Gilly

After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem, & some songs, on myspace...
Poem 187 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my Blog for details):
A SOUTH SHIELDS WALKABOUT

Out of the museum-and-gallery 
(Wiser on Cookson and the local way), 
Down Ocean Road with, to the right of me, 
Its eateries and, left, neat places to stay; 
Before, on either side, Marine Parks - 
The southern-one a most beautiful place, 
Teeming with moorhens, swans, grebes and mallards 
In a small lake at a scenic-hill’s base. 

Then (holding chips from the parade’s cafe 
And, thus, a flock of gulls squawking above) 
Onto the South Pier I made my way: 
Seeing seaweed over rocks - like a glove - 
And high-and-dry sands held from transgression 
By growth of grass and the weaving of wood, 
Plus, in the dim light of a sleepy sun, 
Fishing boats returning to Tynemouth’s hood. 

(C) David Franks 2003

After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace...
Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse
(see my blog for details): 
CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY

As gospellers have said,
Beneath signalling skies,
On land dusty to tread,
A trough in a stable
Was the strawy first-bed
Of a divine baby -
The forgiving Godhead.

A season for new hope -
There then and here now;
The yuletide of goodwill -
There then and here now.

In respect of this chance,
Beneath bright or dark skies,
Faith's the star that we glance
Attending Christ's churches
And trying to enhance,
With singing and ritual,
Our God-loving stance.

A...

(C) David Franks 2003

After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace... 

Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse
(please see my blog): 
TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001 

Where traditions are not so rare; 
    Sea, country and works scent the air; 
A multitude of monuments, 
    Planted tubs and patterned pavements. 

The longish pedestrian malls; 
    The remnants of defensive walls; 
Historic buildings are a gauge 
    Of the respect for heritage. 

Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; 
    Estuaries guarded by shields; 
Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; 
    Romantic-ruin go-betweens. 

Rivers in parts licked by trees, 
    Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, 
And crossed by practical delights - 
    Varied spans, forming pleasing sights. 

Fine churches headed at Durham; 
    Football kits ad infinitum; 
Kept castles - one for study; 
    Masonry behind masonry. 

And, with moulding-works out that way, 
It’s somewhere for a longer stay..? 

(C) David Franks 2003

After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace... 

Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse
(please see my blog): 
WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN 

Once drove an old sedan, up north, 
From a place in Sydney to Cairns; 
Then to Kuranda I went forth, 
By train, to look without set plans.

I browsed through the trendy market, 
With fresh fruits of tropical kind; 
Walked to the creek through lush thicket - 
Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.

I dined in a scenic cafe; 
Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, 
Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, 
You go walkabout with your pen.” 

Request or question, I don’t know -
Assured voices, elderly men.
That’s now several years ago, 
And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.

(C) David Franks 2003

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