Prayer

[maggiebee]

Wasn't quite sure where to put this poem but opted for this section.

Prayer
Some days, although we cannot pray, a prayer
utters itself. So, a woman will lift
her head from the sieve of her hands and stare
at the minims sung by a tree, a sudden gift.

Some nights, although we are faithless, the truth
enters our hearts, that small familiar pain;
then a man will stand stock-still, hearing his youth
in the distant Latin chanting of a train.

Pray for us now. Grade 1 piano scales
console the lodger looking out across
a Midlands town. Then dusk, and someone calls
a child's name as though they named their loss.

Darkness outside. Inside, the radio's prayer -
Rockall. Malin. Dogger. Finisterre.

Carol Ann Duffy

[Mamyalynne]

I quite like that, I don't appreciate all she writes but there is some interesting phrasing there.

Thanks Maggie.

[margarettom]

I like the basic premise in this poem and some of the phrases. But then she spoils it with, to me, completely pointless phrases, such as 'distant Latin chanting of a train'. I find this awkward not evocative. In fact, to sum up, I think this is a good poem spoiled.

[SparklyKid]

I know nothing about poetry. Read this and well, I dare not say,lol.

[SparklyKid]

Just googled and it appears she is the current Poet Lauriette (spelling error) The mind boggles/

[Theland]

I think as spiritual beings we are sensitive, and sometimes profoundly so.

[mibn2cweus]

And on occasion, sensible too.

[Theland]

Indeed Mibs.
Poetry, music, a sunset, etc, arouse emotions long forgotten.

[andres]

Doesn't do anything at all for me.

[Theland]

"Emotions you feel,
Around you they steal,
Saying much more than mere words can."

[margarettom]

I like that Theland.

[Theland]

J. Whitney, R. Chapman, R. Grech

Emotions you feel around you they steal
Saying much more than mere words can
When choirs sing emotions they bring
Explaining much more than few words can

Strange, when loneliness holds you
Like a cloak that surrounds you
Contentment to fears, enchantment to tear
Drops it's the same, playing one game
Stealing their way in to take you
Stranger to see, emotions run free
Seeing what being they make you

Chains, within and about you
Like a cage, bars to hold to
Remembering the times, as the years slip behind

Strange, when loneliness holds you
Like a cloak that surrounds you
Contentment to fears, enchantment to tears

[margarettom]

Even better to see the whole poem. Is there a title?

[Theland]

It is a song from a band called, "Family," their album, "Family Entertainment."
Singer, Roger Chapman, a voice like crushed gravel.

[Theland]

Song was called, "Emotions."

[margarettom]

Thanks. I'll try and track it down.

[Theland]

Used to listen to it in about 1970 when tripping on LSD.

[Theland]

Try YouTube. I do. Cheap and cheerful.

[Theland]

Just listened to it again on YouTube. Still as powerful as ever. Only this time only under the influence of COPD and Crohns medications. Sad eh? Time marches on!

[margarettom]

Caught it on YouTube thanks Theland. Think the lyrics outshone the music to be honest.