April Segment

This time we shared the room with two lovely pictures by British artist Michael Rothenstein - White Boat  and Cockerel in the Sun.  We also read a poem called Lochan ( a small loch - but you knew that) by Scottish poet Kathleen Jamie.  Here are two of the pieces inspired by the White Boat theme. 

Simple Pleasure

Yvette Sutton

There’s no restraints of time here,

I’m alone accompanied only by

The shimmering sea that

Bathes quietly, softly

Turquoise against the white boat,

Which sails sleepily

Amongst the islands of

White houses and steep hillsides

No worries, no stress

Just unleashed time for me

As the sun falls on

Tired bones, weary and torn

By the reef of life that

Tears and pulls

Just drifting here is peace.

Water lapping

Bobbing, splashing and

Oh yes, the peace

The peace what simple

Pleasure this escape brings

A WHITE BOAT AWAITS

Stephen Parrott

The white boat awaits

Pure white transport to heaven

A smooth gliding journey

Down the stream to the river

The river that leads to heaven

Where the seas no longer roar

There being no need for sleep or rest

All is still, pure, peace

Everyone totally satisfied

Free of all desire

There are no wants or needs

All are gathered in harmony

Everyone is simple being themselves

All grievances gone, no regrets

Heaven is music to the ear

Beauty to the eye

Nectar to the tongue

Sweet perfume to the nose

Loves’ touch to the heart

Full lasting satisfaction

All are content and connected

No more concepts of time and space

No need to work or play

But will the white boat come?

Will I be allowed on board?

Am I good enough to pass Heaven’s Gate?

Are there lingering doubts?

Does such a Heaven really exist?

Is it only for believers?

Do you need excellent merit or distinction?

How shall I Know?

The white boat awaits.




And one inspired by "Cockerel in the Sun" by Rothenstein

Cockerel in the Sun

Rhian Morris

Preening with a capital P

Perched imposing

A great poser

Pillow-puffed and stuffed up

With pride

Wide, wide-eyed

Sentry, surveying

All his surrounding territory

North, South, East and West

From his castle crest

The weather-vane coat of arms

Propelled, prominent

Aloft o’er steeple spire

A spire in solitary splendour

Aspiring to the sun

His cockerel crown

A feline arched tail, I fancy.

Arrogant? Aloof?

An aristocrat?

So close the orb and sceptre

Of the sun with its rays

Running its daily course

How easily lies the head

That bears the crown!

Fain would I crow

In motley show

For pride may ride

May reign supreme.

Crow’s fanfare, once sounded

Is forgotten as we dream.