Suddenly I am back in primary school, moving from first class in the convent with the nuns to second class with the Christian Brothers and it is terrifying. From a dummy proof web builder, to this megalithic edifice and I have no clue. So I have no idea how this page will turn out. Damn I am too old for this.
I have offered a painting by Leger to confirm my confusion even though my poem was written after viewing the Turner exhibition in the National Gallery in Dublin recently.
This time I definitely need feedback about this whole adventure. Spread the word that I am crying for help in my new adventure of the web page building world.
Turner
An ubiquitous travelling painter
his metier in light and dark
Canvasses of intense colour
paper sketches of vaguest images
A man forever making work
building an immense collection
We sit walk peer through his eyes
touched in every sense - open to him
Peter Clarke
30th November 2022
Echoes of the Old on the New Battlefields
Warrior chiefs of the GAA were early on the field to prepare:
Posts and cones positioned to mark territories
Very young novices came later by parents’ chariots
clad and shod for the ensuing battles
Firstly, paced for speed, resilience and flexibility,
then marked off into opposing teams
Each warrior chief led a young squad of hopefuls
in further exercises to bring them to fit levels
There followed a huddle, an exhortation rant,
responded with clamour of intent and enthusiasm
Skirmishes began, speed across the field, hunt for the ball,
to be delivered as the goal, or to be prevented at all costs
Warrior chiefs egged on, instructed, altered the field of play
the young ’uns complied with fighting spirit
For every fall and hurt spells were cast on the side line
till fitness returned and they were entered back into play
Scores mounted, roars enhanced, casualties grew,
novices flagged and regrouped across the fields
Between bouts came the talks of encouragement
Stay back, pass, pass, pass, keep the pace.
Old hands passing skill onto new palms with dedication,
a gift of generous wisdom gladly given
Peter Clarke
20th April 2024