Prepared
“You look like a poet
who’s expecting rain,”
said the photographer
I bumped into
down Woodbrick Lane.
Winter Weather Warning – It’s going to be seasonally cold!
I’ve seen some posts on facebook about the fact that cold weather in winter is no surprise, it happens every year. It reminded me to share a poem about it.
A Cold Spell
Take a misty morning
A foggy night
A snuffly nose
A snowball fight
An icy road
Warm woolly tights
Add chilblain pain
A wind that bites
Then summon sleet
Think thoughts of white
Now look outside
It’s winter. Right?
Bernard Young is an experienced performance poet who is available for workshops in schools, particularly primary age. He is based in Manchester, but will travel further afield. Over the years he has also worked successfully in partnership with Road Safety officers, combining the road safety message with creative writing. For more information, see the Contact page.
A Watery Poem for National Poetry Day (3 October 2013)
In preparation for National Poetry Day, my friend, Karen, has recorded me reading one of my poems, Puddles in the Playground from Double Talk, and turned it into a video, and here it is.
National Poetry Day 3 October 2013
National Poetry Day is an annual event. This year the theme is Water.
If you’re a teacher, there are resources available to help you think about what you could be doing with your class or school here: http://www.forwardartsfoundation.org/national-poetry-day/resources/lesson-plans/
Also information on the Poetry Society’s website here: http://www.poetrysociety.org.uk/content/info/npd/
Of course the way to really bring your lessons alive is to book a poet for the day.
Here’s a rondel from my book Wanted Alive, also available with a picture on blipfoto.com.
Something To Look Forward To
Someday the sun will shine.
We’ll step out and not get wet.
One day, but not just yet,
the weather will be fine.
That day will be yours and mine.
We’ll sunbathe. Joyfully sweat.
Someday the sun will shine.
We’ll step out and not get wet.
So don’t grumble. Don’t whine.
Don’t lose hope. Don’t fret.
Things will get better. You bet.
Look for an omen. A sign.
Someday the sun will shine.
We’ll step out and not get wet.
Bernard Young Poet 