This week's Poem of the Week is 'The Racing Stable' by M.C Newberry, a poetic ode to the thrill of a new horse racing season. The writing engulfs us in the passions and excitements of the day of the race and what shines through is the sheer honesty and love that M.C has for the sport. Even if you have never knowingly watched a horse race you can’t help but get caught up in the thrill of the morning. 

 

Below, M.C reveals a little bit about his poetic influences with our Q&A: 

 

What got you in to writing poetry?  

Looking back, I can see it was the work of W.S. Gilbert (of Gilbert & Sullivan fame) that served as an early example of the way words could entertain and/or carry a message, especially using imagination and wit.  It is no accident that some famous 20th lyricists whose songs now occupy the immortal “Great American Songbook” cite him as their own .inspiration. 

 

How long have you been writing?  

I came to writing in the creative sense (with a wry nod to my public service reports!!) in retirement, initially using my love of music, essentially the sort of songs that Frank Sinatra served so well, that allowed me to see and combine verse and lyrics – closely connected as “disciplines” in many ways, with songs being more likely to reach a wider public appreciation in their assorted forms and via various artists, their own output (e.g. The Beatles) and styles.  

 

Do you go to any open-mic nights?  

I haven’t attended any open mic. nights, although I can see their attraction for those who get a kick from a visible public/audience reaction....plus the appeal of a social gathering looking for commonly enjoyed material. 

 

Your favourite poet/poem?  

Favourite poem?  That’s like asking a man which breath he takes is his favourite!  But Binyon’s “The Burning of the Leaves” is one I return to with great pleasure, not least because - as a prose poem - it differs, but in a very memorable way, from my usual preferred style of rhyming verse. 

 

You're cast away on a desert island. What's your luxury?  

As for a desert island choice -   leaning towards the luxury side of things (as well as useful for a message in a  bottle!) I would choose a pencil and notepad.  So many uses to while away the time, as well as being a potential aid to self-help. 

 

 

The Racing Stable 

by M.C Newberry 

 

Sunrise creeping, daylight peeping, 

All is silent, all are sleeping. 

  

Alarm clocks whirring, staff start stirring, 

Farm dogs scratching, farm cats purring. 

  

Voices muffled, sneezes snuffled, 

Stairways creaking, footsteps shuffled. 

  

Harness jingling, senses tingling, 

Eggs and bacon and coffee mingling. 

  

Boxes ready, horses heady, 

Stable lads to hold 'em steady. 

  

Race-day thrilling, race-course filling, 

Mounts and jockeys keen and willing. 

  

Trainers stressing: no more guessing, 

Riders nodding, eyes assessing. 

  

Steeds parading, promenading, 

Hopes increasing, chances fading. 

  

Race beginning, runners thinning 

Till one leads and runs home winning 

  

Trophy showing, connections glowing, 

Applaud the champion. hot and blowing. 

  

Gallant winner, what a skinner! 

Paying for champagne and dinner. 

  

Horses fed now, put to bed now, 

See the weary human head bow. 

  

Voices yawning, early morning, 

Soon to rise again at dawning. 

  

Sunrise creeping, daylight peeping, 

All is silent, all are sleeping.