Barefoot and Blonde

Ceasefire

Ceasefire
Michael Longley

I

Put in mind of his own father and moved to tears
Achilles took him by the hand and pushed the old king
Gently away, but Priam curled up at his feet and
Wept with him until their sadness filled the building.

II
Taking Hector’s corpse into his own hands Achilles
Made sure it was washed and, for the old king’s sake,
Laid out in uniform, ready for Priam to carry
Wrapped like a present home to Troy at daybreak.

III
When they had eaten together, it pleased them both
To stare at each other’s beauty as lovers might,
Achilles built like a god, Priam good-looking still
And full of conversation, who earlier had sighed:

IV
‘I get down on my knees and do what must be done
And kiss Achilles’ hand, the killer of my son.’

(Peter O'Toole as Priam)

The goat factor

Is it weird that I feel upset/pissed off because I've only just found out today there is a goat next door, how marvellous, a goat! Why didn't someone tell me sooner, didn't anyone think I might be interested, I so much like the thought of a goat next door, is it male or female, what breed of goat, what's its name, are they milking it (I suspect not). Why didn't someone think to tell me, I feel like I've been robbed of a simple pleasure... it probably makes me sound somewhat mad, unhinged and perhaps it is true. It's so strange (not the right word) to be cut off from things happening next door, so close and yet so far, they are building something near the house, I have been listening to hammering for weeks, a phantom building... I'm here but not here...

A woman's name

Leaving, as you do
without ceremony;
a closing comment,
huge with implication,
flung back
like the toss of a head,
weaves through
pockets of sleep
in company with
lingering regret
self-reproach
a woman’s name.

5 February 2005

Dylan said it all

"Rage,, rage against the dying of the light", others might not struggle so much, perhaps their lives are more peaceful for it, who knows...

Bright Yellow Balloons

It should have been all birthday celebrations and cake and candles... instead I went outside and released bright yellow helium balloons into a blue blue sky... watched them until they disappeared... silence.

Photographer / Elizabeth March

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