We have a book of classic poetry that we often read a bit of at bedtime. Some of mini-Elbeno’s favourite poems: Naming of Parts by Henry Reed Tarantella by Hilaire Belloc The Way Through the Woods by Rudyard Kipling Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Category: Poetry
Embouteillage
The arid highway subjugates the earth, A monument to mastery of man. Fantastic artifice: cement and steel, The world enslaved and trammelled by its span. A million ugly motors fight the road; Retch bitter toxins from a distant star. Miasma of a century’s exhaust Insinuates itself in every scar. Gentle infusions of jazz from the… Continue reading Embouteillage
Helium
They say soon we will run out of helium. Most people think, “What’s the big dealium? So our voices won’t squeak When we inhale a leak – Balloons will just lose some appealium.” But balloons aren’t the sole use of helium: For industrial stuff, it’s idealium. When released without thought, It can never be caught,… Continue reading Helium
The Hedgehog
The hedgehog is a noble beast; he keeps the garden clear Of slugs and snails and other pests throughout the temperate year. Just after dusk you’ll see him on his customary beat Hunting Lumbricus terrestris or some other juicy treat. Although he’s not the biggest or the fastest or most muscular, He’s the most learned… Continue reading The Hedgehog
On the Benefits of Showering
From time to time when I’m perplexed Or by a tricky problem vexed; A cipher that just will not yield But keeps its mystery concealed, I find I have a last resort Before cerebral fuel runs short: I open up the bathroom door And step onto the tiled floor. The whirring fan, the gurgling drain,… Continue reading On the Benefits of Showering
Modern Correspondence
I’ve set aside my usual time for checking on my email. Penis enlargement… penny stocks… pretending to be female… Apparently my gas bill’s ready for an online look, And Amazon have managed (finally) to ship my book. An urban legend warning from some well-intentioned kin: I’ve told them about snopes.com, but still they’re taken in.… Continue reading Modern Correspondence
Journey to Bed
The house is quiet, completely dark Except for one defiant spark Which rails against the night’s embrace: The screen illuminates my face. The hour is late; my head is tired. The stimulants which kept me wired Have long since faded. Now instead I think of turning in to bed. I kill the light. My eyes… Continue reading Journey to Bed