Old Snaps And Poetry

Last week I shared a Gogyohka Poem titled 'Old Snaps.' It sparked reader interest and prompted me to further explore the notion of old photographs and the poetry connection they often evoke.

I recalled a poem from one of my poetry heroes, Michael Rosen. The poem is titled, 'Going Through The Old Photos' and is contained in Michael's famous anthology of narrative verse, 'Quick Let's Get Out of Here.' I actually own two copies of this book, just in case I misplace one.

Here is Michael Rosen reading his poem.

U.K songwriter, activist and poet, Billy Bragg recently published a song- 'Ten Mysterious Photos That Can't Be Explained.' The song prompted me to look through my photo collection and dig out some of my mysterious photos. It wasn't too hard.

Here are a few of my mysterious photos that can't be explained. They most certainly provoke speculation and lend themselves to the assignment of suitable words...

This photograph of a group of unknown beach goers prompted some speculation in my notebook.

Finally, this poem from my anthology, 'What The Poemster Found' which was prompted by an afternoon spent rummaging through a large box of old family photographs. It had me swirling in memories.

Never the Whole Family

Rummaging through a box of old photographs

Images from the growing years

My days of greyscale memories

Snapped with stories attached

Images from the growing years

My sister, me and a kangaroo

Mum and Dad at Blackburn Lake

My days of greyscale memories

Seated on my father’s lap

Mum holding my sister, the baby

Snapped with stories attached

Sub groups of a larger family

Never the complete set.

Alan j Wright

From: 'What The Poemster Found.'

It is Poetry Friday and this week our host is Buffy Silverman.

Be sure to check out Buffy's special post.

'My favourite picture of you

Is the one where you're staring

Straight into the lens

It's just a Polaroid shot

Someone took on the spot

No beginning, no end.'

Guy Clark

My Favourite Piture of You

Life Cycle -A football poem by Bruce Dawe

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Poetry Friday: The Safety Pin Poem

Poets not only write poetry, they also read poetry. In order to be able to write poetry, one must read it. Lots of poetry in fact... I want to share a short little poem by Valerie Worth. I bought Valerie's book, 'All The Small Poems And Fourteen More,' while living and working in New York, some time back. It remains a personal favourite. I love the way the poet shines a special light on everyday objects, transforming them into something unique and worthy of attention. Her close observations elevate her poems into the special category. Each poem in the collection celebrates earthly wonders. From eggs to garbage, from potatoes to pockets, each object is given special attention in the form of short poems employing keen observations. Valerie Worth demonstrates through her poems she totally understands the saying-'ideas exist in things.' The poem I have chosen to share with you (one of my personal favourites) is titled, 'Safety Pin'. S af

Opposite Poems

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