Author Archives: garylongden

Bilston Voices, Metro Cafe, Church St, Bilston

Posted on September 24, 2011 by garylongden

Bilston Voices has one of the most loyal non-performing audiences in the Midlands, there is no fleshing out of attendance by open-mic performers here. They come to hear a set bill. Yet that does not mean that organiser Emma Purshouse … Continue reading →

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Check -out Girl

Posted on September 23, 2011 by garylongden

Her pink polish Failed to fill Her nail As she pressed Coins carelessly Into My outstretched palm With warm Fingers And I wondered What else Was missing

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Rhymes, Station Public House, Kings Heath

Posted on September 22, 2011 by garylongden

And so it was not so much farewell – as adieu. The final Rhymes, which had brought out probably the best attendance in memory turned out to be the final Rhymes in this format. It was a fitting swansong. The … Continue reading →

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Cafe Blend

Posted on September 21, 2011 by garylongden

Where gossip sits on the froth speckled lips Of conspiratorial customers Dripping like over applied gloss Where ladies that latte might risk a frappe For a dare Where lovers meet, unaware And shoppers exchange compliments on What they have bought … Continue reading →

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St Martins

Posted on September 21, 2011 by garylongden

Assailed on all sides, by time Man and money Glimpsed St Martins Stands Walls hunched tight Against the onslaught Yet eternally prevails Here folk spoke, of King Henry When the world lay flat. Hammer beam roof hangs and guardian Angels … Continue reading →

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Ikon Gallery

Posted on September 21, 2011 by garylongden

Don’t listen to me, see what joys abound As you look around, don’t sit down Join with me ,in the gallery, and soar, Like you have never done before, To places you have never been or seen Dare, to dream. … Continue reading →

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Three Poets walk into a Pub – Shifnal Festival

Posted on September 21, 2011 by garylongden

The Shifnal Festival is a vibrant affair in a village seeking to make its mark, and succeeding. Ken Dodd opened the twelve day run of paid for and free events. Ian McMillan was appearing on the Wednesday, but on Tuesday … Continue reading →

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Hermit’s Lament

Posted on September 19, 2011 by garylongden

Cave wanted for Philosophising Have own blanket Donations of cheese, bread Herrings and gin Welcome Proximity to barbers Unimportant Please contact at Oops…………

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Variety Night, Imperial Banqueting Suite, Bilston

Posted on September 18, 2011 by garylongden

The subtle assimilation of poetry into mainstream entertainment was much in evidence on this bill with three out of the four main acts having a poetic background, each artist taking the form into different areas. A good turn-out in very … Continue reading →

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Spoken Worlds, Old Cottage Tavern, Burton Upon Trent

Posted on September 17, 2011 by garylongden

Poetry can be about pretty much anything, and so this evening proved, with subject matter confined only by the imagination of the poets. When most people see a post box they think of letters, bills they have forgotten to pay … Continue reading →

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