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Tuesday 31 August 2010

A Fall From Grace: A Poem By Pete Marshall


A Fall From Grace
A Poem by Pete Marshall

The swings were still on Sabbath day
with padlocks clasped across the chains
as Father stood on lectern high
he mocked the weaks enduring pain

Whilst in the pew you sat so still
in clothes that covered teenage pride
ensnared by light that shimmered down
and framed your soul in celluloid

The numbered psalm was 23
that spoke of paths of righteousness
but boys would look and make you want
to raise the hem upon your dress

And temperance spied a whisky glass
as sweats would trickle from your brow
you plucked an apple from the tree
as weakness broke your solemn vow

Yet Father watched you from up high
in spittled rants and raging tongue
he laid the ghost upon your soul
and warned the Lord of what you’ve come

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This is my poem for One Shot Wednesday, run by One Stop Poetry, a fast growing community for poets & writers of all genres to share their work, express and make friends



image courtesy creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/buzzby09/

Sunday 29 August 2010

A Gift From Grandpa.....(A Tale in 160 Characters)


A Gift From Grandpa
(A Tale in 160 Characters)

Softness wrapped in weathered skin
That takes the strain and holds you tight
Whilst dreams would pass from man to boy
He cradles your love and rocks you good night

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For more marvellous tales in 160 characters visit monkeyman

image courtesy creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisandfi/

Saturday 28 August 2010

7:25 - A Poem by Pete Marshall



Please join me at One Stop Poetry to read my latest poem



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image courtesry creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/canadagood/

Tuesday 24 August 2010

Late Night Shopping: A Poem by Pete Marshall


Late Night Shopping:
 A Poem by Pete Marshall

Spirits gathered by the tills
as grey would colour cheap no frills
that stood in rows across the bay
mixed with juice and lemonade
that sat within a barge of steel
its frame was meshed, a squeaky wheel
would pause as chills would circle feet
in frozen foods our eyes would meet.

She touched her hair as mags suggest
showed signs she liked or so I’ve read
but eyes looked down on frozen peas
whilst I stood tall and hoped she’d see
the bogof sale that lined the shelves
her hair was red and loosely curled
and eyes that told a tale or two
were dressed for bed in midnight queues.

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This is my poem for One Shot Wednesday, run by One Stop Poetry, a fast growing community for poets & writers of all genres to share their work, express and make friends

image courtesy creative commoms http://www.flickr.com/photos/kallao/

Sunday 22 August 2010

Let The Show Begin: A Poem By Pete Marshall


Let The Show Begin:
A Poem By Pete Marshall

The Cockerels crowed 
and Magpies flew
the Wolves would bay
as Black Cats mewed

And Vllains stole
the Citizens pride
behind the Cottagers
Gunners would strive

The Blues were sung
in Tangerine dreams
the sweets were Red
and Toffees cream

The Trotters growled
the Rovers attacked
the Irons were hot
and the Baggies were back

And Devils roared
whilst Potters played
the Pensioners fought
as Latics slayed….

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The English Football Season 2010-11 started last Saturday. The above poem is a tribute to all 20 teams competing this season in the Premiership....how? I will let you decide.

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Image courtesy creative commons flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/celinesphotographer/

The Thinker....(A Tale in 160 Characters)


The Thinker....
(A Tale in 160 Characters)

What thoughts can lurk within great minds
That brood on life whilst watching worlds
From depths the springs of life unwind
From heights you feel your doubts unfurl

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For more marvellous tales in 160 characters visit monkeyman

Saturday 21 August 2010

Tintagel - Birthplace of Arthur: A Poem by Pete Marshall


Tintagel - Birthplace of Arthur

Please visit One Stop poetry to read my poem, Tintagel - Birthplace of Arthur. This piece was written a few months ago and is included in my Chivalry & Savagery series, however after rereading this piece i have  taken the opportunity to tweak it. The revised piece is now showing over at One Stop Poetry. I hope you enjoy it!

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Tuesday 17 August 2010

The Waiting Room: A Poem By Pete Marshall


The Waiting Room:
A Poem By Pete Marshall

I sat within a crowded room
awash with sounds of Monday gloom
and watched the clock
and wished each hand
would reach on down
and strike the damned.

People stared and others yawned
the clock would tick for those unborn
and watch the rain
on sun soaked streets
A rainbows arch
was incomplete.

A handkerchief would catch a sneeze
A bulbous face, a heavy wheeze
and death would sit
beside my chair
texting friends
polluting air.

City gent would read the news
as others read back dated views
the door burst forth
the silence wrenched
kids poured in
with clothes all drenched.

Eyes would stare but look straight down
coughs were heard and others frowned
then right behind
A mermaid swam
hushing kids
 and pushing pram.

And through my aches my manners gave
I smiled in warmth and offered shade
she took my seat
her baby screamed
she looked so sad
alone in dreams.

Then as she spoke in softened tones
my name was called, its time to go..


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This is my poem for One Shot Wednesday, run by One Stop Poetry, a fast growing community for poets & writers of all genres to share their work, express and make friends

image courtesy creative commons flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/joyoflife/

Sunday 15 August 2010

Eye, Eye Cap'n: A Poem By Pete Marshall


Eye, Eye Cap'n:
 A Poem By Pete Marshall

The seas would lap upon the hull
and gently wash their starboard bow
the sails were rolled into the boom
and winds too far to journey now

They stood in line alone in berth
A breeze would rattle empty masks
the sailors gone in town to dance
as captains sample rum from casks

But from the shore a man would watch
as pirates stroked their silent oars
between their teeth clenched sharpened blades
and on his shoulder a blue macaw…

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this is my poem inspired by the above image, taken by Adam Dustus, for the One Shoot Sunday picture prompt & photo feedback

The Dance of the Masquerade....(A Tale In 160 Characters)


The Dance of the Masquerade...
(A Tale In 160 Characters) By Pete Marshall

Oh how the joys of youth would cry
Whilst mouths were fed their veins ran dry
With those that joined this masquerade
They’d dance through realms their masters made

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Couldn't resist it, an ode to vampires & all things Poe! Hope you enjoyed my 160?

For more marvellous tales in 160 characters visit monkeyman



image courtesy creative commons flick http://www.flickr.com/photos/redbettyblack/


Saturday 14 August 2010

The Wreckers: My Exclusive Poem For One Stop Poetry


The Wreckers: My Exclusive Poem For One Stop Poetry

Please visit One Stop Poetry to read my piece, The Wreckers. This piece came about by the thought of how far you would go to feed your family when faced by mounting debts and hard times? Being unemployed this is a thought that is constantly on my mind, but then I thought back to a time so much different to the one we live in today but when these problems were just as rife!

The Wreckers tells a tale of a village whose men were to pay the ultimate price.

If being unemployed has affected you in anyway, if you would like to share your thoughts, enter into a discussion etc. please feel free to comment. Regards Pete

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Tuesday 10 August 2010

The Lykewake Of Morag: A Poem By Pete Marshall


The Lykewake Of Morag: 
A Poem By Pete Marshall

The crows would circle high above
As death would waken on the ground
A hand would stretch and flick its claws
To trap the prey that swooped on down.
As feathers fell on sodden earth
And float as boats upon the breeze
Bones would crunch and blood would splay
That fed the Scarecrows dark disease.

The haar would creep along the links
As song was heard beyond the hill
The tabor marked the lykewake start
As clans would bow and mourn their still.
Upon the beach the waves would crash
And curse and spit their maddened angst
The mortcloth lay across her soul
As friends would come and offer thanks.

Through wynd and vennel souls would part
As spirits fled the darkened streets
The Scarecrow watched in silent thought
Whilst winds would blow through mans deceit.
And dirks were drawn at Morag’s hame
As Chiefs would curse their spoken vow
Blades would clash and wounds were deep 
But one remained to tell this tale…….

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This is my poem for One Shot Wednesday, run by One Stop Poetry, a fast growing community for poets & writers of all genres to share their work, express and make friends

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Image courtesy creative commons flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/artbel/

Sunday 8 August 2010

The Red House...(A Tale In 160 Characters)


The Red House: 
A Poem By Pete Marshall

Who would live behind this red brick wall
Where flowers are left to grow so tall
Whose doors are locked to one and all
And windows are closed to drown their calls?

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This picture has been hanging in our house for nearly 5 years and was drawn when my son was in reception (that's first year at school, aged 4 -5). Its a glorious picture that always makes me smile, but I felt it was time to give it a twist!!! 

for more great tales in 160 visit monkeyman

Tuesday 3 August 2010

Hopes And Dreams: A Poem By Pete Marshall


Hopes And Dreams: 
A Poem By Pete Marshall

Silence views a numbered face
its tick a steady, constant pace
disturbed by shouts & breaking glass
doors are slammed on parking cars
and parent frets alone in bed
whilst vodka fuels a gangland debt
an acned face that puffs on bob
and work is just a sign-on job
who meets his mates in cycle P
then sits and stares at soap filled screens.

Single mum will bring him chips
then out to screw some local chicks
that pride themselves in nothing skirts
who eye the metro-sexual shirts
then up against abrasive walls
that rub the backs of hardened fools
who’s future lies in wasteland dreams
and bass that pumps from flash machines
that burn on hopes of fast earned cash
and live the life’s of spoiled WAGS
whilst mum still sits alone and frets
her lonely life of drunk regrets.

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This is my poem for One Shot Wednesday, run by One Stop Poetry, a fast growing community for poets & writers of all genres to share their work, express and make friends


image courtesy creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/artysmokes/

Monday 2 August 2010

The Dawn Chorus: A Poem By Pete Marshall


A Poem By Pete Marshall

Having returned from a fabulous weeks camping with my family, I celebrated my return with a poem, The Dawn Chorus, at One Stop Poetry. If you haven't read this already please visit. Cheers and good life to all, Pete

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Sunday 1 August 2010

The River Runs Wild...(A Tale In 160 Characters)


The River Runs Wild...
(A Tale In 160 Characters) 
By Pete Marshall

The current flowed beyond the rocks
Where fish would dart and children stopped
And mothers would grieve on Parson's Lawn
As waters still flowed from dusk till dawn

for more tales in 160 visit monkeyman

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