Image: Julieta Corpus reciting at San Benito High School. Many schools in the Valley are in deprived areas and the students are usually pleased to see people give their time to talk to them and give them encouragement. 

 

22.04.16 – 127) We went to Denny’s last night,

The meal was a delight

They did a good Fish and Chips with a choice of side

An’ I didn’t deride

When there was no malt vinegar to be had, for this travellin’ lad

Not filled with dread, I used balsamic instead

A bit too much I was enthused, a to go box was used

For breakfast if I wish, it’s nice a well cooked cold fish

Through the batter crunchin’ then I’m munchin’

An’ I’m thrilled to the bone cos’ it’s covered in malt vinegar that’s my own

 

128) Misty morn in’ an’ I’m away to my first event of the day

Always a delight encouraging High School students to write

Truthfully an’ intentional, they have the potential

That I know, just get them to have a go

Cos’ no mistakin’ among them there’s future writers an’ poets in the makin’

 

129) I’m on the Interstate, the GPS is bleepin

Seems my speed is upward creepin’

Slow down don’t want to be a clown

An’ a State Trooper passes I let him get away

Cos’ I don’t want him stoppin’ me an’ sayin’ “make my day”

Soon he’s out of sight, an’ my drivin’s goin’ alright

Then there’s lights flashin an’ I can see

He’s pulled someone over an’ once again I’m glad it’s not me

 

130) Drive went fin, of San Benito High no sign

On the right road, no need for brain overload

No worry, a simple task, go to a gas station and ask

Where, so I can get there

It was back down the road I came,

So I blamed the mist for covering the name

 

131) Meliton an’ Julieta waitin’

With coffee an’ doughnuts an’ then we’re debatin’

How things should go, our places we should know

Joined by Richard making it four, one more

Then Meliton spoke we took heed

He gave us the order in which we would read

I was third, it suited me and what’s more

I could be inspired to write another poetry score

 

132) We started, we got the event alive, then Lina came an’ made us five

What a variety you bet, a poetry quintet

We got up an’ spoke, made the occasional joke

Our words an’ efforts generatin’ smiles

Cos’ five different poets meant they got five different styles.

 

133) The podium takin’ there ain’t no mistakin

The five that took the time to share their verse an’ rhyme

By name called, audience enthralled

Some said it was an honour the event went fine

I replied yes it was , for me the honour was mine.

 

134) From San Benito to Hidalgo

Onemore I’m on the road, once more to share an ode

Or two, or three, or four, or maybe more

This morning went well, no time on laurels to dwell

Cos I got to be at Valley High again to be heard

An once again share my love of the spoken word

 

135) South Jackson I’m drivin’ along hopin’ things don’t go wrong

Then to my delight, there’s a Walmart I remember from last night

Tells me what I need to know, I’m on the right road an’ not far to go

Soon I’m there alightin’ gonna do some recitin’

Another ode, now get the show on the road.

 

136) No time to be debatin’ there was a class waitin’

Waitin’ to try an’ understand the Limey Guy

So I get started, goin’ at it whole hearted

Been at it all day long an’ still goin’ strong

Tell ‘em about back home, how I live on my roam

Encourage them to do the same, get in on the travellin’ game

Get writtin’ an’ one day maybe we’ll see

Them upfront of the class instead of me

 

137) Later Susan an’ Kelly joined the show

They’d done the morning at East Weslaco

Their different styles bringin’ forth smiles

Stop, pause, take the applause

Tell the students not to be shy give it a try

Then to my delight I found I’d encouraged a student to write

He showed me a sample of my work he’d used as an example

My pride I couldn’t hide

As I wished him success an’ thought “one day”

If he makes it big he’ll say “An English poet showed him the way”.

 

138) Poetry slam, I’m on the way an event that shouldn’t be missed

But first, friends to greet chat an’ eat

Then to teh Flying Walrus Bound

Not too fast, they know I’m coming and have put me on last

Get there in time halfway through the round

Then the call “Trevor” an’ I give my all

No plan for this poetry man

An’ I begin with “Look North, East, West an’ South

You’re gonna get what comes out of my mouth”.

At the end I was applauded, with points lauded

Then I’m on again, a second chance to add more points to my score

Again hte same style, same rhythm, chose my words an’ play with ‘em

At the end I find my total score doesn’t get me into the final four

But it doesn’t break my heart, I enjoyed takin’ part

An’ I’ll remember the guty that shook my hand sayin’

I like what you did it was grand

Made me smile thinkin’ that makes it all worthwhile.

 

23.04.16 - 139) Last night we socialised for a while

Relaxin’ on the roof top bar

Poetry Slam done an’ won time to chat way reflectin on the day

Then away to bed think of tomorrow an’ the day ahead

Sleep shower away on the half hour

Pick up coffee on the way, to the first workshop of the final day

 

140) To the Creative Incubator to meet P W for poetry with a beat

He’s sayin’ “no time for mawkin’ let the sounds do the talkin’

Ideas tossed around, thoughts abound, discuss, relate debate.

On the subject we’re on, Couldn’t believe how fast it’s gone

 

141) P W’s workshop done, now another one

First a recession then poetry about confession

Subjects given, inspiration riven

Clothes that mother wore, bathroom tales an’ more

Then goin’ round the group we abound

Our stories recall the memories that last from our past

Each holds sway, then away

An’ I’m seekin’ inspiration once more for my next poetry score.

 

142) A break for lunch a special occasion,

Off to Xing Xing we’re eatin’ Asian

Relaxin’ chattin’ eatin’ food sure took some beatin’

After which a break from the normal,

Afternoon delight readings become informal

A few poems and then we’d chat, what we’d done where we were at

Time takin’ talkin’ about pooetic history makin’

Opinions should be shared as expected, an’ respected

Then time to go, rest up before tonight’s final show

 

143) Had a look at e mails an’ facebook

Caught up with the news from home, I’m nearin’ the end of my roam

The last night always a delight

Last chance to be a hit with the poems I writ

Final day, to hear what others got to say

 

144) Feeling of sadness tinged with feeling of gladness

Glad that it’s gone so well, an’ I’ve another story to tell

T has to end but it’s been great to spend

Time with those I’ve come to love and admire

An’ my poetry they inspire

So at the end when they think I’ve said it all

I’ll add “It’s been great, thank you and God bless you all”.

 

145) Chamber of Commerce 1200 Ash Street venue for the final meet

Pachanga ending RGVIPF number nine

Once again it’s all gone fine

Poets dinner was swell, cake to die for as well

Acknowledgements then we’re behind the mic

One by one the readings have begun

Plenty to say, Featured Poets lead the way

Then the Registered Poets get their say

As usual a great time and as usual I capture it in rhyme