Celebrating National Poetry Day!

It’s National Poetry Day in the UK today and the theme is “Home”.  I’m sure there are a lot of people out there with a guilty love of poetry.  I often see a book of poetry on people’s bookshelves, even when they claim not to be a fan.  I’m a big believer that poetry doesn’t have to be flowery and always about love.  It’s an excellent medium to explore your reactions and feelings towards the life within and around you.  So in honour of National Poetry Day why not dust off that volume of poetry and read the one that made you buy it.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous then you’ll be pleased to know that there are a lot of activities happening across the country, but you can also get involved on-line too – especially good news for poetic souls across the globe!  The National Poetry Day team are inviting you to share a few lines of your favourite poems in your status updates on Facebook or your Twitter Tweets.  The Waterstones Facebook Page is inviting you to share your own “Home” inspired poetry on it’s wall and will be awarding a little prize for the most fun/creative/imaginative poem posted before midnight tonight.  At the Inpress website they have a competition for your “Home” inspire poetic creations, the prize is an Inpress magazine subscription.

Battered Heart - Copyright R.Weal 2008

So in the spirit of the day I though I’d put a “home-ish” inspired poem, as I don’t have one about home…yet.  I may well have a bit of inspiration today and will add another post with the poem should the muses feel generous.

Along with the poem is an accompanying pic that partially inspired it. Having just purchased a macro lens I decided to practise on some miscellaneous objects in my study, one of which was a rather battered looking novelty heart pen that was rocking some nice textures ripe for a macro lens.

The pic turned out very nice, even if I do say so myself and a conversation that took place with a friend together wove the seeds of inspiration into the germ of an idea that became “Vacant Heart to Rent”.

VACANT HEART TO RENT

Come in, Come in
It’s cold outside
The owner I hear
Once looked upon it with great pride

I’m told by neighbours
She’s very gracious
Look around
You’ll see
It’s very spacious

A bit weatherworn to be sure
And I’ll admit
The lock’s a little stiff
On the front door

It just needs
A little care and attention
No!
The previous tenant
was never mentioned

A little dusty and unused
Still a small echo
Of when it was abused

Take a walk
Feel that solid ground
There’s plenty of space to move around

All the pictures torn down
The walls are bare
As I said
It just needs
A little tender love and care

A few leaks and cracks
Where it was broken
No
I’m afraid the owner and I
Haven’t personally spoken

The rent’s not cheap
I certainly agree
But the potential is magnificent
Don’t you see?

A vacant heart
Is just so sad
But as a starting point
This one’s not so bad

Ruth Weal
30 November 2007 8.30 am
Copyright R.Weal 2007 ©

So that’s my contribution right now, maybe more later.  If you want to find out more and get involved with National Poetry Day check out these on-line portals:

• National Poetry Day Website
• National Poetry Day Facebook Event
• @PoetryDayUK on Twitter

May poetry spring from your lips and prose tumble to your toes.

Wealie x