Yes hello Sussex, but as I have been writing my column on here for five years now I suppose it should be hello, hello, hello, hello and hello? But why hello now then? No great answer really, only that in the recent few weeks, and going back over many months I have been saying a sort of big hello….
Hello in as much of my being on BBC Radio Sussex, Surrey (and parts of Hampshire) three times in the last five weeks now, promoting both my poetry and the excellent charity I promote, Help for Heroes. I also donate all above my costs from book sales etc. to this charity.
I was invited back on Radio Sussex yesterday (August 16th) after writing about, and sending in a “little ditty Ode” to Sylvie one of the presenters. She was delighted and said I must come on the show to read it out, as I did, to seemingly great appreciation.
I have also been saying “hello” from the Eastbourne Herald over the years as they have covered all my eight books to date, with my latest book “Poetic Seeds to Fruition” apparently getting in there in the next couple of weeks.
Add to this two poems and articles on me in The Daily Mirror this June and July just passed, and several poems read out and great compliments on natioal radio Magic FM, I think I have been saying a massive hello and shout out for me and Help for Heroes for some time now, and to some successful outcome!
A very apt poem then from one of my earlier books, but very popular at my (pre Covid Curse) Gigs.
Open Up
I’m so glad that I spoke to you
How else would I have known,
Thoughts that you have told me
Which are all your very own?
You shared just what you think
What makes you laugh or cry,
Some things that make you angry,
That you love, or perhaps let by.
Now we can often pass each other
Without a smile or spoken word,
And that we don’t talk to each other
Is quite frankly so absurd!
We need to share our feelings
And how others may endure.
For in a world of madness
It’s good to know what’s pure.
By listening and talking
We learn some different views,
Like how life can be for others
When before we had no clues.
Now we can often pass each other
Without a smile or spoken word,
And that we don’t talk to each other
Is quite frankly so absurd!
So give a nod, or even smile
Who knows what may pan out?
You may have great times spent
If you end your speaking drought!
*
Very true that, and we can all say a simple “hello” and smile. It works wonders…..
Of course in recent times with this horrid virus affecting us all, perhaps it has not been so easy, but we can try.
This poem from the latest book of mine, is my description of the unreal situation that has prevailed from about March this year……
Unnatural
Most human beings are very sociable
And need contact response from others,
Whilst we make our way in life
Alongside family, friends and lovers.
For if people are separated or lonely
They will often not function too well,
And perhaps behave in unusual ways
With some reactions that clearly tell,
That they are not at a hearts ease
Due to lack of that positive stroke,
As social contact is a basic need
To ensure our well being won’t choke.
So when a deadly, contagious virus
Threatens every person world wide,
All places of social gatherings closed
With orders to stay home and inside.
For all collective groups or crowds
Which as social beings give us cheer,
Can no longer be allowed at present
While a silent killer spreads mass fear.
Therefore I got a surreal experience
Quite emotional, like a form of grief.
As one evening on my allowed walk
The deafening silence beggared belief,
Of events in such a very short time
Having everyone in a panicking quake,
Which brought about the eerie quiet
A world destroying bomb would make.
There was no noise of children playing,
Music was not heard, or any traffic hum,
Revealing petrified people are staying in
So to a creeping virus won’t succumb.
For life routine changed dramatically
Like a cruel twist in some sick game,
As we fight to survive unnatural events
In a world unlikely to be the same.
*
Strange times indeed, but we must soldier on and do our best, so hello!
I guess I should also say that when the Lockdown first came in, and for some time after I was posting my poems to hopefully amuse, cheer up and or entertain over those early grim days. Only a small gesture, but some smashing and grateful feedback made me feeI had made a small difference.
If you should wish to say a hello to me please visit my Facebook pages or website, all listed below, for free poems, news photos and even jokes too. You can even buy my books from these and support Help for Heroes too….
All eight of my books :–
Poetic Views of Life
More Poetic Views of Life
Reviews of Life in Verse
Life Scene in Verse
Life Presented In Verse,
Poet Reveals All (in your world).
Poet Reflects Your World
Poetic Seeds to Fruition
These all ensure my donation to the excellent charity I support, promote and donate to, that being Help for Heroes.
My first 3 books are only priced £4.99 each, with my 4th and 5th bigger books at £6.99. My new 8th and sixth & 7th books, all bigger are still £9.99. and all are for sale on Amazon, book stores or preferably from me ………….. lw1800@hotmail.co.uk Or 07967 355236
I can now also write a “Personal Poem” for you, your family, any event or your business too…….
I also have a Facebook page “The Psychy Poet Laurie Wilkinson”, and a website:- www.psychypoet.com please sign/join up absolutely free.
