For our Easter 2022 issue of The Parishioner we have a poem to share with you, on the theme of the passion. This was written by Joanna Pearson, a talented poet who is also a member of Chapel Poets. We have some news from the Chapel Poetry for you too.
Continue reading “Poets Corner”Mirror Mind… The Competition Winners
Reflections on Memories in Poetry
Many thanks to everyone who entered the poetry competition published in the previous Parishioner Magazine. We had some wonderful entries and were only sad not to be able to include them all in the new collection. We also want to thank everyone who came to the poetry evening, and donated for books, to help fund The Chapel Project. Huge congratulations to our Poetry Competition winners, Kit Vessey and Michael D Rose who won 1st and 2nd prizes. Here are their poems for you to enjoy (published with kind permission, copyright is retained by the authors).
Geography
Palatial
ice giant
a white tongue on the landscape,
you skirr somnolently through hillsides
on a ballet of debris –
a geological pencil-sharpener.
Your blistered surface is a mirror maze,
infested with the hammer-blow entertainments
of a travelling fair,
a cavernous lure, driving sunlight
deep into the churning score
of your battleship-sleep.
By Michael D Rose ©2021
Mirror Mind– 2nd Prize Winner
The Day I Lost My Memory
The day I lost my memory
Was a Wednesday
I think.
I put her down
Absentmindedly
On the kitchen counter,
Turned distractedly from
The kettle
To watch the dust motes
Sparkle in a shaft of daylight.
I did not miss her
Initially.
My mind twinkled with
Images of light darting on
The eiderdown which
Lay over heavy blankets forming
A counterpane land of
My childhood frailty…
Weak legs
Strong mind
Strong legs
Weak mind.
I have heard it said that
Those who lose their memory
Often keep their physical prowess.
A whistle blew.
I turned back
And wondered about the nature of the
Here and Now.
The There and Then.
The pain of loss
Is a burden
I pass on to another being.
I left something,
Someone
Here
Before the daylight struck.
But I can’t remember
Who she was.
By Kit Vessey © 2021
Mirror Mind – 1st prize winner
It’s no too late! If you would like a copy of the Mirror Mind collection, contact Alex our Project Manager on 07730 609446 or ashvalechapel@gmail.com. Suggested donation £5 each, in aid of the Chapel Project, to help us keep everything running.
If you love writing poetry, why not join in? The next Poetry workshop is on Friday 13th August 7:30pm on Zoom. #Hospitality #Creativity #Worship Text 07730 609446 for details.
Poetry Competition – Mirror Mind
Reflections on memories in poetry
The Chapel Poetry Group invites you to get creative and submit poems reflecting on your memories. All the winning poems will be published in our 2021 poetry collection “Mirror Mind”, and celebrated at a launch event either in person or online, as covid regulations permit.
First Prize for our overall winner is a £30 book voucher, and all winners whose poems are published will receive an author’s copy of the collection with your poem in it. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate local poets and explore treasured memories.
Everyone is welcome to participate, whether you are an established poet or a beginner, young or old. The important thing is, you must write about your own memories and experiences. Here’s how to enter:
Submit your poems by email to: ashvalechapel@gmail.com
Continue reading “Poetry Competition – Mirror Mind”Poetry Corner
Memory Marks
Laughter dances with pollen,
Creaks’ crescendos unheard.
Feathers fly.
Stored energy surges.
All that is home watches.
Then Silence.
Popping, a paper bag inflates,
Mother of pillow fights done.
My son’s Asthma abates.
The tree deteriorates.
Cotton white daisies delight.
Then silence.
Ripping bares my chubby legs.
Roots display their hidden mane.
My dress was darned.
The rented house intact.
Seat belts clicked.
Then silence.
Spinning wildly in the sun.
Driving home on scorching seats.
I outgrew my party dress.
My Mum sold her old Cortina.
New Jeans made climbing easy.
Then silence.
Racing up to the seagulls.
Dad’s last jumper warmed.
The Helter-Skelter, candy striped.
Harlequin’s knit, ruby bright.
Coconut mats dirty, scratchy.
Then silence.
Pushing off first-time fear.
Racing to Grandma’s Terrace.
Exhilaration confidence builds.
Her cobble lane history rubs.
Swatches of memory unseen move.
Then life.
By PCD Roberts
Thought for Today
Do you mean what you say when you praise my name?
Is it only fine words, is it all just a game?
When you say all your thanks —does it come from the heart?
Do you really mean it, or maybe just one part?
Think on these things—that My love for you
Is all embracing, is completely true.
I love to hear you singing—a love song to my ears
That also helps to lift you through the oncoming years.
Are the words that you sing for my ears alone?
Do you mean what you say, whatever the tone?
A song from your heart is what gladdens my own
What raises us all up—a place near my throne.
Join in with the crowd, you’re all friends of mine.
Come join with the angels— O chorus sublime.
By BMS
Enjoy these wonderful poems with a cuppa, and why not send us your own? The copy deadline for our June/July edition is 7th May 2021 parishioner@ash-vale.org.uk
