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“In making even horizontal and clear inspections we colour and mould according to the wants within us whatever our eyes bring in.”
- Thomas Hardy, Far from the Madding Crowd
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=8xg3vE8Ie_E
LOVE STORY – TAYLOR SWIFT
My father was a boxer
but that's not all he was at all
My mother was a nurse
but that did not define her or prevent her fall
they met under extraordinary circumstances
but they were far from ordinary
they died too soon and suddenly
my life became extraordinary
is it beyond all comprehension do you suppose
that I was once a Princess in a far-off land
and now I try to be ordinary
so that I will not stand out from the crowd; I stand
still like a wallflower yet shining bright
when my back is to the wall
my father's blood will stand and fight
watching the fading passers-by
eyes narrowed to the sun
dreaming of flying and wondering why
or how this life of mine had first begun
and now I am here in this beautiful place
Far from the Madding Crowd
Thomas Hardy book in hand
reciting passages aloud.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind.”
- Marcus Tullius Cicero
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbFu_wkflpI
HIGH FIDELITY – KIDS FROM FAME
I met a man upon a bridge
with Heaven all around
I met him squarely on the ridge
he spoke to me without a sound
I asked him did he speak in Mandarin
his twinkling eyes looked all around
he pointed to the Eastern side
and there I saw upon the ground
beneath the weeping Willow trees
I was happy to have found
two Mandarin ducks so happily
walking on the grassy mound
I thanked him as I turned away
returned his smile and then he spoke
a richly warm and satisfying
baritone like plumes of smoke
smoothed and soothed and clung to me
preserved that feeling in my memory
he had two dogs who followed me
before he called them back; a mystery
for when I turned again to see
he and the dogs were gone
I was left bereft; a feeling so bewildering
a momentary skimming like a stone across the pond
a skipping of my heart
the beating pounding in my chest
echoing all around me
before the silence fell I must confess
I wondered if he was an angel
watching over me
communication needs no words
if we are one in harmony
and now the singing of the birds
broke through my reverie
the scene was filled and teemed with life
as I searched for the Mandarin ducks: verily
I could have stayed here for the longest time
made a home beneath the Willows
at one with nature I feel complete
soft downy ducks would be my pillows
two ravens flew high over head
other ducks and coots and moorhen
little rabbits all coexist
within this haven I call Heaven.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“At seventeen I learned the truth
it was the same truth I had already learned at seven
and so then twenty seven became my third time lucky number
numb is in the word, but not in my endlessly beautiful quest for love and lust for life” - AP
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sFsT9vT6Fo
YOU GOT ME SINGING – LEONARD COHEN
Life is good
though I have put my childish things away
Life is good
and I will still find time to play
Life is good
I laugh and smile so much now every day
Life is good
now I have swept my foolish tears away
Life is good
now I have kept my foolish fears at bay
Life is good
I give my trust and hope I will obey
Life is good
in God I trust and hope I never stray
Life is good
I hope that love of life is here to stay
Life is good
I trust and hope I don't betray
Life is good
I kneel down on the floor and pray
Life is good
now I am hopeful and unafraid
Life is good
now the longing for that final ebb has passed away
Life is good
not perfect, but still worthwhile and that's ok
Life is good
I fell down low, but now I catch the new sun's rays
Life is good
the love of life I found so warm
warm as the sun
on the warmest Summer's day.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.”
— Robert Frank
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpJ0cyXbMbI
MAKE ME SMILE – STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL
A bono fide street photographer
took a picture of me
he couldn't wait to show the results
his smile was full of glee
I said it only fair then
to take his picture too
but I am just a point and shoot
one click and that will do
he was happy to oblige
his face was wreathed in smiles
he posed among the superheroes
he added to my golden miles
travelling is such fun and bliss
to meet all kinds of folks
life is a bowl of delicious cocktails
all stirred and mixed and sharing jokes
I never even asked his name
and he didn't ask for mine
we were both happy to be in this moment
sharing our love of photographic lines
we felt a kindred spirit and bathed
in a glowing instant friendship made
and just as suddenly as we had bonded
we parted ways and neither stayed
no backward glances
no fond farewells
but through our photographs
the memory dwells.
PERSONAL CHALLENGE : Street Photography
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Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
BIG THANK YOU TO MY FRIEND Carl's Captures FOR THE TITLE!!
: 0)
“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”
― Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngCi6PGDiWw
SOLITAIRE – ANDY WILLIAMS
Little Tawny Mining Bee
on my Henry Moore
drying out; hoping for the sun
lots of pollen for your store
Solitary little Bee
he loves playing Solitaire
flying here and there and then
hovering in the air
back to Earth and nourish it
doing the very best you can
avoiding all the chemicals
laid down and sprayed by mortal man
in my garden you'll be safe
nowhere will you ever find
any unnatural substances
here there's only peace of mind
a haven; a little Heaven here on Earth
Garden of Eden that's for sure
stay here with me and you'll be safe
in my world; resting on my Henry Moore.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
PERSONAL CHALLENGE : 4. MINIMALISM
Chaque vérité que je trouvois étant une règle qui me servoit après à en trouver d’autres
Each truth that I discovered became a rule which then served to discover other truths
. (René Descartes, “Discours de la Méthode“)
“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything - anger, anxiety, or possessions - we cannot be free.”
― Hanh Nhat Thich, The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdPb4mRNQuw
Wherever You Will Go by Charlene Soraia
Recognise the pure truth
of gravitational pull
the short-term solution's difficult
but you'll heal before the Fall
Peer beyond the om'nous clouds
suppressing tears of rain
pass within the Gateway
to the rainbow free of pain
I will always be here
to comfort and to guide
for now I'll glide between the Realms
transcend the Eventide
I will be like flickr
within a binary file
but when you see a butterfly
remember me and smile ...
AP – Copyright remains with the author
'copyright image please do not reproduce without permission'
“Sanskrit has 96 words for love; ancient Persian has 80, Greek three, and English only one. This is indicative of the poverty of awareness or emphasis that we give to that tremendously important realm of feeling. Inuits have 30 words for snow, because it is a life-and-death matter to them to have exact information about the element they live with so intimately. If we had a vocabulary of 30 words for love ... we would immediately be richer and more intelligent in this human element so close to our heart. An Inuit probably would die of clumsiness if he had only one word for snow; we are close to dying of loneliness because we have only one word for love. Of all the Western languages, English may be the most lacking when it comes to feeling.”
Robert Johnson, “The Fisher King and the Handless Maiden“
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6J5KtSSHxE
I WON'T LET YOU DOWN – ERIN McCARLEY
96 WORDS FOR LOVE
Ninety-six words for love
but only one that I can see
how do we fill our hearts
how do we fulfil our destinies
with only one word for love
Ninety-six words for love
love stretches as far as the eye can see
how do we reach the ocean depths
how do we touch the turqouise sky
with only one word for love
Ninety-six words for love
I counted them in my heart you see
how do I say to you in only one word
how to protect you like a fragile bird
with only one word for love
Ninety-six words for love
all them I give to you
how do I tell you; I will try to learn Sanskrit
how will you tell me; will you teach me to read Sanskrit
with all ninety-six words for love
Ninety-six words for love
when there is no need for so many
all that I am I give to you
all that I have I give to you
with only one word for love
Ninety-six words for love
in Greek there's only three
one for you and one for me
one for everyone to see
only three words for love
Ninety-six words for love
no need for another ninety-three
I'll teach you Greek morning noon and night
I'll tell you I love you three times a night
with all my three words for love
Ninety-six words for love
when I read it in your eyes
when I hear it in your sighs
when our hearts and souls are entwined and tied
who needs ninety-six words for love.
Just a little fun poem inspired by my good friend Himadri (Happy Anniversary and get better soon!), who also supplied me with the quotation and whose English is so much better than my Sanskrit and of course, grateful thanks to Robert Johnson : 0) No doubt my good friend, Kostas, will revise the quotation for me since I now have learned there are 6 words for love in Greek!! Humph! So now I have to learn another 3 and revise my poem!!! ; 0)
p.s. I will be away one more day from home than previously anticipated, so by tomorrow evening! See you all very soon! X
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“My momma always said, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”
- Forrest Gump
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tnqnXJl9qE
SWEETS FOR MY SWEET – THE SEARCHERS
A box of deliciousness given to me
I am spoiled for choice and very hungry
they are rich; they are home-made
they are filling and sweet
I ate one; I ate two
and I was replete
washed down with real coffee
a sumptuous treat
two dozen less two
twenty-two still to eat
I will try to eke them out
maybe one or two a day
how long they will last
I really cannot say
should be another eleven days at least
I carry the box; it's a moveable feast
as I pop one small morsel into my mouth
I close my eyes and enjoy
the experience is lovely
I forget all my worries
leave behind all my cares
and find renewed joy
how can something
so small yet so pretty
have such a profound and soothing effect
mmmm well I don't really know
I don't have all the answers
but for me in this moment
my life is perfect.
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Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
PERSONAL CHALLENGE : 3. STILL LIFE
Though it didn't remain still for long, ha ha!!! ; 0)))))
To all my friends and family all over this beautiful world of ours.
Thank you for shining your light on me <3
“Darkness is a gift that makes us truly thankful for the light … “ - AP
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsBY722rb2M
YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE – LeAnn Rimes
Darkness is a gift
that makes us truly thankful
for the light that comes
goodness of our hearts is plentiful
shine bright and let it radiate
the light that is within us all
lighten darkness for your neighbour
brighten every day this Fall
continue each and every day
no matter what the time of year
for we should be for ever thankful
for the light that drives out fear
fear is at the heart of those
who do not embrace the light
we give a thought to those who keep
us safe from every mortal fight
let all those who gave up their lives
be recognised; remembered
give thanks for them; their sacrifice
give light and life to all world members
praise the everlasting light
who gave His only son
so that we should live our lives
so warm and brightly as the sun
it only takes a tiny spark
to set the world alight
let your inner beauty shine
love everyone; ease every plight
the milk of human kindness is
the gift that keeps on giving
extend a hand in friendship now
join hands in prayer; love all the living
for we are one and we are all
friends; neighbours; family
shine forth the light within you now
let love win eternally
no need to shout or raise in anger
a fist towards an unseen foe
let love shine from our hearts and soul
let all the hate and anger go
leave it behind; it's foul intentions
will never beat us down
for we can live in harmony
just you and me; the love we've found
tell it to the ones who doubt
let them feel your presence
drive the darkness in them out
time is of the very essence.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
A compilation of 2 of my photographs
I dedicate this picture to my dear friend Poppy Kalant who was for me today the wind who chased the dark clouds away and brought me sunshine. Thank you my dear Poppy for bringing me Ithaca and Μαρινέλλα - Σ' ΑΓΑΠΩ and for making today so wonderful for me. Σ 'ευχαριστώ που είσαι φίλος μου <3 xo
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5F_9EcuVAE
MY FRIEND THE WIND - DEMIS ROUSSOS
Love and Hope
This morning I felt lost
unsure of everything
but then my dear friend Poppy
brought me promises of Spring
She was the wind
that chased dark clouds away
and brought me sunshine
to brighten up my day
She gave me Ithaca
She brought me words of love
The sweetest song I ever heard
an angel voice from skies above
It's days like this
which give me hope
friends like this
who help me cope
On Sunday I'll lay flowers
and kneel down at Mum's feet
though Mother's Day is sad for me
My memories are sweet
- AP – With thanks to my friend Poppy and in loving memory of our Mums <3 xo
copyright remains with the author
These words given to me by Poppy today are from a Greek song :
"I send you greetings with the wind that when it caresses you, you may hear me and that they may be sung to you, in the Sky, by the evening gatherings of the stars"!
'copyright image please do not reproduce without permission'
“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.”
— Robert Frank
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpJ0cyXbMbI
MAKE ME SMILE – STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL
A bono fide street photographer
took a picture of me
he couldn't wait to show the results
his smile was full of glee
I said it only fair then
to take his picture too
but I am just a point and shoot
one click and that will do
he was happy to oblige
his face was wreathed in smiles
he posed among the superheroes
he added to my golden miles
travelling is such fun and bliss
to meet all kinds of folks
life is a bowl of delicious cocktails
all stirred and mixed and sharing jokes
I never even asked his name
and he didn't ask for mine
we were both happy to be in this moment
sharing our love of photographic lines
we felt a kindred spirit and bathed
in a glowing instant friendship made
and just as suddenly as we had bonded
we parted ways and neither stayed
no backward glances
no fond farewells
but through our photographs
the memory dwells.
PERSONAL CHALLENGE : Street Photography
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“I sent him out half an hour ago for worms and he's still not back!”, says Robin ; 0)))
Using a little humour to lift my mood. Writing a little poetry for catharsis.
Connections ... (between my poems and pictures, music and quotes) … sometimes they may appear tenuous and inexplicable, but within the beauty of my mind they are inextricably linked.
People … I am very sensitive. I feel things deeply. Things that others may easily to be able to dismiss, may bring me down. I feel no need to explain or apologise for something that just is. I am just as God made me, but all things have consequences ...
Friends … those people who embrace me as I am and always bring the sun to my door. Thank you! <3
“If you want to fly in the sky, you need to leave the earth. If you want to move forward, you need to let go the past that drags you down.”
- Amit Ray
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpIKqeVaghg
INJOY – SOL SEPPY
I waited all day for the rain
the clouds hung heavily in the dark grey sky
I clung dreamily to my romantic reverie
and as the rain fell I let out a wistful sigh
my patience was rewarded
I did not wait in vain
the pitter-patter; spitting; lashing
on the skylight window pane
I pushed the Velux blind right up
and viewed the strange and eerie light
watched the big fat tear-shaped droplets
give themselves up without a fight
this melancholy mood of mine
this big black dog of Hemingway
I fight it hard to no avail
the beast will have me anyway
so I relax and settle down
upon the antique inherited settle
pick at the broderie anglaise
that lifts and crinkles and tests my mettle
idly my fingers trace the carvings
created in another land
the story that my uncle told me
so that I might understand
now he is gone and I am here
sitting on green faded velvet
the wonky leg that broke when I
stood on it; hung Christmas lights and felt it
give suddenly beneath my feet
I landed awkwardly
twisted my ankle and thought I broke it
but nothing at all showed up on the x-ray
all these thoughts and feelings crowd me
surround me and increase my mood
I want to sleep; my mind needs calming
it runs at speed; perhaps some food
to comfort me; to nourish me
to fill this bottomless void inside
then perhaps I'll drift and slumber
escape reality; I need to hide
the rain is slowing; the wind is rising
the noise they make is ever-changing
I love the wind; I love the rain
I love the shadows and the shining
some say it is a gift of mine
given to me after my childhood drowning
but sometimes it feels more like a curse
I try to laugh; my head is pounding
how can a name written on a page
affect my way of thinking so
I feel the sadness without reason
the déjà vu …
ditto ...
the echo
L E T T I N G G O …
blood-letting
go
will I fade into insignificance
or into mellow yellow …
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“One day I was counting the cats and I absent-mindedly counted myself.”
― Bobbie Ann Mason, Shiloh and Other Stories
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKq7UqplcL8
KEDI – OFFICIAL U.S. TRAILER – OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES
Little Billy; folded arms
with Autumn in his eye
watches very carefully
migrating birds as they fly by
he sees the passing of the season
as it passes into Winter
rests on his laurels in No Man's Land
reads a play by Harold Pinter
it's just not cricket I hear him say
sign language read in silence
a grand old house; a resident poet
champagne breakfasts and rocket science
discussions lead to other things
talk of life and death
the time we waste; the time between
Autumn and Winter with bated breath
something happened this Saturday
something light and beautiful
secret though; his lips are sealed
he's loyal and he's dutiful
he's smart as any other street cat
who's thankful he found a home
he watched his fellow felines in
Istanbul where they roam
he laughed with me at all their antics
smart and funny; receiving all they need
charming and enchanting people
so they get fish; no need to plead
they are loved by many humans
they fight; they play; sleep most of the day
at night they wander through the streets
they are safe but still I pray
one day I'll see them for myself
they'll follow me and make me smile
I'll photograph them for my Little Billy
he'll nod wisely then fall sleep awhile
dreaming of the days before
he found a home with me
but we both bless that day's decision
before the weather turned cold; wintry
he decided when the biggest storm
a rolling cloud; day fell to night
in a matter of minutes; it shook this house
gave all my cats and me a fright
no more Winters on the street
for Little Billy; my little darling
he's laying now in the warm sunshine
sleeping sweetly; inwardly smiling.
HAPPY SATURDAY AND EVERY DAY FOR ALL CATS AND THEIR HUMANS! <3
"A cat is for life and not just for Christmas"
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“I must move away from yesterday, plant my feet firmly in today and lose myself in dreams upon the 'morrow … “ - AP
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsXGzblg7Ws
GREEN EYES – KATE WOLF
Do not be so quick to judge
it is not for us to know the Hand of God
all will be revealed in His good time
until such time be patient; humbly nod
and bow your head and raise your hands in prayer
fingers pointing to the Heavenly realm
the Golden gate that stands atop the stairs
where forgiveness lies stand tall and strong as elms
wipe away the self-pitying scalding tears and rise
to high above the mortal world of fears
and know that you will be forgiven
and love immortal will shine brightly through your tears
life is a funny thing there is no doubt
except the seeds of doubt that others sow
and when they harvest even through the drought
of loveless hearts and blackened souls I know
that God is all and all is love; forgiveness
is given those who sin and those who lie
I do not believe in an afterworld of darkness
when the smallest light remains in all who die
for that tiny spark can be fanned back to life
and burn as brightly as any shining star
even those who seem to live in darkness
can find their way back though they must travel far
I am not all sweetness but I am human
and try to do the best in life I can
but still I fall and still I long for wisdom
to be much better and help my fellow man
even when the darkness looms above me
and past mistakes still find me in the dark
I pray and listen to my soul and conscience
I do not pick at scabs like peeling bark
forgive, forget and rise above the trivia
there are bigger and better things that lie afoot
we are just specks and live here but a moment
but our immortal souls live on and tenderfoot
we grow; expand our minds and hearts and souls
in each exciting new and wondrous incarnation
tiny fragments of our previous lives
seep through and waken us with exaltation
it's nice to think that we will never die
although this body will one day cease to be
and some of you may scoff and not believe it
but that is the beautiful challenge that you set me
I try to change your mind in subtle ways
with words and pictures, songs and quotes and then
if still you do not believe my long meanderings
I do not feel defeated but try again …
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
Thanks for visiting. I am very grateful for the very kind comments and faves. Please, if you do not have time to read my poetry I understand and am always grateful for your faves and appreciation of my pictures x
Enjoy a very happy week, dear friends <3
Actually I am very sorry that yesterday I left comments and faves with several friends before I went for my scan and found they had been wiped, so today I try to rectify, but fear I have not redeemed myself entirely! : 0( Today it is still hard to post replies and comments and faves "pop" out. If I notice I will redo! Sometimes I really dislike the technical glitches of Flickr!!!!!
“This is not just for my country, but for all countries; for all families; for all people who have lost someone in the fight for freedom and to all those lost in peace time too … we are all born under the same sky; we look to the same moon and the same sun. We are born to be human; to be humane; to love one another as family should; to embrace the differences and imperfections in each other and always find peaceful resolutions so that no child has to grow up alone; so that every child has a chance to grow up … without fear … Forgiveness, hope, love, understanding, compassion, empathy … these are not just words to me; they are a way of life, but still I am not perfect … but I am a trier and that's all any of us can do … try … it's a step in the right direction.” - AP
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
~ Albert Einstein
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=an1df8s0Brk
LOVE CAN BUILD A BRIDGE – THE JUDDS
TO THE FALLEN
Though poppies come and go and fade
in this your final resting place
memories of you; our soldiers brave
fill us with light and full of grace
thanks to you who gave your lives
so that we may live in peace
though medals given posthumously
will never bring you back; release
the raw emotions keenly felt
on each Remembrance Day
but as long as we remember you
it's like you never went away
the crosses many; bright and white
fill the cemetery
rows and rows of poignant signs
that mark this place in memory
we bow our heads and think of you
we pray and tears fall softly
you gave the ultimate sacrifice
so we can live our lives so freely
the legacy you leave behind
the children who bear your name
will carry on and make you proud
stand tall within their heritage reclaimed
each passing year the fields of poppies
bloom more and more in crimson swaves
that stain like blood the countryside
reminding us too of blood-filled waves
that swelled and swilled and dragged you under
marking out your watery graves
sacrifice so great we wonder
how on earth such terrible wars that gave
whole nations widows in such numbers
orphaned children; countless lives unsaved
how could these wars have taken you from us
left us to grieve; hearts carved out hollow
it seems a small thing we can do
to remember you all the days that follow
in the minutes of grateful silence
we salute you our kith and kin
and as the poppies fade away
we hold you to our hearts therein
you are all a part of us
we are here because of you
we are grateful for your sacrifice
we think of you in all we do
sleep peacefully all those taken too soon
we can never repay
the sacrifice; the lives you saved
we will be thankful all our days.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
My picture is a compilation of 3 of my artworks and one of my photographs
“The real power of the Buddha was that he had so much love. He saw people trapped in their notions of small separate self, feeling guilty or proud of that self, and he offered revolutionary teachings that resounded like a lion's roar, like a great rising tide, helping people to wake up and break free from the prison of ignorance.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvsQ9hYKq7c
THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT – Oh these guys are from a French cartoon that I loved to watch … Pat et Stanley!!! Enjoy! :-D
Deep in the forest the King silently smiles
far from his homeland; thousands of miles
yet still in this forest he is undoubtedly King
as wise as he's stronger than most every thing
I linger; I long for a meeting with him
proud and majestic through thick and thin
in the quiet of the forest; I click on a whim
he does not stir from where he lays; I am nothing to him
The silence is eerie then he purrs like a kitten
his fur is so fluffy like a warm Winter mitten
but beneath his soft façade lies the heart of a lion
the King of the jungle on whom all can rely on
There are many females surrounding him aware
that eyes are upon him and they start to stare
perhaps they are jealous or perhaps inwardly laugh
at this girl with her camera craning her neck like a giraffe
I stay awhile longer and was happy to see
that the King and his harem look contented to me
in front of me I spot that someone hangs out of their car window
do they not realise these cats can strike fast and cut them like Zorro
The moment passed quickly and I breathed a sigh of relief
that the King did not roar but yawned and bared sharp teeth
the foolishness of us humans is no surprise to him at all
he knows he could maim us; though he looks tame and could maul
Even a domestic cat could rip our faces to shreds
if we tease them or rile them or forget they're not fed
so the moral of this story is to be always kind
and the King will shrug his shoulders; go to sleep and not mind
After all we're the ones who pay handsomely
whereas the King and his subjects can see us for free
so who is the wisest; us humans or the lions
well the King knows the answer if we ignore all the signs
Up ahead the Safari jeeps are heading for home
so we bid the King goodbye and leave him to roam
and tonight I will dream of Tarzan and I will be Jane
as the Lion King of the Jungle will be at home ...
shampooing his mane! ; 0))))
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
Thanks for visiting. I am very grateful for the very kind comments and faves.
Enjoy a very happy week, dear friends <3
A lovely German couple sit in companionable silence within the grounds of the Summer home of Agatha Christie. The quotation is from the front of her book, Kollaps (Collapse) : How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond, who identifies five factors that contribute to collapse : climate change, hostile neighbours, collapse of essential trading partners, environmental problems, and the society's response to the foregoing four factors. It was nice to see these two reading and not on iPhone's or tablets. I found it very refreshing and gives me hope for the world … I don't know why, but it just did. They had no need to be openly demonstrative. Their love was tangible. They seemed, to me, to be the epitome of something that the world is rapidly losing and I wanted to capture the essence of that. I find that, for me, I can rarely relax and be myself except in the silence of my own company or when I am in nature. For me the world is often too big; too noisy; too crowded and overwhelming. Wish that there was none of the problems covered in this lady's book. How calm she seems while reading about such chaos. I remember my father saying to never judge a book by it's cover. Perhaps she has inner turmoil, but somehow I do not think so and actually I really hope her life is every bit as beautiful as I perceived it to be and his too.
“I met a traveler from an antique land
Who said; Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read,
Which yet survive, stampt on these lifeless things,
The hand that mockt them and the heart that fed;
And on the pedestal these words appear:
'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings;
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”
- “Ozymandias”, by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1817)
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IkFiuIkcPI
À Toi - Joe Dassin "Alain Delon and Dalila"
We return to innocence
like children we play in the sun
we sit in companionable silence
our two hearts so close as if our life has still not yet begun
we read and play out in our heads
the story of our lives
the love that we will find
and the memories we will make will help us to survive
we may go our separate ways
or we may stay together no matter what
for now the sun is overhead and heady
makes us dizzy
drink some fizzy
orange or lemonade will keep us steady
I do not know if you are ready
but I am … take baby steps
walk with me along the sand
love is in us and beside us
I feel it so deeply but will you ever understand
it is written in the stars
I write it echoing in the sand
I reach out to touch your cheek
we are closer now; walking hand in hand
but for now we have reverted back
to the companionable silence of before
so comfortable in our own skins
we do not search for answers or look towards the open door
we do not see it closing
we do not know if time is short or long
we only know the rhythm rising in us
that beats so loudly; that gives rise to our eternal song
we dance to our own tune
sometimes we dance apart
but it does not matter because we are sure
of this mutual feeling that is mirrored deep within our hearts
we travelled far; we travelled wide
sometimes together; sometimes apart
none of this matters now
all that matters is what is here
this perfect moment; this is our time
the poets wrote of it long ago
they wrote in couplets; they wrote in rhyme
and here we are; we are the living proof
that nothing really matters except
to be within this loving moment
to live and love
to live
to love
to rise above all things
to give thanks to heaven above
we found each other
we lost each other
we refound what we had lost with ease
what is written will always come to be
as long as I have you
as long as you have me
as long as we have Faith
as long as we have each other
as long as we believe.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“And the Universe, she's whispering so softly I can hear all ...”
- Gregory Alan Isakov, The Universe
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lKFQxdLXgs
THE UNIVERSE – GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV
Imagine what it's like
to have a photographic memory
to record the smallest details
the pain and loss of you and me
Imagine if you will
what it's like to live like me
a walking, talking history book
recorded for posterity
Imagine if you really need
to switch off all your thoughts
to seek that great elusive silence
it can be learned; be taught
Imagine though if you were me
unable to cancel out
every tiny little thing
good and bad; I want to shout
Imagine what it's like to be me
to hear; to see; to feel too much
to wander in the wilderness
without your tender touch
Imagine if you will awhile
the noisiest place on earth
a cacophony of the loudest sounds
since the time of my rebirth
Imagine waiting in the darkness
for light to shine on you
reflecting all your hopes and dreams
all the things you want to do
Imagine feeling intense pain
seeing kaleidoscopes of colour
so vivid; writhing snake-like visions
no comfort found in one and other
Imagine the intensity of loneliness
greater than you feel now
so fragile; so exquisite; so misunderstood
and then imagine how
It is possible to exist this way
it takes strength of will; resolve
I will always seek the stillness
to be alone; at peace; evolved.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
“The merest breath reached out to me in the wilderness and halted me in my tracks. I cocked my head to listen intently to the rhythm of the earth; for the direction of the wind; to the whisper of the trees and in that one defining moment, my mind was made up and I stepped out boldly into the unknown direction of the path that will take me who knows where, but it is the beginning of a new and exciting journey and all I had to do to reach this point was to stand still; to listen; to observe; to be guided by the instincts within me that served me so well in the past and in so doing now, I leave the past behind and my heart and soul are glad to be separated from the weariness that had settled so heavily on my shoulders. My steps are light as is my entire being as I begin again …funny, I only just noticed that begin and being are anagrams of each other … “ - AP
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsA-Xc6gWDE
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO? - DIANA ROSS
Life from a snail's point of view and mine too ; 0))
Which way shall I go?
UP?
ACROSS?
DOWN?
what a dilemma
I cannot decide on a whim
WHAT IF …
too many what ifs …
while I wait I am silent
I try to think strategically
1. Supposing I reach the top
and don't like what I see!
2. Supposing I go across
sideways and merge my colours
subtly into Mother Nature's palette
3. Suppose I go back down
no WAIT!
I already came so far
to go back would be wasteful
of the time
of the experience
mmmm … the wall has tiny microscopic little beasties
they taste good though the wall itself is roughly hewn
a moveable feast
Who am I?
What am I?
A snail carrying her home upon her back
free to roam the open road
oh well, ok … the open wall if you please
I passed a slug a little while ago
a slug is surely just a homeless snail …
I should be more content with who I am
after all I am not homeless
I am not helpless
I am shielded from predators
I am the queen of my own castle
I hear a bird
a Dunnock I think, perhaps two
one is thin; the other fat and round as a Robin
they sing so prettily
I have no audible sound
but my heart sings
my mind thinks
I feel and climb this wall to evade capture
and to avoid being trodden underfoot
vain creatures; humans … they love my slime
they apply it to their skin
it heals and makes them smooth
I can heal myself if my outer shell cracks
I am tired now
I want to sleep but I have not yet decided
UP?
ACROSS?
DOWN?
It is quite a conundrum for a snail
oh there she is with her camera
I cry to her to make sure she gets my best side
of course she does not hear me or does she?
I think she might well do
she is in tune with nature
in harmony with her surroundings
she is in my domain
and I am in hers
together we can do great things
she has a profound effect on me
suddenly I decide
to enjoy the ride
the wind in my hair
oh wait!
Do I even have hair?
So much I do not know
I teach her
she teaches me
together we coexist
she leaves me to my meanderings
while she goes off a-wandering
tomorrow is another day
I will decide then, perhaps
UP?
ACROSS?
DOWN?
What's that she's saying?
“Au revoir little humbug”
What on Earth is a HUMBUG??? *
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
* Humbug is a boiled sweet that is striped like a little snail and very sweet : 0)
MAIS MA COEUR EST EN FRANCE
MY FEET ARE IN ENGLAND
BUT MY HEART IS IN FRANCE
mais tu connais chère Jeanne, ce petit coin d'Angleterre est maintenant la propriété de la France! ; 0)
View from England to France!
Pour toi, ma belle Jeanne <3
La prochaine fois je vais essayer de rimer en français! ; 0)
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
- William Shakespeare
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxwoK5pYM48
CLOSE TO YOU - RUMER
Comment j'ai envie d'être près de la mer
aussi proche de toi que je peux être
pièce dans laquelle mes ailes peuvent se propager
rêveries agréables dans ma tête
atterrissage; écrémage à la côte
des diamants scintillants; toast au champagne
la Tour Eiffel me coupe le souffle
surplombant Paris le jour le plus clair
je chercher pour toi parmi les foules
de ma perchoir au-dessus des nuages
il y a une démonstration que je vois
ma belle Jeanne sur une séance photos
elle est une héroïne de gloire sans prétention
chacune de sa photographies raconte une histoire
elle apporte le monde réel à mes pieds
alors que je suis à la recherche de papillons, elle est dans la rue
filmer l'autre côté de la vie au-delà de la corniche
elle aime la nature, mais avec un tranchant
donc je pense à elle quand je suis dehors et à propos
en cliquant sur une fleur avec un poids industriel
pourquoi ne pas mélanger la douceur avec la rouille
grandeur décoloration et poussière urbaine
J'aime sa style innovant
son images ont un impact; l'essai humain
voyez par vous-mêmes; visitez sa ruisseau
et vous verrez juste ce que je veux dire
chère Jeanne est une merveille et un honneur de savoir
une belle femme; mon amie; sa lueur
fera paraître le jour gris le plus terne
soulève mes esprits; apaiser mes nuits
elle est l'incarnation de ce que la beauté et la grâce signifient
le plus gentil, aimant et généreux des êtres humains.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
How I yearn to be near the sea
as close to you as I can be
room in which my wings can spread
pleasant daydreams in my head
landing; skimming to the coast
glimmering diamonds; champagne toast
the Eiffel Tower takes my breath away
overlooking Paris on the clearest day
look for you among the crowds
from my perch above the clouds
there's a demonstration I see
my beautiful Jeanne on a photography spree
she is a heroine of unassuming glory
each one of her photographs tells a story
she brings the real world to my feet
while I'm chasing butterflies, she's in the street
filming the other side of life beyond the ledge
she loves nature, but with a cutting edge
so I think of her when I'm out and about
clicking a flower with industrial clout
why not mix the softness with rust
fading grandeur and urban dust
I love her innovative style
her images are impactful; the human trial
see for yourselves; visit her stream
and you will see just what I mean
dear Jeanne is a wonder and an honour to know
a beautiful woman; my friend; her glow
will make the dullest grey day seem bright
lift my spirits; soothe my nights
she is the epitome of what beauty and grace mean
the most kind, loving and generous of human beings.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
My house is built on hallowed ground and land that was reclaimed from the sea. It suits the essence of me and calms my spirit to walk in my garden knowing that it was left for many years, an abandoned place until the house was built and the stony and sandy ground where nothing much grew except ancient plants; wild flowers that blew in on the wind. Then someone planted trees from all four corners of the earth and plants that should not have survived began to flourish as if the roots of these trees breathed new life into the earth. There have been only a few guardians of this magical place and I am honoured to be the current guardian. At first I tried to plant what I liked; tried to enforce my will on this holy place, but in time I realised something … you cannot force a garden to grow; to bend to your will. A garden evolves slowly over time of it's own accord mostly and we, as guardians, should allow it to guide us. In this way I have found peace and happiness here and I embrace the changes of my ever-evolving garden. I seldom buy anything new to plant. I wait for the winds; I wait for the seasons; I witness the changes and I grow and evolve as a person in much the same way as my garden does. It is a joy to anticipate each new season; each new wind; and to see what appears. There is always something unexpected appearing. Life is full of surprises; of serendipitous moments. I wonder sometimes about these old trees. I think whoever planted them was guided and perhaps the garden welcomed the dappled shade on what once was a desert. Certainly I feel myself sometimes directed to introduce a new species. Perhaps I am guided also by a hand that I cannot fathom. We are not meant to understand everything. If we allow ourselves to just be, we may find, without effort, how our path unfolds with relative ease. I have found this to be the case. All those years of struggle and now I can just let go … it really is that easy to be content.
p.s. I was compelled reluctantly to remove a Laburnum tree that I thought might be harmful to my cats. I had always wanted such a tree with it's beautiful yellow flowers … but in it's place a Forsythia grew with a profusion of yellow flowers. I did not plant it! Magic? Yes, I believe so! : 0)
“I like gardening. It’s a place where I find myself when I need to lose myself. “
– Alice Sebold
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbx6aXhocew
IN ABANDONED PLACES - Raison d'Etre
Please enjoy the unique experience of this video.
Lieber Rolf, ich denke du wirst diesen Film zu schätzen wissen! : 0)
“We leave our footprints in a place to mingle with the echoes of all that went before; our heartbeats; our rhythm; the patterns of our lives.” - AP
I wander in the wilderness
my garden of delights
a jungle by the turquoise sea
a land so flat; the moon at night
shines down with silvery fingers
and touches the ground with magical spells
and come the breaking dawn of morning
all ills are banished and all is well
the dark and mysterious creatures
who loiter in the dusk
emerge in brilliant sunshine
with all-seeing eyes; an elephant tusk
protrudes and scythes the longest grasses
parts the meadow like the ancient sea
leaving behind a trail of crimson
flowers of sorrel and sweet harmony
reigns here as the King of the Jungle
seeks solace in the afternoon siesta
ignores the urban sounds outside
these walls; these trees; a back-firing Fiesta
alerts the songbirds from their idle rest
they flitter and flutter from tree to tree
and as I lie within the striped hammock
I swing and sing low to the sound of the breeze
a mist arises suddenly; springs up from the sea
settles a cloak; an air of mystery
around the shoulders of myself and the limbs
of the ancient trees as I sip my Pimms
I can barely keep my eyes from closing
the warmth of the air so cloying and deep
I find myself falling gently to the humming of bees
as I lapse now into a soundless sleep
I awake to find the blue sky black
lit by a billion diamonds or more
an infinite guide is laid out before me
the wisdom of ancient celestial stars of yore
some say when we see them
they have already died
long ago before our ancestors
what does this imply
do our eyes deceive us
or are we psychic or perhaps
we are more knowledgeable than we realise
all we need falls easily into our laps
but still we often ignore
the instincts that are given
override them; divide them
dilute them; we're driven
to only see clearly to the end of our noses
we fail to stop often to smell the scent of the roses
take stock; stand still
absorb the nature of all living things
for in this garden I discovered
nature brings happiness and happiness brings
peace of mind; plentiful bounty
the sweetest fruits of the earth
the love that will bind us
circumnavigate the world's girth
here I find every day all that I need
the flora; the fauna; all that set seed
and I've no desire to be anywhere else
as much as I desire to be here
in this garden full of Heaven
there is love; there is goodness that I hold dear
from the humblest of creatures
find the beauty in a fly
sing so loud like a blackbird
view the world through a child's eyes.
- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author
Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission
My artwork is a blend of 4 of my photographs taken in my garden
25.1.18.
I take down the dark icon and put up a smiling version of myself, but the weight I carry in my heart still threatens to overwhelm me. I am lightened only by the beautiful response of my friends. All those on this page, you are my true friends who walk beside me each and every day and I am very grateful ... <3
This is for you ... this is YOUR SONG
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTa8U0Wa0q8
Copyright © protected images please do not reproduce without permission
" I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfil our destiny, but our fate is sealed" - Paulo Coelho
Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxWK3qACDGk&ebc=ANyPxKr3BZYrX...
IF IT'S LOVE by TRAIN
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9puxoJ1f6YU&app=desktop
ITHACA by C. P. CAVAFY
Recitation by Sean Connery
Music by Vangelis
(A gift from my friend Poppy Kalant - thank you <3 )
There was a fork in the road I took
I thought I was travelling straight
Do I go left or do I go right?
It's a choice I have to make
Walking by the ocean
or walking down the street
there's no such thing as chance encounter
If it's written in the stars we'll meet
Last night we threw away the rules
we had to shoot the breeze
I said will you marry me
You said get off your knees! ; 0))
- AP - Copyright remains with the author
Actually what he said was ... ; 0)
'copyright image please do not reproduce without permission'