My gut instincts are to go with a ditty from A. A. Milne but I can’t resist adding some jam to that slice of bread to make the trip to my youth complete
Changing Guards Form: Busta Sonetto 2
They're changing the guard at Buck house Jump on the tube or we’ll be late “Mind the gap” the tinny voice shouts I wonder if we will see Will and Kate? Or are they away shooting grouse?
The train stops and the carriage is full But still, more get on at the next stop Crossing the city in a quick hop Beneath sights it’s brimful
Our stop, squeezing past a mower, it’s a madhouse
It’s sat there in everyone’s way
And nobody seems to ask why
So maybe it's just a case of today
They're mowing the lawns at Buck house
The Nobleman With his Hand on his Chest (El caballero de la mano en el pecho) 1580 Mannerism Oil on canvas Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain
“The Nobleman With his Hand on his Chest” depicts an unknown nobleman or knight of about 30 years old. He is dressed in traditional Spanish attire holding a sword in one hand while the other is poised across his heart. He stares intensely out of the painting at the viewer in a manner that is profound in its realism yet also imaginative. El Greco’s work possesses technically accurate features such as the beard combined with his own stylized elements of elongated fingers and torso. The white ruffles contrast with the muted dark colours of El Greco’s palette which he uses to create emotional and psychological depths to define the subject.
El Greco Mannerism Born: 1 October 1541, Crete, Greece Nationality: Greek-Spanish Died: 7 April 1614, Toledo, Spain
El Greco was a painter, sculptor and architect of the Spanish Renaissance. El Greco was a nickname giving reference to his Greek origins, but he normally signed his paintings in his birth name, Doménikos Theotokópoulos, in Greek. Born in Candia, now known as Crete, which was part of the Republic of Venice, Italy, and the centre of post-Byzantine art, El Greco trained and became a master of that tradition before travelling to Venice at age 26. He moved to Rome in 1570, where he opened a workshop ad produced a series of works whilst enriching his style and techniques with elements of Mannerism and Venetian Renaissance. He moved to Toledo, Spain in 1577where lived and worked until his death
Here, where men’s eyes were empty and as bright As the blank windows set in glaring brick, When the wind strengthens from the sea — and night Drops like a fog and makes the breath come thick;
By the deserted paths, the vacant halls, One may see figures, twisted shades and lean, Like the mad shapes that crawl an Indian screen, Or paunchy smears you find on prison walls.
Turn the knob gently! There’s the Thumbless Man, Still weaving glass and silk into a dream, Although the wall shows through him — and the Khan Journeys Cathay beside a paper stream.
A Rabbit Woman chitters by the door — — Chilly the grave-smell comes from the turned sod — Come — lift the curtain — and be cold before The silence of the eight men who were God!
Stephen Vincent Benet Born: 22 July 1898, Pennsylvania, USA Nationality: American Died: 13 March 1943, New York, USA
Benet was a poet, short story writer, and novelist best known for his book-length poem of the American Civil War, “John Brown’s Body” (1928) for which he received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
You Can’t Quit Me Baby Album: Queens of the Stone Age Date: 1998 Genre: Rock Artist: Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) is a rock band formed by vocalist and guitarist Josh Homme in 1996 in California. Homme has been the only consistent member throughout multiple line-up changes. The current line-up consists of Homme with Troy Van Leeuwen (guitar, keyboard, lap steel, backing vocals, and percussion), Michael Schuman (bass guitar, backing vocals, and keyboards), Dean Fertita (keyboards, percussion, backing vocals, and guitar), and Jon Theodore (drums and percussion). QOTSA is known for their blues, Krautrock, and electronica-influenced style of riff-orientated and rhythmic hard rock
Shaved head Bellyful Holding his cane The garden stone Buddha Laughing Through rain and sun Always having fun * * See also: The Hermit Poet’s eBooks on Amazon The Hermit Poet’s eBooks detail info and downloads
seeking literary pleasure among the aroma of dusty old books ancient first editions wrapped shimmering cellophane my purchased made in an intimate connection with the baron of poets bibliopole in love it maybe but damn it it is Shelley
How long will your warmth hold me in bed While your gentleness grazes my skin From evening until the sun shines in Through the window of scattered dreams in my head How long will your warmth hold me in bed
Frothy shaving foam slowly spiralling Down like tears on my smooth skin I miss your kiss it has to be said How long will your warmth hold me in bed
The aroma of coffee and a day can begin But nothing do will stop the missing Or the memories of the love we led How long will your warmth hold me in bed
And as the day’s done and night comes in I kiss your name while sipping a gin Not a day goes by when “I love you” is left unsaid How long will your warmth hold me in bed
Beneath the duvet what a long day it’s been As eyes close I feel you snuggle closer in To love me again inside my head How long will your warmth hold me in bed
So, I’m writing this on a Sunday morning at my mum’s house, so just a wee ditty poem jotted in my notebook before an overexcited mum opens her birthday pressies and cards
Pink Hydrangea Form: Free Verse
Latte lazing in a cup as croissants bake to melt butter for the jam waiting on the table by the window Sunday morning window gazing at the bustle of birds chasing fruits and seeds on the old wooden bird table for the cat is too busy snoozing in the shade of the pink hydrangea
When winter days give way to spring's delight the sky welcomes the birds again, the air soon fills with song. The world returns to life, with ewes and lambs and rabbit kittens too. In early showers flowers start to grow. The longer days soon turn to summer sun, and laughing kids are playing on the beach while apples ripen on a leafy tree. hypnotic tennis balls as Nadal wins another crown. No rain to stop the play. And so, the cooler breezes turn the year, and autumn leaves are clustered on the ground the harvest air that brings a chilling wind while squirrels scurry, stocking winter stores, as bonfires crackle with the early frost. A sparkling snowflake falls on Christmas Eve and children listen for sleigh bells to ring for nature sleeps through winters frosty dreams. The year is drawing to its end, turning the…
Haiku [Haiku composed in the backyard cottage at 1624 Milvia Street, Berkeley 1955, while reading R.H. Blyth’s 4 volumes, “Haiku.”]
Drinking my tea Without sugar- No difference.
The sparrow shits upside down –ah! my brain & eggs
Mayan head in a Pacific driftwood bole –Someday I’ll live in N.Y.
Looking over my shoulder my behind was covered with cherry blossoms.
Winter Haiku
I didn’t know the names of the flowers–now my garden is gone.
I slapped the mosquito and missed. What made me do that?
Reading haiku I am unhappy, longing for the Nameless.
A frog floating in the drugstore jar: summer rain on grey pavements. (After Shiki)
On the porch in my shorts; auto lights in the rain.
Another year has past-the world is no different.
The first thing I looked for in my old garden was The Cherry Tree.
My old desk: the first thing I looked for in my house.
My early journal: the first thing I found in my old desk.
My mother’s ghost: the first thing I found in the living room.
I quit shaving but the eyes that glanced at me remained in the mirror.
The madman emerges from the movies: the street at lunchtime.
Cities of boys are in their graves, and in this town…
Lying on my side in the void: the breath in my nose.
On the fifteenth floor the dog chews a bone- Screech of taxicabs.
A hardon in New York, a boy in San Francisco.
The moon over the roof, worms in the garden. I rent this house.
Allen Ginsberg Born: 3 June 1926, New Jersey, USA Nationality: American Died: 5 April 1997, New York, USA
Ginsberg was a poet, philosopher, and writer. In the 1940s as a student at Columbia College, he began a close friendship with WS Burroughs and Jack Kerouac, forming the core of the Beat Generation. He opposed militarism, economic materialism, and sexual repression. He embodied various aspects of this counterculture with his views on drugs, openness to Eastern religions, and hostility to bureaucracy. Ginsberg is best known for the poem ‘Howl’ which denounces the destructive forces of capitalism and conformity within the United States at the time
Inspired by and written for #Writephoto – thank you, KL
Lost Nuts Form: Cinquain
Climb up Jump down and run Across the lawn and back Searching, searching, always searching For nuts Autumn’s treasure We buried and forgot Put safely for winter foraging Now lost Scitty scatty On a table, nuts found Squirrel says “didn’t leave them there” He knows But hey, he’ll eat While you watch him for fun From the warm behind your window He’s gone As quick as that Squirrels don’t care to hang about With the cat sitting on next-door’s wall Be quick
Remote Control 1971 Performance Art Two-channel video installation
The performance piece “Remote Control” shows Acconci, and his companion Kathy Dillon sat in two wooden box structures in two separate rooms. Each had a monitor set up in front of them allowing them to see and hear each other. Viewers could see both on separate channels throughout the performance
Vito Acconci Performance Art, Body Art, Video Art, Conceptual Art, Installation Art, Modern Architecture Born: 24 January 1940, New York, USA Nationality: American Died: 27 April 2017, New York, USA
Acconci was a performance, video, and installation artist. His diverse practice included sculpture, architectural design, and landscape design. Characterized by existential unease his foundation performance and video work often involved exhibitionism, discomfort, provocation, and transgression as well as wit and audacity. Acconci often crossed boundaries such as public-private, consensual-non-consensual, and real-world-artworld. From the late 1970s, Acconci turned to sculpture, architecture, and design. Increasing the scale of his work, if not his art profile, over the next two decades he produced public artworks and parks, airport rest areas, and other architectural projects that embraced participation, change, and playfulness
Never Stop Album: Porcupine Date: 1983 Genre: Alternative/Indie Artist: Echo & the Bunnymen
Echo & the Bunnymen formed in Liverpool, UK in 1978. The line-up consists of Ian McCulloch on vocals, guitarist Will Sergeant, bassist Les Pattinson, and drummer Pete de Freitas. After the release of a self-titled album in 1987 McCulloch left the band and was replaced by vocalist Noel Burke. De Freitas was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1989. After working together as Electrafixion, McCulloch and Sergeant regrouped with Pattinson in 1997 and returned as Echo and the Bunnymen
Jean-Michel Jarre Dance/Electronic/Ambient Born: 24 August 1948, Lyon, France Nationality: French
Jarre is a composer, performer, and record producer. He is a pioneer of electronic, ambient, and new-age genres, and is well-known for his outdoor spectacular performances of music, lasers, fireworks, and visual projections
The leaf that floats upon the river’s flow as is my heart upon a winding trail beneath the boughs of sleepy willow trees, as over silver shingle waters go. My heart is caught in love’s billowing sail to reach her tender kiss and see her smile. These lazy summer days we laugh with ease without a care or sense of weary woe there is no chance for such a love to fail. Can hearts still beat as one on autumn’s breeze and make the fading sun appear worthwhile? The golden leaves that float away at will reminds my soul though life will oft beguile, true love will keep us warm from winter’s chill
You may enlarge any image in this blog by clicking on it. Click again for a detailed view. Here’s an image of a Red-tailed Hawk showing off its trademark red tail. I photographed this hawk recently as it perched atop the remnants of a dead palm. A Red-tailed Hawk has numerous distinguishing characteristics (“field marks”) […]
Then dirt scared me, because of the dirt he had put on her face. And her training bra scared me—the newspapers, morning and evening, kept saying it, training bra, as if the cups of it had been calling the breasts up—he buried her in it, perhaps he had never bothered to take it off. They found her underpants in a garbage can. And I feared the word eczema, like my acne and like the X in the paper which marked her body, as if he had killed her for not being flawless. I feared his name, Burton Abbott, the first name that was a last name, as if he were not someone specific. It was nothing one could learn from his face. His face was dull and ordinary, it took away what I’d thought I could count on about evil. He looked thin and lonely, it was horrifying, he looked almost humble. I felt awe that dirt was so impersonal, and pity for the training bra, pity and terror of eczema. And I could not sit on my mother’s electric blanket anymore, I began to have a fear of electricity— the good people, the parents, were going to fry him to death. This was what his parents had been telling us: Burton Abbott, Burton Abbott, death to the person, death to the home planet. The worst thing was to think of her, of what it had been to be her, alive, to be walked, alive, into that cabin, to look into those eyes, and see the human
Sharon Olds Born: 19 November 1942, California, USA Nationality: American
Olds is a poet. She won the first San Francisco Poetry Center Award in 1980 and in 2013 the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Olds teaches creative writing at New York University where she was the director of the Creative Writing Program
Interior with Woman at Piano, Strandgade 30 1901 Symbolism Oil on canvas Private Collection
Hammershøi’s wife Ada sits at a piano with her back to the viewer in “Interior with Woman at Piano, Strandgade 30”. The woman’s lowered arms suggest she is not playing the piano but is reading the score perched on the stand. The score and the paintings on the wall are indistinct as they are withholding secrets from the viewer, likewise, any sensuous pleasure that might be garnered from the meal table is lacking as the plates are empty. Only the butter stands as a marker of the sensual appetite hidden in the room.
Vilhelm Hammershøi Symbolism Born: 15 May 1864, Copenhagen, Denmark Nationality: Danish Died: 13 February 1916, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hammershøi was a painter best known for his poetic and subdued portraits and interiors. His early works in their simplicity recorded the banality of everyday life and received critical acclaim. Hammershøi was sought out by both artists and literary figures of the time, including Rainer Maria Rilke who noted the artist’s retiring manner and reluctance to talk
Bedrich Smetana Classical Born: 2 March 1824, Litomysl, Czechia Nationality: Czech Died: 12 May 1884, Prague, Czechia
Smetana was a composer and a pioneer in the development of a musical style closely identified with his people’s aspirations for a cultural and political revival. In Czechia, he is regarded as the father of Czech music. Internationally, Smetana is best known for his 1866 opera “The Bartered Bride”
One of Us Album: The Visitors Date: 1981 Genre: Pop Artist: Abba
Abba are a pop group formed in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972 by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. One of the most successful groups of all time they became one of the best-selling acts in popular music history
I knew a woman, lovely in her bones, When small birds sighed, she would sigh back at them; Ah, when she moved, she moved more ways than one: The shapes a bright container can contain! Of her choice virtues only gods should speak, Or English poets who grew up on Greek (I’d have them sing in chorus, cheek to cheek.)
How well her wishes went! She stroked my chin, She taught me Turn, and Counter-turn, and stand; She taught me Touch, that undulant white skin: I nibbled meekly from her proffered hand; She was the sickle; I, poor I, the rake, Coming behind her for her pretty sake (But what prodigious mowing did we make.)
Love likes a gander, and adores a goose: Her full lips pursed, the errant note to seize; She played it quick, she played it light and loose; My eyes, they dazzled at her flowing knees; Her several parts could keep a pure repose, Or one hip quiver with a mobile nose (She moved in circles, and those circles moved.)
Let seed be grass, and grass turn into hay: I’m martyr to a motion not my own; What’s freedom for? To know eternity. I swear she cast a shadow white as stone. But who would count eternity in days? These old bones live to learn her wanton ways: (I measure time by how a body sways.)
Theodore Roethke Born: 25 May 1908, Michigan, USA Nationality: American Died: 1 August 1963, Washington, USA
Roethke was a highly regarded poet considered to be one of the most accomplished poets of his generation. He won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1954 for his book “The Waking”, and the National Book Award for Poetry on two occasions: in 1959 for “Words for the Wind” and posthumously in 1965 for “The Far Field”. Roethke’s work is characterized by introspection, natural imagery, and rhythm
Many poets enjoy working in trimeter or six-syllable lines and tetrameter or eight-syllable lines as opposed to pentameter or ten-syllable lines. The Luc Bat employs both six-syllable and eight-syllable lines and can be used in the creation of lyrical poems or storytelling. A Vietnamese form, the Luc Bat (six eight), is comprised of alternating lines of six and eight syllables, odd-numbered lines being six syllables and even-numbered lines eight. The thyme scheme is created by the last word of the odd lines rhyming with the sixth syllable of the even lines and the eighth syllable of the even lines rhyming with the last syllable of the next odd line. The final even line links back to the first line of the poem or stanza.
This gives a format shown below, however, the number of lines to a poem or stanza is the poet’s choice
Butterflies dance, knees quake, restless, disturbed, awake, I wait, for Life has shown my Fate and so to future mate I fly, not once to question why. Mom sighed when I said bye to her, but knows our love is pure; yes, my heart is quite sure of him- this is no foolish whim. Green eyes meet blue, both brim with love, one lifetime not enough True love stands out above the rest- we passed this trying test… Now two as one our nest we make
Dmitri Shostakovich 9 August 1975, Moscow, Russia Classical Born: 25 September 1906, Saint Petersburg, Russia Nationality: Russian Died: 9 August 1975, Moscow, Russia
Shostakovich was a composer and pianist who became internationally known following his First Symphony premiered in 1926. He was regarded as a major composer of his lifetime. Shostakovich combined various musical techniques within his works and his compositions are known for their sharp contrasts, ambivalent tonality, and elements of the grotesque.
Consecrated to the Glorious Memory of His Most Serene and Renowned Highness, Oliver, Late Lord Protector of This Commonwealth, etc. (Oliver Cromwell) Written after the celebration of his funeral
1
And now ’tis time; for their officious haste, Who would before have borne him to the sky, Like eager Romans ere all rites were past Did let too soon the sacred eagle fly.
2
Though our best notes are treason to his fame Join’d with the loud applause of public voice; Since Heav’n, what praise we offer to his name, Hath render’d too authentic by its choice;
3
Though in his praise no arts can liberal be, Since they whose Muses have the highest flown Add not to his immortal memory, But do an act of friendship to their own;
4
Yet ’tis our duty and our interest too Such monuments as we can build to raise, Lest all the world prevent what we should do And claim a title in him by their praise.
5
How shall I then begin, or where conclude To draw a fame so truly circular? For in a round what order can be shew’d, Where all the parts so equal perfect are?
6
His grandeur he deriv’d from Heav’n alone, For he was great ere fortune made him so, And wars like mists that rise against the sun Made him but greater seem, not greater grown.
7
No borrow’d bays his temples did adorn, But to our crown he did fresh jewels bring. Nor was his virtue poison’d soon as born With the too early thoughts of being king.
8
Fortune (that easy mistress of the young But to her ancient servant coy and hard) Him at that age her favorites rank’d among When she her best-lov’d Pompey did discard.
9
He, private, mark’d the faults of others’ sway, And set as sea-marks for himself to shun, Not like rash monarchs who their youth betray By acts their age too late would wish undone.
10
And yet dominion was not his design; We owe that blessing not to him but Heaven, Which to fair acts unsought rewards did join, Rewards that less to him than us were given.
11
Our former chiefs like sticklers of the war First sought t’inflame the parties, then to poise, The quarrel lov’d, but did the cause abhor, And did not strike to hurt but make a noise.
12
War, our consumption, was their gainfull trade; We inward bled whilst they prolong’d our pain; He fought to end our fighting and assay’d To stanch the blood by breathing of the vein.
13
Swift and resistless through the land he pass’d Like that bold Greek who did the east subdue, And made to battles such heroic haste As if on wings of victory he flew.
14
He fought secure of fortune as of fame, Till by new maps the island might be shown, Of conquests which he strew’d where’er he came Thick as a galaxy with stars is sown.
15
His palms, though under weights they did not stand, Still thriv’d; no winter could his laurels fade; Heav’n in his portrait shew’d a workman’s hand And drew it perfect yet without a shade.
16
Peace was the prize of all his toils and care, Which war had banish’d and did now restore; Bologna’s walls thus mounted in the air To seat themselves more surely than before.
17
Her safety rescu’d Ireland to him owes, And treacherous Scotland, to no int’rest true, Yet bless’d that fate which did his arms dispose Her land to civilize as to subdue.
18
Nor was he like those stars which only shine When to pale mariners they storms portend; He had his calmer influence, and his mien Did love and majesty together blend.
19
‘Tis true, his count’nance did imprint an awe, And naturally all souls to his did bow, As wands of divination downward draw And points to beds where sov’reign gold doth grow.
20
When past all offerings to Feretrian Jove, He Mars depos’d and arms to gowns made yield; Successful councils did him soon approve As fit for close intrigues as open field.
21
To suppliant Holland he vouchsaf’d a peace, Our once bold rival in the British main, Now tamely glad her unjust claim to cease And buy our friendship with her idol, gain.
22
Fame of th’ asserted sea through Europe blown Made France and Spain ambitious of his love; Each knew that side must conquer he would own, And for him fiercely as for empire strove.
23
No sooner was the Frenchman’s cause embrac’d Than the light monsieur the grave don outweigh’d; His fortune turn’d the scale where it was cast, Though Indian mines were in the other laid.
24
When absent, yet we conquer’d in his right, For though some meaner artist’s skill were shown In mingling colours, or in placing light, Yet still the fair designment was his own.
25
For from all tempers he could service draw; The worth of each with its alloy he knew, And as the confidant of Nature saw How she complexions did divide and brew.
26
Or he their single virtues did survey By intuition in his own large breast, Where all the rich ideas of them lay, That were the rule and measure to the rest.
27
When such heroic virtue Heav’n sets out, The stars like Commons sullenly obey, Because it drains them when it comes about, And therefore is a tax they seldom pay.
28
From this high spring our foreign conquests flow, Which yet more glorious triumphs do portend, Since their commencement to his arms they owe, If springs as high as fountains may ascend.
29
He made us freemen of the continent Whom Nature did like captives treat before, To nobler preys the English lion sent, And taught him first in Belgian walks to roar.
30
That old unquestion’d pirate of the land, Proud Rome, with dread the fate of Dunkirk heard, And trembling wish’d behind more Alps to stand, Although an Alexander were here guard.
31
By his command we boldly cross’d the line And bravely fought where southern stars arise, We trac’d the far-fetch’d gold unto the mine And that which brib’d our fathers made our prize.
32
Such was our prince; yet own’d a soul above The highest acts it could produce to show: Thus poor mechanic arts in public move Whilst the deep secrets beyond practice go.
33
Nor di’d he when his ebbing fame went less, But when fresh laurels courted him to live; He seem’d but to prevent some new success, As if above what triumphs earth could give.
34
His latest victories still thickest came, As near the center motion does increase, Till he, press’d down by his own weighty name, Did, like the vestal, under spoils decrease.
35
But first the ocean as a tribute sent That giant prince of all her watery herd, And th’ isle when her protecting genius went Upon his obsequies loud sighs conferr’d.
36
No civil broils have since his death arose, But faction now by habit does obey, And wars have that respect for his repose, As winds for halycons when they breed at sea.
37
His ashes in a peaceful urn shall rest; His name a great example stands to show How strangely high endeavours may be blest, Where piety and valour jointly go.
John Dryden Born: 9 August 1631, Aldwincle, Northamptonshire, UK Nationality: English Died: 12 May 1700, London, UK
Dryden was a poet, literary critic, playwright, and translator. He was appointed the first English Poet Laureate in 1668. Dryden is considered to have dominated literary life in Restoration England to such an extent that in some literary circles the period became known as the Age of Dryden
Landscape at Le Cannet 1945 Post-Impressionism Oil on canvas Musée Bonnard, Le Cannet, France
“Landscape at Le Cannet” initially appears to be a totally abstract painting with an emphasis on the flat surface of the painting rather than the depth of the landscape. Bonnard’s brushy shape areas remind us that shapes do not need outlines and can be seen as mere changes of colour. An example of Bonnard’s late works it follows the stylistic trajectory of increasing abstraction similar to that of the Impressionists.
Pierre Bonnard Post-Impressionism, Les Nabis, Symbolism Born: 3 October 1867, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France Nationality: French Died: 23 January 1947, Le Cannet, France
Bonnard was a painter, illustrator, and printmaker, particularly known for the stylized qualities of his paintings and his bold use of colour. Bonnard was a founding member of the Post-Impressionist group of avant-garde painter Les Nabis, and Paul Gauguin is a strong influence on Bonnard’s early work. Bonnard was a leading figure in the transition from Impression to Modernism
The Zephyr Song Album: By the Way Date: 2002 Genre: Alternative/Indie Artist: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Red Hot Chilli Peppers are a rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The lineup is vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. With music incorporating elements of rock, funk, punk, hard rock, psychedelic rock, and hip hop their eclectic range has influenced a variety of genres including funk metal, rap rock, rap metal, and nu metal.
Johan Julius Christian Sibelius Romantic Born: 8 December 1865, Hämeenlinna, Finland Nationality: Finnish Died: 20 September 1957, Ainola, Finland
Sibelius was a composer of the late Romantic and early-modern periods. He is considered to be Finland’s greatest composer and if frequently credited with helping Finland develop its national identity as it struggled for independence from Russia. Sibelius is perhaps best known for Finlandia, the Karelia Suite, Valse Triste, and the choral symphony Kullervo
Watcher of the Skies Album: Foxtrot Date: 1972 Genre: Progressive Rock Artist: Genesis
Formed at Charterhouse School in Surrey, UK, in 1967 Genesis’ most successful line-up includes Tony Banks (keyboards), Mike Rutherford (bassist/guitarist), and Phil Collins (drummer/singer). In the 1970s when the line-up included Peter Gabriel (singer) Genesis was among the pioneering groups of progressive rock
Vanessa Mae Classical, Classical Pop Born: 27 October 1978, Singapore Nationality: Thai-British
Mae is a violinist and has achieved album sales reaching several million, and in 2006 she was the wealthiest entertainer under 30. Mae also competed under the name Vanessa Vanakorn for Thailand in the 2014 Winter Olympics alpine skiing.
Inspired by and written for Simply 6 Minutes – thank you, Christine
And Around Again Form: Busta Sonetto 1
To escape there must be a way out A door that opens into the light Away from the darkness of being inside For a brighter horizon to come into sight Of this, I’m certain, no shadow of doubt
And the door opens onto a stair A bright white invitation to climb To reach aspirations the path must Go higher, upward to touch the sublime So I’, heading for up there
At the top another door to where I have been I’m living in circles it seems While chasing the tail of my dreams And the only way out is to go back in
Mercury and Argus 1646 Baroque, Dutch Golden Age Oil on canvas Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA
“Mercury and Argus” appears to be a pastoral genre scene of two relaxing male figures and a group of cattle and sheep. In fact, it depicts a mythical story of Jupiter falling in love with a woman, Io, and he turns her into a cow in order to hide her from Juno, his jealous wife. Juno on discovering the deception asks the shepherd Argus to guard the cow against Jupiter. Jupiter, in turn, sends Mercury to steal back the cow. In accordance with Juno’s orders, Argus gives Mercury wine until he falls asleep (the moment portrayed by Fabritius) then proceeds to sever his head with the sword shown laying to the left of Argus.
Carel Fabritius Baroque, Dutch Golden Age Born: 27 February 1622, Middenbeemster, Dutch Republic Nationality: Dutch Died: 12 October 1654, Delft, Dutch Republic
Fabritius was a painter and a pupil of Rembrandt. He worked in Rembrandt’s studio in Amsterdam. A member of the Delft, Fabritius developed his own artistic style and experimented with perspective and light. His works include “A View of Delft” (1652), “The Sentry” (1654), and “The Goldfinch” (1654)
The aloneness began before
A shallow breath said no more
And I had to face death
Yet of one thing I’m still sure
That death can never close that door
While I feel your lover’s breath
Written by Jezzie G Today we honoured all those lost to hate The lives stolen before their time was due And for them the day is now far too late Yet in their name we build a better view No more hiding behind the closet door Denying self to please the social right […]