This is the longest and by far the most complex of the works here. The main bulk of the poem follows a very strict format (the Prologue and Epilogue are purposefully outside this format and there is meaning in that too). Part of that format informs the inclusion of much of the symbolism within and the allegory of the tale. The challenge here was to create a story within all these constraints.
Keep an eye for more updates to follow. Or watch my author pages here or on Amazon
In these times of quick gratification and short attention spans, I decided to try and buck the trend and present something not only with greater length but also depth.
The poems in this collection were written over a long period and for different purposes. They are varied but they are all long. And they all represent challenges. Each was a challenge to myself, to sustain a quality of writing for a long period and within tight constraints of form while still telling a story. They also represent and challenge to the reader. The throw off the pressure of everyday life, the pressure to hurry, hurry, hurry to take the time to read something, absorb it over time.
Such effort needs reward, these poems should not be a one-time quick fix. If the reader is going to put that effort in then there should be a payoff, they should be able to continue to get something from it afterwards. Whether that be from contemplation of what they have digested or from revisiting, rereading and seeing things they missed the first time around. So the final challenge to me was to provide this depth of content – not just quantity.
In the next few days, there will follow a brief description of each of the five poems in this collection.
Keep an eye for more updates to follow. Or watch my author pages here or on Amazon
So, trying to design the cover for my upcoming poetry collection. So here’s a quick poll – which of these looks best? Are any of them any good? Or should I try again? Let me know in the comments.
The redistribution of wealth from the masses to the very rich minority continues apace. The groundwork has been laid.
First, we were seduced with the idea of quick riches – that we could join that elite. Invest in stock and shares – and be a part of our club they said – while they sold off our services.
Be free of your landlord – they said – own your own home – they say – while they sold off social housing.
Invest in your future – save for a rainy day – build your pension pot they said – while they took that money for their own ends.
With the rise of the subscription services model – we no longer own anything. Gone are record collections and family libraries – to be replaced with an intangible library
And now – the pressures start. Our kids start their adult lives saddled with debt from just educating themselves. We, their parents are so under pressure from austerity that we cannot support them. Remortgage after remortgage – after all nothing is as safe as houses.
But when the time comes and we look for our pensions – they are not there! They have underperformed or have just been stolen – gone into the black hole of bankrupt companies.
And then – surprise, surprise – there are suddenly all these companies that can help – with equity release or webuyanyhouse.com quick sale promises. All that property – that once belonged to us all – that we dreamed of passing down to our children is being hoovered up. They will end up in the hands of a very few large property magnates.
And we will be back in a feudal society once more. When everything is owned by a few – power will be theirs.
Respect is
Expected
Everywhere you go
Respect my rights
My views
My thoughts
We have forgotten
Respect
Should be earned
Not expected
Mutual
And reciprocated
Little pieces
Torn from our hearts
Rearranged memories
Making pictures
To last through time
Until the days
When they are no longer
Remembered
Just seen
As a mystery
From the past
Who’s in partnership with who?
Are those that fight really enemies?
Is it all a show?
Distracting us from the truth
While they steal from us
Freedom, wealth and everything
And then
After an hours silence
He warms our heart
With a carefully crafted picture
Mummy in a tutu
Daddy very tall
Then himself dancing
And his new baby brother – coming soon
And Lucas up in the sky
Looking down from heaven
Not your average family
But happy
This mini-series of poems were written as part of a year-long daily poem challenge and published in my collection A Spring of Dreams. They are in a form called Pleiades (read about it here).
I chose to write seven of them one for each of the original Pleiades – the stars once called the seven sisters, and base the poems around the mythological characters.
Alcyone
English: Alcyon, in Pleiades Star Cluster (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Another spirit lost Awash in the swell and foam Anguished over lost love Anger dealt him the blow Arising from the sea Alighting on the air A bright bird arises
Asterope
Reflection nebula IC 349 near Merope in the Pleiades.. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A nymph darts between trees Afraid of the hunter Always close behind her Away she flees in haste Another danger lurks At her feet as she runs A butterfly is born
Calaeno
Caressed by the wide sea Corals catch the new child Carry her to the shore Colliding with bright fate Climbing into the sky Coronal light shines out Cascading to the sea
Electra
By Pleiades_large.jpg: NASA, ESA, AURA/Caltech, Palomar Observatoryderivative work: Roberto Segnali all’Indiano (Pleiades_large.jpg) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Ever shining bright spark Equalizing her rage Encompassing justice Ever seeking revenge Endless pain unanswered Echoing from murder Electra takes her aim
Maia
By Pleiades_large.jpg: NASA, ESA, AURA/Caltech, Palomar Observatoryderivative work: Roberto Segnali all’Indiano (Pleiades_large.jpg) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Mother of he who brought Music up to the Gods Malice turned to justice Magic cascading from Mother of the world storm Mighty God of the earth Must meet a mortal end.
Marriage was forbidden Mortal husband taken Masked in a veil of shame Must watch her husband’s pain Most faint in the heavens Marred by following love Misty those lives above
The hunter is hunted Twisting between the trees Turned into doe from nymph Trailed by her lover’s bow Tumbling through the forest Two golden horns that shine To rise into the skies
Ban
The things
We don’t like
Or understand
Don’t agree?
Are you sure?
I mean look at it.
Intimidating
Scary
Dangerous
Just take a look
At what’s happening
The rapes, the murders
Think of the children
That’s it!
You know it makes sense
Join with us
Ratify it!
Stamp it!
Make it official
Make it law!
Good!
What’s next?
Blue eye!
I hate them.
Let’s kill all the blue-eyed
Bastards
Another blue birthday
Like his eyes
Two years as if yesterday
The memories of watching
Blue fading to darkness
Unlike his eyes
My memories will never fade
Lace
Disparate resonances
Delicate dowagers, making doilies
And fine trim for prim and proper ladies
And
Lacy underwear
Designed to be divested
In fast passion
And
Purity
White and bright
Smiling bride
Lead to the groom
Leading to the room
And back to the
Lacy underwear
Scott Andrew Bailey - Author 
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