Faith

Good morning readers.

In what has been an exciting week both in and out of the news, I found myself almost falling over potential subjects for today’s blog. Firstly, the astute of you may have noticed I’m posting on a Sunday. I’d like to add my name to the list of people welcoming Colin to his Monday blog spot- I’m sure he’ll enjoy it over the coming months.
On a personal note, I’ve been greatly entertained by the TV news coverage over the last seven days. We’ve had a former government minister in court, the big announcement from the Vatican and the confirmation of Higgs to name just three stories to gee us up in Cheltenham week. And if you didn’t back a winner at the races, don’t worry, all losing steeds will be recycled. I have it on bad local authority that several French horses will take lead roles in school lunch events- mainly the eating ones. What does this all have to do with bad poetry then? I would say that bad poetry, just like that second placed horse, doesn’t have to leave a bad taste in your mouth. We are all compelled to pick up a pen from time to time. As poets we revisit these, rework them and inevitably leave some on one side but, with enough chewing, there is often some fairly tasty burger to get your teeth into. I believe in bad poetry. I believe without it, we’d not have the good. Learning from our mistakes, it all comes down to. Sometimes, it is a fair cop and you’ll just have to ride it out, head high and with the knowledge that next time you’ve got the upper hand. You’ll deliver that poem that finally gets recognition against the rude and the crude. You’ll hit that serious line home to someone. You’ll stop having to make jokes to prove yourself…
I’m keeping the faith. Until then, a bad poem. God bless the higher powers

When we have white smokeWill they elect a decent blokeWill he ride a motorbike,Keep a mohawk, fish for pikeIs he me or is he youWill he know just what to do?
Will he take a modern nameWill he leave things just the sameCan he understand the truthsThese challenges face muslims, jewsWill he be both friend and foeAs a new power, we don't know.
But when we have white smokeI just hope he can revokeThe damage done, stem the decayHis ancient faith in dissarayThe allegations hanging overCan this baptist move the boulder?
For there is trouble in the cityGold and greed seldom feel pityTV pictures, constant streamingNaughty nuns on hooch are screamingSeems seldom time to make a jokeAmidst the hype, there's been a vote.
Yes, we have white smokeA new looking, Latin PopeRides not bikes it seems but busesPays his own bills, avoids fussesSure, this Pope still chants in Latin,But he has his turf to flattenStepping up to take the mantle
Pray this man leads by example.
Shaun.