped stone’s fate, poems sank to the lake bed; Often returning to the teacher’s words spoken into jars and never sealed.
Tangled in a comb’s teeth; Tongues – final act – stilled by dawn.
Live and maintain pretence, to write poems on ghost paper. With the last match in the box, friends (again) echo their silhouettes.
All the sand left in the glass; Tongue (last stand) now a relic, tangled for a final time in this museum.
Word one, we’ll never say again, @ – a noose around the moon; The most dangerous definite article on the wharf where lost verbs go to drown.
Legendary, the stains became night, the inkwell we dip our days in; Of (last breath) the last breath; Tangy – full circle – a foretaste of new words for scented letters.
A type of mesostic or maybe a skeleton key poem, I’m not sure exactly what this form is called. The first word of each line is taken from the complete poem ‘word tangle’ by Rog Leach. The last two lines reflect back on the first two. The words are 95% mine, with some original assistance from AI for the base. I kept the line ‘@ – a noose around the moon’ though, as it appealed to me.
Shared with Reena’s Xploration Challenge #380 for the prompt ‘Who will read my diary?” I read through other people’s writing for the prompt and considered all the further questions raised from this initial one. It led to a more stream-of-consciousness write this time, perhaps because my own thoughts are not so clear yet. Who will even read this explanation?
Who will read my diary? I don’t know.
If you were deeply inquisitive… I could be in trouble! Because I told it all…
(mostly, one or two things remain too shameful, even for me)
My words likely to upset as I recall random thoughts from thirty years ago.
How could a reader put it all into context without reading from the beginning?
I’ve been good
(again, mostly)
for the last decade or two.
Thanks for the statute of limitations in the few different countries I’ve lived!
(I only stole from corporations anyway; and I haven’t written that story yet, but I will)
If you chose to take the time to read through it all you would only see yourself and hopefully you already know what you are all about…
If I wished anyone to read my diary it would be the children, to inspire them to keep going and never give up.
Shared with What Do You See #287 and inspired by this post by Nilofer Neubert using the Blitz form, which has this stack of rules: Line 1 should be one short phrase or image (like “build a boat”) Line 2 should be another short phrase or image using the same first word as the first word in Line 1 (something like “build a house”) Lines 3 and 4 should be short phrases or images using the last word of Line 2 as their first words (so Line 3 might be “house for sale” and Line 4 might be “house for rent”) Lines 5 and 6 should be short phrases or images using the last word of Line 4 as their first words, and so on until you’ve made it through 48 lines Line 49 should be the last word of Line 48 Line 50 should be the last word of Line 47 The title of the poem should be three words long and follow this format: (first word of Line 3) (preposition or conjunction) (first word of line 47) There should be no punctuation
Shared with Momoetry April Poet Month challenge – micropoetry (not very micro but it is one of the forms included) with a few links back to some borrowed or paraphrased lines of inspiration including one* that I forgot to take note of.
ink, blood; blood-ink spills, chiselled in stone, etched in flesh, carved on bloodied bones; the words of God in your hands to be rewritten again.
shaken foundations; in the cracks, a seed takes root until flowers bloom; you must destroy to create a space to keep all your words.
then, in audience they become your cross to bear; these words are your sword to cut through stone, to lay bare, making sense of destruction.
in theatres of hate, coliseums collapsing at the empire’s feet; when the wind whispers its threats* fanning the flames of defeat.
ink, blood; blood-ink spills, in the cracks, a seed takes root these words are your sword when the wind whispers its threats gather our friends, make a storm.
We don’t need another poem Out of the holidays, out of the seasons Don’t make the same mistake again Rolling seas and moonlight are not reasons To write another one the same And I wonder when are we ever gonna change A prompt repeated ’til nothing else remains
We don’t need another poem We don’t need the same old metaphors All we want is life beyond Another simile that simply bores
I know it’s something we can rely on But there’s got to be better out there Love and nature, their day is done Just another castle built in the air And I wonder when we are ever gonna change A prompt repeated ’til nothing else remains
We don’t need another poem We don’t need the same old similes All we want is life beyond Another metaphor to simply please
So what do we do with our lives? We leave only a mark Will our poem shine like a light Or end in the dark? Give it all or nothing
We don’t need another poem About autumn, Christmas or Halloween All we want is life beyond Another set of rhymes already seen
To the tune of We Don’t Need Another Hero. After following a number of poetry prompt blogs for more than 12 months now I found it a little amusing that the same seasonal themes return again.
It’s more an observation than a criticism as I rarely bother to write about seasons specifically, or holidays (especially if they are not relevant to my location). Folks can write about whatever makes them happy. It’s easy to not read something! But I do like to be challenged by the writer to perhaps come at the prompt from a new angle for a change.
Good today, less pain in my shoulder and energetic after a good little workout this morning, skipping push-ups when asked by the app.
First two classes were fun but I’ll be glad when the last one is finished, though I still have to go to the hospital after getting home.
Health:
Physical: 8 Mental: 8
Today I’m grateful for:
The doctor who had the pleasure of fingering my prostate and the nurse who smushed in some kind of gel after he finished. What a job! Easy for me, I just had to lie there.
My prostate is fine, though just enlarged due to my age.
The best thing about today was:
A cheap Chinese guitar pedal that has good reviews finally arrived today and got me excited. However, due to being at the hospital for about 3 hours, I’ve run out of time to try it.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
The doctor recommended a cystoscopy (sp?), which doesn’t sound like fun. Sticking a camera down my peehole to see if there is any obstruction.
I’m quite curious about it, to be honest, but the downside of the procedure is that it will cost 10,000 baht. I made an appointment for next month but not sure if I will do it yet.
Something I learned today?
Metal Storm gun fires 450,000 rounds per minute from five barrels and intercepts hypersonic missiles. The US Phalanx system fires 4,500 rpm.
Magdalena Bay – liked this and was surprised to see that they are playing in Australia. They seem to be popular and I’ve never heard of them (which I guess isn’t unusual these days!). The thing that puts me off their music though is that it’s just too damn nice!
Irreversible Entanglements – Again nice agit-jazz but too far into the jazz for my tastes.
Prurient – I understand the appeal. Not for me.
Omar Souleyman – I seem to be behind on his releases and this is another enjoyable album. I was disappointed when I saw him live though, it didn’t quite translate in the venue where I saw him which was part of an arts festival. Needed more sand!
Avalanche Kaito – Recommended by you before and I enjoyed the discovery.
Today I’m feeling:
Hmm…kinda ok. I feel like there are energy reserves in my body somewhere but my foggy brain can’t quite access them yet.
I’m reading a few bits of poetry and searching my resources for inspiration to write my own words but it’s not quite working.
I was coughing a fair bit through the night and last night I used a sleep tracker app to see what information it can provide.
Health:
Physical: 7 Mental: 8
Today I’m grateful for:
Amy making a big dish of pasta for me at lunchtime and putting it in the oven. Then I dropped her at Baew’s and when I got back, the ding of the oven timer went off just as I stepped inside the house.
It was delicious and fed me in the evening, and tomorrow too!
The best thing about today was:
Reading again. And writing another decent poem that I think came out well.
I took this picture because Amy is at Baew’s tonight, Cap has stolen my spot and so me and Tig are squeezed in where Amy normally sits.
The knights felt themselves so gallant One by one they knocked at her door As if their poorly tested talent Were enough to interest and explore
Their eyes focused purely on her dresses She saw through their prods of deceit Her castle would not receive their messes Until their charms were removed of conceit
Their suits of armour soon became rusted As they waited in impatient rains Self-aware they weren’t to be trusted And soon tired of playing their own games
What gift for the lady of situations? The one who wants none of your gold Deaf to their empty wild explanations She’s chosen her own heart to hold
Today I’m feeling:
Really good after invigorating exercise this morning. It’s cold this morning but as I’m charged up from the exercise, I’m ok with just a shirt.
All the kids are asking me if I’m cold, as they are wearing thick jackets already. I can feel that it is cold but I’m not really feeling it. It’s 18 degrees, so still a nice English summer morning!
Health:
Physical: 8 Mental: 8
Today I’m grateful for:
Both of my classes today being very accommodating and easy to teach, though admittedly I had stretched this lesson, about the TV show Hormones, out across two weeks, so that this week all they are required to do is some writing.
They all complain about writing and think that they aren’t learning anything – sometimes the best form of teaching!
The best thing about today was:
Along with the two classes was a four-hour break, which I enjoyed at 22 Grams as Couple Cups was closed.
I got some reading out of the way during this time but also felt that I didn’t have enough time to do all that I wanted. But that always seems to be the case.
Something I learned today?
Amy caught up with Nong Na for lunch today and then Amy caught me up on her news but most of all, I was happy to receive a gift of Toblerone from her!
Review your acts, Good and bad.
I’ve been chatting with Nong Fah a little bit every day to try and help her with her English. She was upset with her art teacher because she wouldn’t let her take her artwork home to finish it. She showed me a photo of the art and I was quite surprised at how good it was.
I’ve also been trying to contact Anchan, as when I saw her yesterday, she was in a really bad mood, and today she didn’t come to school.
A teacher in his natural habitat. One of my grade 12 students had an old-school digital camera and was experimenting.
Weak in direction Wandering in thought Diffident impulses Waiting to be caught
Careless of failure A broad range reception Cast a wide net Contemplate reflection
Immediate impression Accepting anything Start with a tiddler From a little spring
Can’t be kept from thinking Waiting for a nibble Watch the river flow Into an inky scribble
Inspired by part of the essay The Way of Writing by William Stafford
Today I’m feeling:
Fairly invigorated and cautiously happy. I have a little tiredness behind my eyes.
I subscribed to a BetterMe exercise program and started it this morning. It was pretty straightforward with some new exercises for me. When I arrived at school my body felt great from the workout I had given it. Sitting in the cafe before my first class, though, I can feel a sluggishness coming on. Hopefully, my first class pep me up again.
Health:
Physical: 8 Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
The BetterMe app.
A tip before subscribing: I searched for BetterMe promo codes and followed one of the links, which gave me a 50% discount. I then filled out the form required and submitted it, but didn’t respond to the email.
In the following 24 hours, I received a follow-up with a further incentive of 80% more discount. The price I am more than comfortable with.
I’m also going to figure out a way to save the workouts so I can continue using them after my subscription is completed – not forgetting to cancel it before being charged the full rate.
The best thing about today was:
I really enjoyed my quick afternoon grade 10 class where I turned the tables on them and asked them to make questions based in the text they saw on Monday.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
When I arrived at my grade 12 class this morning, they all cried that they wanted to go and help with things for Japan Day tomorrow.
I was also thinking about what I can ask my grade 8 students to do tomorrow, as they will definitely ask me to attend instead of studying.
So I figured to kill two birds with one stone and asked my grade 12 students to come up with ten tasks that I can ask the grade 8s to complete during the event.
They are smart enough and came up with them quickly and then went off to help. I went to the teacher’s room for a little while and when I came back to check on the room, all the students were there again, saying that there was nothing left for them to do!
I let them have free time rather than try to cram in some work for them.
Something I learned today?
I checked out the Bluesky app as it has been talked about as the new better Twitter but to me it just looked like a dumbed-down version of Substack, which I will stick with instead.
Review your acts, Good and bad.
It was Fah’s birthday today so I bought her a slice of cake.
I took this picture because my grade 10 students seem to enjoy my class.
