2023: Trev returns to Texas for National Poetry Month incorporating NaPoWriMo: Part 9 Edinburg and the RGVIPF
Image: Contestants at the annual Slam Competition, I didn't win but got some good comennts for my impromptu style
18.04.23 – 134:86) Last night Nianna came home from her meeting
How wonderful her hugs and greeting
Hugged with a smile chatted a while before the day ends
Cuddlin’ her cats an’ hopin’ we’ll be friends
She shows me round an’ where things can be found
Sadly I couldn’t stay awake much longer
It had been a long day an’ I had to say the call of the bed was the stronger
135:87) I hear Nianna an’ decide it’s time to face the day
We say “Hi” but she has to be away
She lets me use her computer but I must have still been in slumber
Cos’ I typed in the wrong pin number
Now it’s stuck an’ I’m out of luck
Hopefully it’ll be right when she gets home tonight
136:88) To the library I’m bound, son it’s found
More pics to Facebook so once again it can be seen
What I’ve done an’ where I’ve been
Use the time to update my rhyme
It’s done, to Clark’s I run, we’ll spend the time
Catching up on how things are we talk, then I take Ivy for a walk
Coming back she’s limping and in pain
Clark looks for the cause but in vain
Thinks it’s best to let her rest
We do errands an’ take a break, call for coffee an’ cake
The Clark gets a call, he’s on the ball
His new sofa’s on the way, it’s delivery day
We’re back an’ I’m moved by how much Ivy’s improved
Not a moment too soon, then I’m away but will be back in the afternoon
137:89) This years tour blog almost up to date
When I’ve done Midland to Edinburgh it’ll be part 8
Today’s been swell Ivy now well had a walk this afternoon,
Then shopping to get a cake for tonight
For my welcome back dinner, things have to be right
Denny’s the place it was decide to be
Good food, good friends an’ even some of my poetry
Yup, day really went well an’ we got Nianna’s computer sorted aswell
19.04.23 – 138:90) Last night I looked for my phone charging cable
Not on the bedside table. Thinkin’ “dear me where can it be”
Searching high an’ low, near an’ far, even scouring my car
Looking where I’d been but it wasn’t seen not a clue, wonderin’ what I’d do
This mornin’ once again I sit an; think
Where it could be, I tell Nianna an’ she says
“You left it by the kitchen sink”
139:91) Cable found to my delight, breakfast went alright
On our way, to Valley View High for thr day
Hopefully a great time to be had
Interaction between the students an’ t’ Yorkshire Lad
Accent usually a hit as is my wit
An’ one day they may come over an’ we’ll see how they feel
Experiencin’ it for real
140:92) Time to do what I always look forward to
Taken my poetry to school an’ who knows I might
Encourage some of the students to write
An’ each class will get to know more about Yorkshire an’ Cas’
Good practice for Friday in the main
Cos’ the RGVIPF Poets are in the schools again
141:93) Classes over for the day, Nianna has a meeting then we’re away
An’ I’m thinkin’ how each class, got to know more anbout Cas
It’s coal, pottery an’ glass
Time spent telling them what the words on my tee shirt meant
From Mardy to Dollop, Oh Aye to Push Iron
An’ how one class laughed an’ sniggered
When I mentioned the word jiggered
Back at the house a meal out muted, can’t be refuted
Amy picks chopsticks
An’ were away thinkin’ “good way to end the day”.
20.04.23 – 142:94) Good meal last night, everything went alright
An’ I slept better than the night before
Knowing without doubt, I’d no lost cable to worry about
So it could be said, I slept the sleep of the dead
I rise, no sign of Nianna she can’t lurk she has to be at work
While I can stay a while an’ plan my day after breakfast I’m on my way
First call Clarks he’s not there he’s elsewhere
So, I decide to be where I need to be
My intent to find the venue for the opening event
It’s found easily to my delight
Soon I’m drivin’ away lookin’ forward to tonight
An anthology launch but in the main
Once more how great it’ll feel to be back again
143:95) There’s somewhere else I need to be other things I need to see
What I missed last year, now I’m here
The Basilica of Mary our Holy Mother where
For AIDS and the cost of loved ones lost
To make people more aware and instil in them the need to care
Care from inside not passing by on the other side
Now I’m back because I want to walk the way of the cross
144:96) Stations found, I began my walk round
Camera at the ready, once more to tell the story
Of Christ’s walk to his death and his rise in glory
Each station a break, for reflection and photos to take
I think I’m done but there’s a surprise in store, one exhibit more
A stone in a rose garden on which it said
RESUCITO Jesus has risen from the dead
145-97) Back to Clark’s I’ve to run, a message said “In after one”
But I’m gonna stay here a while and think with delight
I’ve been able to write
Capture a moment in time, on my tour in rhyme
Feelin’ the wind blowin’ an’ I’m knowin
There’s no need to rush, again enjoy the hush
Take my eased, listen to the birds in the trees
A moment in time I take wherever I be a moment in time I take for me
146:98) Always a delight to sit an’ write
Capturing the time in my own unique rhyme
Outside the Basilica, morning service done
Worshippers away to carry on their day
But I’m stayin’ relaxin’ a while longer
Before the call of the road is stronger
And I must be away to carry on my day
147:99) Time spent with Clark, take Ivy for walk
Then away call for coffee an’ a talk
Frank joins us for a while we sit chat an’ smile
Then we have to be away Clark has errands to run
Me to get ready for tonight’s fun
I’m sure it’ll be a delight in the RGVIPF’s opening night
148:100) Took me an’ Nianna a while to get there
Had to drive with care to get to where
The anthology launch is being held
But it’s rush hour, road works in place, we have to drive at a slower pace
But we get there I see a familiar face , then more an’ there’s hugs galore
An’ one thing’s plain, it’s great to be back at RGVIPF again
21.04.23 – 149:101) Enrique was looking for somewhere to stay
At the end of the day Nianna said a bed could be found
So too her house we were bound
A bed made just right so we said “Goodnight”.
We woke to face the day ahead,
Nianna at work we breakfasted on coffee and banana bread
Then away to IDEA COLLEGE PREP for the day
Google and GPS sending each of us a different way
No worries cos’ when I got there I could see his car a couple in front of me
Found reception went in an’ thought “let’s go”
“Let’s go an’ make the poetry flow”
150:102) We regaled the students with verse and rhyme
Each in our own unique style they listened a while
Half an hour at a time when that abated the class was rotated
Exceeded expectation, good attention and participation
Four classes then away, the mornin’s gone ok
An’ to our delight, there’s still the Slam Contest tonight
151:103) I’d read with care, I’d read with flair
A poem about when I was first there
A rhyme about my first time, where I’d been and what I’d seen
Another about how we should see everyone, how it can be a sin
Not looking at the person within, sayin’ it’s easy to do
Just treat them as you would have them treat you
152:104) The Principal said our poetry and verse, was good an’ diverse
An’ it was a delight, when the students asked “what makes us write?”
One by one we all got o say how inspiration came our way
Tellin’ them so, an’ if they want to write just go and go with the flow
153:195) Clark’s for lunch, Ivy’s laid whinin’ seems like she’s pinin’
An idea takes seed, I shake her lead
She does a little dance an’ Clark says that’s why
She’s pining for a walk with her fave Limey Guy
So we go and out and it’s a pleasure each walk one to treasure
In the afternoon sun, the two of us walking as one
Something I look forward to all year
It keeps me going when life seems so drear
Thinkin’ how I’ll be delighted when me an’ her are again united
154:106) Then the library I gotta be, once more to upload to my usb
When I’m done out I’m strolling to the sound of thunder rolling
Lightnin’ flashin but I’m not dashin’
Car not far away even though rains on the way
It starts comin’ down as I’m drivin through town
There’s no stoppin’ soon hailstones are droppin’
More an’ more it’s a right downpour
It starts really hailing, water on the road like I’m sailing
Get to Nianna’s an’ decide to sit tight
Cos’ I’ve got the slam contest tonight
22.04.23 – 155:107) Slam contest last night, went alright
Didn’t win but had a great time, audience liked my impromptu rhyme
Later Me, Nianna an' Enrique sat with a smile
Listenin’ to live music country style
Good duo the air ringin’ to their music an’ singin’
Enrique wonders if they’ll let him play
Let him borrow a guitar an’ have a go
We say “ask” he does, soon he’s playin’ an’ singin’
He’s got the air ringin'
The crowds enraptured, their imagination captured
He ends and without a pause takes well deserved applause
156:108) Nianna an' Enrique have to be away
I’m not feelin’ to good today
Somethin’ wasn’t right, usin’ the bathroom most of the night
Tablets taken, stay a while let things settle soon I’m back in decent fettle
So I’m away , San Benito I need to be on the Festivals day three
157:109) Headin’ out of town, traffic slowin’ down
Pick up on it’s side, hope no one’s inside
Road clear, kick down go up a gear
Still takin’ care San Benito Cultural Heritage Center where
Daniel’s there we meet, we greet, we go to eat, he say’s “my treat”
It’s Mexican an’ when we’ve been fed,
We’re ready to face the afternoon ahead
158:110) We learn about San Benoto’s Founder, Sam Robertson an’ more
To learn about Freddy Fender, Mexico’s King of Rock an’ Roll
Said to be one of the best, his historical marked an’ where he’s laid to rest
Then it’s back to the museum for more
Idea’s an inspiration when we start again at four
Haiku’s written at the 4 pm workshop
159:111) Met Satan in hell
He asks “How is it” I say
“it’s too bloody hot”
160:112) Mad Professor dies
Arrives at The Pearly Gates
Is told “go to hell”.
161:113) Workshops over always amusing, we're emthusing
All the while, how to make people smile
On the stage Enrique is singin an’ playin’
His guitar he asked if he could we said yes cos’ he’s good
An’ it’s a delight, the perfect prelude for tonight
162:114) Folks have come back for tonight, an’ we’ve been fed
Now we’re waitin’ for the Pachanga to go ahead
It’s like sayin’ we’re all in. let the show begin
Seems like an age, let’s get the speeches over an get on the stage
Let things go let our talent flow
Newcomer or sage let’s get on that stage
163:115) Opening speeches s done, introduce Poet 1
Then 2, 3 an’ 4 an’ many more
No time to lurk, get ‘em up to share their work
Let’s hear what they got to say
Let ‘em say it out loud, let ‘em say it proud.
Yes let’s hear what they, got to say
23.04.23 – 164:16) Pachanga last night now a memory but one to treasure
Being there a real pleasure
Memories of sharing verse an’ rhyme with us for all time
Time moves on, soon we will be gone
Our happy bunch, from Nianna’s to Edwards for post festival lunch
Wwe arrive an’ make a start on a gastronomic work of art
The conversations flowing and Daniel says so we’re knowin’
There’s gonna be a storm blowin’
We finish lunch first then let nature do its work
An’ when it comes it ain’t playin’ the trees start swayin
We’re inside listenin’ to the wind chime ringin’
The sound of the wind an’ rain singin’
Thunder rolls like timpani, natures own symphony
165:117) We thought the storm was over but in vain,
Like a dragons tail it flipped and came again
Thunder an’ lightnin’ rain comin down faster
For now it’s the master
For me it’s part of my roam, another memory to take home
24.04,23 – 166:118) Enrique away before break of day to South Padre
No surprise he wants to be there before sunrise
To enjoy the tranquility an’ more
The sound of the gulls, the waves crashin’ on the seashore
Then he’s to Corpus Christie to look in on a friend
An’ I wish him safe travels to journeys end
167:119) Enrique on the road. Nianna workin’
I’m currently writin’ cos’ I’m lurkin’
Cos’ I can’t be, anywhere till I’ve done my laundry
It’s washed sorted, in a way it’s bliss,
Not one sock appears to have gone amiss
Now it’s in the dryer it’s switched on
While it’s doin’ to the library I’m gone
168:120) Enrique sent a picture of a deserted beach
San Padre he’s made it there and decided to share
A photo which brought back memories of when I was first there
The beauty of finding a place for solitude and space
Where so often person and nature can be as one
169:121) Today seems to be away to a flyer
All my socks went in and came out of the dryer
So laundry out of the way, I’d enough for departure day
Now relax some more an’ enjoy what’s left of my tour
At Clarks, he shows me an injured dove Mario found
They’re keeping it safe an’ sound
So to continue with the good deed, we nip out an’ get it some feed
Hopefully it’ll soon recover an’ be back on the wing
Meanwhile it’s to make do with being called Charles after our new King
170:122) Radio station plays a favourite country song
An’ I’m singin’ it as I’m drivin’ along my emotions are comin’ alive
An’ I’m that enthralled I pull into the wrong damn drive
25.04.23 – 171:123) Last night, again Daniels says “let’s eat my treat”
I agree sayin’ “sounds good to me’
He asks “do you want crabs legs, steak or Vietnamese?”
I say “Vietnamese please”
So it’s Pho Houston on Nolana, number 139 I arrive we chat things go fine
I let Daniel suggest, what to have he knows best
Beef tenderloin in noodle soup one taste an’ I’m cock-a-hoop
Really fillin’ taste’s swell really goes down well
We chat about how it’s been on the Valley poetry scene
An’ plan how we can do more in 2024
No problem that can’t be solved an’ have younger people involved
Then some fun, he shows me his sports car an’ says give her a run
Top down, a brief run round the town, then into a car park for a lark
He thinks it’s fine, videoin’ me drivin’ it like it’s mine
All too soon things come to an end
Once more it’s goodbye till next year to a really great friend
172:124) Breakfast over, cats fed, so what to do for the mornin’ ahead
I’m thinkin’ I may pay a surprise visit to the Fireguys
Always nice to meet an’ chat about this an’ that
Learn their way an’ tell ‘em how we did it in the UK
I tell ‘em about the festival just done
An’ invite them to come to next year’s one
Because, it could be a good way of getting a safety message across
An also some humour about someone’s bloomer
We chat, laugh an’; joke then it’s time to come away
Farewell with a sincere handshake an’ so carries on the day
173:125) Back started achin’ yesterday, anti inflamatories keep it at bay
Time for coffee an’ a rest, an’ makin’ savin’ the pennies count
Coffee at Barnes an’ Noble usin’ Clark’s discount
As you’re supposing, I’m doin’ some composin’
An’ when my coffee’s drunk there I’m gonna find me a comfy chair
174:126) Ain’t no comfy seats to be had there but I know where
There’ll be some free at the local library
So once more I alight to the library bound go in an’ a comfy seat found
Relax an’ compose another score
Maybe lunch cos’ soon I’ll be at Clark’s this afternoon
But for now, rest a while longer, the call of the comfy seat the stronger
175:127) An’ so to Clark’s again no sign of the forecast rain
We talk, I take Ivy for one last walk
We go for a drive Clark hums a tune
It’s bothered him for a while he asks if I know it
I say “it’s Bach’s Sleepers Wake” with a smile
To his delight Alexa proves me right
He’s over the moon, I ‘m pleased, sadly, I have to go soon
Even sadder when Clark has to say Charlie the dove has passed away
During the night he took a heavenly flight
So I give Ivy one last hug then I must alight
To get ready for my Bon Voyage Supper tonight
176:128) Chili’s, Amy’s the first to arrive, then me, Clark, Mario an’ Barbie
Then lastly, Her Most Gracious Majesty
Food ordered, we eat talk an’ enjoy
The final night in The Valley of the Poetry Boy
An’ I think it’s great that Barbies here, ain’t seen her since last year
An’ it wouldn’t have been right to say “goodbye” without even saying “Hi”
A great time had, we say “bye, safe travels” then depart
Back at Nianna’s it packing an’ bed cos’ in the morning I got an early start