Glenn Bradford

Biography

HELP! I'm new(ish), I don't know what I'm doing, I've performed once - it went okay. Seriously, though. I've been writing poetry and short fiction for a few years, had some minor successes - nothing to shout about - and would like to get into performing more regularly. My main aim, however, is to meet some like-minded people and get feedback and all that type of thing. Also, I play guitar and write songs in this punk band - we're loud and rubbish.

Samples

What’s Right? Some people laugh at the thought of standing your ground Like ‘to care’ is a stick they can use to beat you down Instilling a fear, not to show what you feel, nor stand up and shout, ‘Mate, this shit is for real’. The stories in the news may not directly affect you, but this planet is seven billion people all sharing the same roof. If there was nobody to fight, or protest, or rebel, then that little piece of hell, that you saw on the screen, could end up on your doorstep, where your happiness had been. The only way forward is to make yourself heard, to not take any of the crap that is spread in this world. Realise your not confined to a life of despair. One man can make a difference - A million a change. There are heroes out there, I’ve seen them today. Marching and singing, forming human-barricades I know that I’m guilty of turning a blind eye; but now I’ve turned a corner - it’s just taken some time. I can see that the future is what we make it, and I’ve got kids - In what kind of world would I want them to live? One without wars, or murder, or hate Where you're not persecuted for sexuality, gender, religion or race. So that’s why I’ll stand, and try to achieve Because it’s what we deserve It’s what the world needs. The activists to organize, to help us unite So everybody can say that they fought for what’s right. If fear is the barrier - the first hurdle to jump, on a road that is long for those at the front. Just take that leap of faith. Join the cause. For the world is not just theirs - It’s mine and it's yours. -------------------------------- Sixteen and Pregnant The black pencil lines around her eyes, liquefy. She's stricken, confused; she's nervous inside. I should ask if everything's alright, but I feel out of place We both know that Mum's better at holding the floodgates. But if the tears do cascade, as events are replayed that one night she regrets that whole god damn day Then what use am I? I'm no good with words I'd say the wrong thing - make it all worse. But she's looking to me, with fear in her eyes I've got to stay strong, she needs my advice. I stutter at first then I say we'll stand by her give love and support - whatever is required. It's not ideal - that's an understatement But together we can make the best of this bad situation. I tell her to stay strong. Say - there's options for you we would never pressurize you, or force you to choose. This decision can be made by you and ONLY YOU because this is your life.... well, your childhood in truth Then she says that she wants to consult the father - but I don't agree She doesn't know him that well he's older - new on the scene And I can't really see him being around when there's nappies to change or cash to be found. But I'll leave that to her She's got her own mind I just hope, no, pray that her decision is right. Now, if it was up to me I'd tell her to get rid You can't have a baby, your just a kid. I know your scared, but it WILL be okay We'll be there to hold your hand every step of the way I really think it's for the best - I bet you do too. Because...you know when you were born you knocked us for six, and we had ten years on you. I'm well aware that this fetus inside is an unborn life that you may, or may not think has a right to survive This has nothing to do with Anti or Pro life but an expression of opinion, the use of a voice to say it's nobody's business - except hers - that's why I'M PRO-CHOICE

All poems are copyright of the originating author. Permission must be obtained before using or performing others' poems.