16.4.12

Image: At the tree planting ceremony, I dug the hole

and filled it in again.

(All the poems below were written dring the week I

spent in Lamesa and at various events)

 

68) The sun rose and morning came creeping

I slowly awoke from my sleeping

Birds singing, grackles winging to the sky

In search of carrion they fly

A good night rest, as yet the best, on a couch no waking up a grouch

No slamming of car doors, sound of marching on upper floors

No traffic noise or loco horn, loud tv’s to make you all forlorn

Just blissful sleep and dreams slip away, as I wake to face a brand new day.

 

16.4.12 – 69) Down the road we’d go, to KPET Radio

And like as not, the stop sign I forgot

But for Connie’s warning, “Don’t get a fine this morning”

The show was swell, it went very well

And driving back was fine, cos’ I remembered to stop at the stop sign

 

70) Back at Connie’s to find, I’d left a book behind

Back to KPET bound, soon the book was found

No time for stayin’ as I came away they were playin’

A song, a gentle country refrain

About tough little boys growin’ up to be dads and turnin’ into babies again.

 

71) This mornin’ we got the notion,

To go round Lamesa for Festival promotion

CVS, United Stores and Subway too

Tellin’ folks and asking them if they’d like to

Come and listen to the best

International poets and musicians at the Forrest Fest

Now relaxing on the front porch once more,

See what the afternoon has in store

 

(The follwing poem can only be recited in Austin, the only Democrat stronghold in Texas)

72) Grackles in the tree outside

We can hear ‘em but we can’t see ‘em

Like Republicans they shriek

And like Republicans they prey on the weak

 

73) I was delighted to be invited

To recite at a ladies sorority group night

After Connie introduced, my poems I produced

One about caring, another about daring

Playing a part, singing from the heart

Behind poetic glory I told the story

How my imagination was fired, how I was inspired

Then Connie did the talking, a poem about backward walking

And I did some more, a summary of my tour

Where I’d been, what I’d seen

And knowing where I was going

And of the rest, one in protest

Another about a man playing a guitar at a camper van

Then it was time to go, I thanked them and told them so

Bidding them God bless, it had been a success

Another triumph it would seem, me and Connie make a great team

Hopefully the ladies would follow us on radio again tomorrow

 

17.4.12 - 74) This morning Connie did tell, us she wasn’t feeling well

So to KPET I would go, it would be a solo show

Still I’d give my best and promote the Forrest Fest

Guided by Don with skilful hand the show went really grand

I would with delight thank the group I read to last light

And promoted a fest highlight on Friday at before twilight

Singer Steve Brooks and his venue,

The projection house roof at the Sky Vue

Saturday now they all know it,

Dal Paso museum and John Levacy the Cowboy Poet

Then I read without fear, a poem from his workshop last year

Last but not least, music from Ireland and the Middle East

Then my poems for the day, a trilogy I read away

On a simple theme the three

Were based on my first morning in Lamesa and KPET

 

75) It didn’t seem smart when the blender wouldn’t start

What was wrong wasn’t known, into the trash it was thrown

But a search did render the missing part for the blender

Or so it seemed form the trash it was redeemed

Now Jeannie can again make her famous protein shake

 

76) To Lubbock we went to an open mic event

On the way thought it best to get provisions for the Fest

Make good use of the time, before our evening of rhyme

Provisions bought, libraries we sought

As was the norm, with flyers to inform

At the weekend head South not West to the Lamesa Forrest Fest

After coffee we took a break by Maxey Park Lake

Our promotion done, we basked in the sun

Before our poetry do at Jack and Diane’s on Frankford Avenue

 

77) Frankford Road we drove up and down in Lubbock town

To Jack and Diane’s bound but it couldn’t be found

So our trip was not in vain we rang them again

Then turned round but still they couldn’t be found

We called them again, this time not in vain

As they did say we were four miles away

New directions better, followed to the letter

So arriving at 10 to 7, looked forward to an open mic heaven

A group of musicians round a table

Bid us welcome saying do what your able

Sing, say or play, help us pas the evening away

We spoke we played we sang, the room to our talents rang

Outside the setting sun, inside we were as one

Three open mics planned one shut two a good time had

I came away thinking two out of three ain’t bad

As the sun was going down after a great evening in Lubbock town

 

18.4.12 – 78) To KEPT we went down

Local radio for Lamesa town

But today we’d be heard beyond the town limits over the pond

To another town small but mighty, Castleford in dear old blighty

For when the truth came to hand, every thing was planned

The local O2 shop did believe, signals from anywhere they could receive

So plans were made a schedule laid down

To hear KPET in Castleford Trev’s home town

Trev’s poems they could expect, Connie would also interject

They’d had the notion, ideal for Fest promotion

Trev read his first rhyme, one that had stood the test of time

Impromptu not planned, locally it went grand

But to find out how it went down in Castleford well now

Its wait some more for Trev to finish his poetry tour

And fly home at the end of his roam

Find out what did prevail and send an e mail

And if all clear maybe do it again next year

 

79) Now for all the visiting gals and chaps time to put the info on the maps

Everything they need to know, for poets on the go

Where to stay and more, including Connie’s and the local store

So they’ll understand and things’ll go as planned

So it’s not to our cost if they happen to get lost

 

80) Round Lamesa in the hot afternoon sun flyers out promotion work done

Tell ‘em about the Fest, invite ‘em to come and give their best

Tell ‘em what should fill ‘em with glee it’s for them and it’s all free

Then ice cream sought a pack of 12 bought

Plenty for us to eat an’ give our taste buds a cooling treat

 

81) The server was down we headed downtown

We would try MacDonald’s Wi Fi

But it wasn’t our day, it didn’t want to play

We tried again and again but it was in vain

We left but back Connie had to dash she’d left her credit card in the trash

It would have been hard, no credit card

Back home some luck, we could access Facebook

But still did bewail, where’s that durned hot mail?

 

19.4.12 - 82) Hotmail came back last night, e mails sent everything alright

To poets near and far on their way to Lamesa by car

Poets from the East and West coming to give their best

We wish them a safe journey and hope they’re not late

To Lamesa where ice cream, coke and a welcome await

 

83) You’d think by now I’d know the way to KPET radio

But it seems it’s all in vain cos’ I drove past again

Next time it should be easy cos’ I did learn

By the golf course pond make a right turn

 

84) The morning of Festival Eve so hot I couldn’t believe

Like as not 90 degrees is hot

All sorted no bodgings, now to my motel lodgings

Took it steady to get everything ready

There four shirts were pressed so I’d be well dressed

Then back and wait hope the others ain’t late

Then the room came alive when Bob and Thom did arrive

They were elated to be updated

Thinking it swell he preparations had gone well

Then it was away to collect a meat and cheese tray

Ready as expected, soon collected

Back at the house I walked in pleased lookin’ sayin’ "ok guys now tuck in".

 

84) Thom had been fed then went to bed

Saying “no time to lose I need a snooze”

Then later came back with something in a sack

Saying “Trev my friend of old

Do you want to be Superman or a pirate bold?”

I said “Superman’ll be best but couldn’t get the costume over my chest

But we weren’t out witted the pirate costume neatly fitted

Shirt of white waistcoat too

Headscarf and pantaloons too

But the serious bit we’d loose,

Seeing a pirate wearing black socks and training shoes

(I used the pirate suit as a prop over the rest of the tour then gave it away the day I left)

 

20.4.12 - 86) To read poetry and sing not haggle

We went to KPET like geese in a gaggle

Me, Thom, Steve and John the Cowboy

Oscar, Daniel and Debbie cars in a convoy

Soon the mic we took, Don wished us all good luck

As each of us promoted our art in the Forrest Fest we’d play our part

So all Lamesa got to know, this morning on KPET radio

 

87) The next part of our roam was to The Sage nursing home

Songs sung, poems recited the folks there were delighted

Proving no need to be blue, if you can’t make the fest we bring it to you

(Written at The Sage)

 

88) From The Sage a short drive to the nursing homes called Beehive

Where once more we’ll bring joy as we recite and sing

Like as not show the folks they ain’t been forgot

Regaling them with lyric and rhyme hoping they have a real good time

(Written at Beehive 1)

 

89) At Beehive 2 it wasn’t contrary, on tv  Li’l House on the Prairie

Michael Landon was Pa but how many know

He was little Joe in Bonanza long ago

With brothers Hoss and Adam and then

Lorne Greene played father Ben

Without fear facin’ danger an’giving shelter to a passin’ stranger

But one thing I never knew why or how they were never seen ropin’ a cow

( Written at Beehive 2)

 

(Poems 90 - 93 were writtten at the School)

90) To the Elementary School at Lamesa South

More songs and poems all word of mouth

But for the kids there’s so much more do they know what else is in store?

Something that should be good, Bob who does sculptures in mud

Will he also make them gulp

When he shows them what to do with paper pulp

Playin’ music on instruments made so cheap

On what was bound for the garbage heap

So you don’t have to throw it away and loose it

Make music give people pleasure when you use it

Keeping the world clean, keeping it green

Playing your part, enjoying Earth Art

 

91) I asked the Lion “can you roar?” he said “yes” and roared some more

I asked the Tiger “can you growl?” and he did in a way most foul

I asked the dog “can you bark?” he said “yes from dawn till dark”

I asked the duck “can you quack?” he said yes and water runs of my back”

I asked the cat “can you meow?” he said “yes and how”

I asked the parrot “can you squawk?” he said “yes don’t be a dork”

I asked the monkey “can you chatter?” he said “yes, let’s have a natter”

Wouldn’t it be great if we could relate

And talk to the animals without fuss

And even better they could talk to us

 

92) Words read the same there’s quite a range

Burt when we speak pronunciations change

So no matter how hard I try  I can never work out why

If l-e-v-e-r is pronounced lever, why isn’t f-e-v-e-r pronounced fever

(A tongue in cheek poem as to why fever isn't pronunced as lever)

 

93) I played a pirate; I played a fool at Lamesa South Elementary School

I joined in the song whatever came along

It was fine when asked to do a rhyme

Not to tough did ‘em off the cuff

About a bat in a pointy had

A pirate bold in days of old

Cowboy Joe at the rodeo

Fell off his horse, did it hurt? Of course

 

94) Days work done, enjoyed’ a coke in the evenin sun

For the tree plantin’ tomorrow I dug the hole sure was hard bless my soul;

Now at the Sky Vue helpin’ Steve

Another tribute to Buddy Holly achieve

114 years on, the Sky View still goin’ strong

Well within peoples reach, entertainment for 5 bucks each

In your wallet it won’t make a dent under 5 it don’t cost a cent

Steve’s done his sound check song,

Says “it ain’t that catchy an’ it ain’t that long”

Now we wait for folks to arrive an’ let the evenin’ come alive

 

21.4.12 –  95) I said “tha’ll get mi booit up the backside”

Puzzled at first then they thought it was class

When I said it means “I’ll kick your ass”

(Teachin' broad Yorkshire or how to spake reyt)

 

96) Dig a hole plant a tree, for the benefit of the community

So we’ll all come to know, the tee like the community will grow

So in time they can hug the tree in the hole the poet dug

(Yes I did dig the hole and featured in the local paper diggin' it)

 

(Poems 97 - 99 were written at John Levacy's Cowboy Poetry workshop, well worth attending, John is a true professional)

97) Ridin’ the range as seasons change

The boss’ll be sendin’ us fence mendin’

Then the daily battle herdin’ those ornery cattle

Can’t leave the critters standin’ when it’s time for brandin’

The cook hollers “come on now, come and get your chow”

More work as the day growed, later in the bunkhouse my saddle stowed

Time for a beer now boy, another day in the life of a cowboy

 

98) Saddle sore it’ll hurt some more

To the bunkhouse I’m rushin’

Sure’ll be neat to get a seat

On a big ol’ comfy cushion

 

99) There was the Lone Ranger, with Tonto bravely facin’ danger

Rawhide drivin’ cattle across the plain. Major Adams and Wagon Train

Bret Maverick made gambling and art, with cousin Beau and brother Bart

An’ it sure weren’t no joke tanglin’ with Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke

Though I often thought it was a pity

He never made an honest woman out of Miss Kitty

And we couldn’t end this stanza without the Cartwright’s and Bonanza

 

100) Cowboy poetry at the museum, the exhibits I went to see ‘em

Had once been a motel, now Lamesa’s story to tell

Then away to join the rest and continue the Fest

Music form the East to make you smile,

Music to tap your feet from the Emerald Isle

All that and more, when poets read their latest score

So come you poets one and all, short or tall

Come never fear cos’ the fun carries on from here

 

101) The good earth in Forrest Park I walked upon

Feeling inspiration coming on

Steve on the bandstand steps singing, the park to his music ringing

Near at hand Bob and his impromptu band

Feeling the suns heat, music with a recycled beat

Proudly the tree we planted this morning stood

A moment in time that did tell a hope that all was and would be well

 

102) The tree would need water to help it survive, water to keep it alive

But would our hopes be in vain, in Lamesa where there’s little rain

So a short visit with intent, to the local Fire Department

A polite request, a quiet word our plea for the tree was heard

Chief Larry said “sure it’ll be a pleasure,

Lookin’’ after your ecological treasure”

So it should be no surprise, you can always rely on the Fireguys

 

103) Open mic from five till half past six, songa and poems quite a mix

The Oscar said “no hobnobbin’ lets have a round robin”

So we passed the intervening time with rhyme after rhyme after rhyme

Makin’ the most of our verbal art

Before we stop at seven for the next event to start

 

104) The last event started we performed whole hearted

Practice not preach stand up and reach

Out with poetry or song whatever comes along

Thoughts from within, where you’re going, where you’ve bin’

Poems written on the road, screw the iambic code

A singer stops a pace then sings about chasin’ grace

A poet from down under recites without a blunder

For all he’s worth about pollution and Mother Earth

And so there were more who took the floor

No strict orders crossing artistic bo0rders

No rules for the obedience of fools

Havin’ their say, doin’ it their way

Still into creative mind delve

For inspiration at the closing event of Forrest Fest 2012